Limerick's Barry Coleman: 'Cork are strong favourites, but that doesn't mean anything when game starts'

A disappointing Allianz Division 3 Football League campaign may have ended in relegation, but attention has already shifted firmly towards a far bigger test for Limerick — a Munster quarter-final clash with Cork.

The encounter takes place on Sunday at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh with throw-in at 2pm. It’s the third season in a row that the sides will meet at this quarter-final stage, with the Rebels winning the previous two meetings comfortably.

Despite frustration at how the league unfolded, there is no sense of lingering negativity within the Limerick camp, according to key player Barry Coleman.

“We’re disappointed, of course,” he admitted.

“But it’s never a good position to be in when you’re relying on other teams to get you out of trouble. We did our job in the final game, but it wasn’t enough.

“We came into this year with real ambition, so relegation is tough to take. But the mood in the camp is still good. That’s important. We know there’s more in us, and we’ve a chance now to prove that.

“On our day, we believe we can compete with teams at a higher level — Division 2, Division 3, whoever it is. Maybe expectations have dropped slightly from the outside, but internally they’re still very high.

“There’s no point dwelling on relegation. We’re only halfway through the season and there’s still a massive opportunity ahead of us. The championship is where you want to be.” 

Standing in Limerick’s way is the formidable challenge of Cork, newly promoted to Division 1 for 2027, with John Cleary’s side strong favourites to progress.

Limerick haven’t beaten the Rebels in the football championship since 2003.

“They’re going up to Division 1 and we’re going down to Division 4, so there’s a big difference there,” Coleman says.

“They’ll be strong favourites, and rightly so. But that doesn’t mean anything once the game starts. The feeling among the players is that when everything clicks, we can compete with some of the best teams in the country. We’ve shown that before. The challenge now is doing it for the full 70 minutes.

“The championship is a completely different ball game. There’s a different energy around it. Last year’s run in the Tailteann Cup was one of the most enjoyable periods we’ve had. It just shows what can happen when things come together.” 

There is also hope that a strengthening panel will provide a timely boost for Limerick ahead of the Cork encounter.

Jimmy Lee’s hand was weakened during the league campaign with no shortage of injuries.

“We’ve had injuries, but hopefully we’ll have a few more bodies back for Cork. That will make a difference. But every team is dealing with similar issues — it’s about how you adapt.

“We’re under no illusions. It’s a massive challenge against Cork, but it’s also a massive opportunity. That’s what we’re focusing on now.”