“You have to play in it and experience it” | Ray Dempsey on stepping up to Division 2 as Derry outclass Limerick

The Shannonsiders could only muster a pair of points in each half against a formidable Derry side in Owenbeg.

Limerick’s return to Division 2 of the National Football League didn’t quite go to plan as Derry showed exactly why they are one of the favourites to earn promotion with a 0-16 to 0-4 win in Owenbeg.

Rory Gallagher’s side proved too strong for Limerick in all departments with Shane McGuigan accounting for 0-9 of their tally. For Limerick, Adrian Enright, Iain Corbett, James Naughton and Gordon Brown were the only ones to trouble the scoreboard.

It was a steep lesson for Limerick who host league favourites Dublin this weekend. Nonetheless, manager Ray Dempsey was happy to be back in the second tier of the league and paid tribute to the quality of Derry who just missed out on promotion 12 months ago.

“Yeah a really tough game. Derry play at a serious level and are maybe the in form team in the country right now, won the McKenna cup title against Tyrone who were All-Ireland champions in 2021.

“It is what it is but we are just happy in Limerick to be playing at this level.”

Barry Coleman makes his way out onto the field before Limerick’s 2023 Division 2 League clash with Derry in Owenbeg

Despite trailing throughout the contest, Limerick showed the battling qualities that helped them earn two promotions in three years under Billy Lee.

Dempsey’s men managed to keep a clean sheet and the Mayo native was glad of the experience which shows the level they must get to over the coming weeks if they are to retain their status.

“It’s a big step up from Division 3 but you have to play it. You can talk about it and look at it but until you are out there in the heat of battle, you won’t appreciate how intense and how quick things have to be done. The lads kept battling, there was big heart and guts and they kept going until the end.”

One of the brighter moments of the day was the introduction of Hugh Bourke as the Adare man after a lengthy injury lay-off. He is one of a number that are rehabbing with Dempsey providing a positive update on Brian Donovan.

However, the news isn’t great on Brian Fanning who was forced off at half time as Dempsey outlined.

“Brian (Fanning) will be struggling to make next week. Brian Donovan is working hard as well. A lot of lads working hard to get up to the speed but you have to be exposed to it to realise and appreciate the level these games are played at.

“You have to play in it and experience it and we’ll keep working to find improvements, that’s all I can guarantee.”

Saturday’s game will stand to Limerick but things won’t get any easier with Dublin in the TUS Gaelic Grounds this Sunday.

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