Antrim keeper Chris Kerr and defenders Sean McVeigh, Matt Fitzpatrick and Kevin O’Boyle look on in despair as Limerick’s Ian Ryan (14) fires to the net for his side’s opening goal during the qualifiers in Belfast in 2016. Antrim will be hoping to reverse that defeat when they travel to the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday

NFL Division 4 preview Limerick v Antrim

SAFFRONS NEED A WIN AND HELP FROM CARLOW

Antrim head to Limerick this week hoping to get back on track after losing their unbeaten run at home to Carlow last time out and now find themselves very much in need of assistance from the Barrowsiders if their fading dreams of promotion have any hope of being realised.

As I watched the Carlow dream become a reality at a bitterly cold Corrigan park last Sunday I got a close up view of just how much Sunday’s win meant to Carlow. A commentator from a local radio station gave a blow for blow account of every minute of the game with his radio equipment perched precariously on a wheelie bin just beside me. The Carlow Gaels who hadn’t been able to travel to Belfast were getting a blow by blow account as their heroes made history in the wee North.

And that radio station could have an unfamiliar following on Sunday with Antrim fans listening in to hear if last week’s enemy can become a friend this week and take a point or both points from Laois while also hoping that the Saffrons can keep their eyes firmly on the ball in Limerick and come away with both points.

With two games remaining to complete their league allocation Antrim travel south on Sunday to meet up with Limerick and even if they do return with ‘mission accomplished’ and a couple of points secured Lenny Harbinson’s charges will need Carlow to throw them a lifeline in their meeting with Laois at Dr Cullen park if promotion is to remain a reality.

Following defeat to the Barrowsiders last week when a Darragh Foley goal aided Carlow to a 1-12 to 0-12 win at Corrigan the Saffron’s need Turlough O’ Connor’s men to continue in the winning habit against Laois and at the same time they also require a full return of points in Limerick themselves.

The Carlow boss has already made it abundantly clear that his side is fully intent on victory alluding to the fact that a keen rivalry exists between the sides saying, ‘Doing anybody favours is not our intentions, we are focusing on a league decider and we certainly do not want to lose any momentum at this juncture’.

Carlow are on a high at present having already assured division three football in 2019 with the win in Belfast having secured promotion for the first time in 33 years and may well do the business against Laois to open the door again for the Antrim men.

Matt Fitzpatrick will be an important player for Antrim as they attempt to overcome Limerick in the NFL in Limerick on Sunday.

Antrim however need to keep their minds fully focused on the game at the Gaelic Grounds. Limerick travelled to Corrigan in 2016 as underdogs in an All Ireland qualifier and left Antrim with egg on their faces as they recorded a win.

Little went the way of Antrim last week at a freezing Corrigan park including the production of black and red cards and the concession of a bad goal so perhaps they are due a change of luck.

Things really need to go their way at the week-end but Lenny Harbinson does admit that it is a difficult route ahead following a difficult day last Sunday in Belfast. ‘Indeed the hill does look a lot steeper but we must retain focus and continue on the positive’ he said.

Lenny Harbinson will be without Rossa based Stephen Beatty in Limerick because of the red card picked up in the Carlow game and he will be hoping that Ryan Murray, who suffered an injury has recovered as well as Patrick McBride who was only able to play a bit part in that one due to flu.

Sean Burke was another unable to line out in the last round and the Antrim manager will look for a return to action from the big mid-fielder. It has also been reported that Niall Mc Keever who is recovering from a leg injury is close to fitness.

A win in Limerick for Antrim and victory secured by Carlow would ensure a winner takes all game when Lenny Harbinson’s men take the road to Portlaoise on Easter week-end with promotion still a distinct possibility.