LIMERICK KINGPINS BACKED

ALL-IRELAND CLUB FINALS - JUST ONE DAY TO GO FORMER Limerick star Stephen Mcdonagh has backed Na Piarsaigh to regain the All-ireland club title tomorrow (4pm) despite the loss of their suspended duo.

Mcdonagh, a two-time Munster Championship winner with Limerick in the 90s, feels his fellow countymen can just about overcome the handicap of being without Thomas Grimes and Conor Boylan, both of whom were sent off in the semi-final and must sit out the decider against Cuala.

“I think you could have as good a club final as we’ve seen,” the Bruree man (above) said.

“I think Thomas Grimes and Conor Boylan are huge losses to them now.

“Thomas Grimes at wing-back and Conor Boylan, may not have started but a mighty man to bring him on.

“I think it’s a real hard game to call now. Cuala are very pacey now and O’callaghan, to me, looks to be the real deal.

“I would still err with Na Piarsaigh slightly now but I don’t think there’ll be much in it.

“There’s huge credit due to Na Piarsaigh now, massive credit. They’re a phenomenal club team. Never been beaten in Munster.

“They’ve Shane Dowling back, he’s after getting another three weeks’ training under his belt, proven player.”

Mcdonagh expects the Na Piarsaigh contingent to add considerably to Limerick manager John Kiely’s blossoming team.

He added: “I think there was 10 of them named on the Limerick panel at the start of the year.

“It looks as if you’re going to have ferocious competition now and that when Kiely does look over his shoulder to bring someone on that he has a wealth of options.”