Major Setbacks for Limerick early on

Limerick's attacking prowess will appear somewhat deflated over the next couple of weeks with the losses of Garry Sheahan and Stephen O’Flynn.

While both were amongst the favourites to be top scorers in the First Division this season, the odds will be slashed, even more so for Sheahan, who faces months on the sidelines. The Limerick native found himself on the end of a challenge from Finn Harps’ Mark Forker after just an hour into their season opener in Ballybofey last night. Results show Sheahan’s leg is broken and faces surgery this evening. Sheahan’s pace and deadly accuracy caused Harps most of their problems in that game, and Limerick will surely feel the loss.

O’Flynn, who was set to miss the next home game against Salthill regardless, was shown a straight red card by referee John Grimes in Finn Park for an off-the-ball incident only spotted by the linesman on the opposite side. It was later revealed to be for a suspected head butt. The twenty-eight year old looked infuriated as he left the pitch and he may only have himself to blame for his actions.

While Limerick will try and look past these major setbacks, it’s hard to see where their goals will come from as their two best attacking options are sidelined for the foreseeable future. O’Flynn can only hope he doesn’t face further action from the FAI while Sheahan looks set to miss the majority of the season with his injury.

Pat Scully will now look to new signing Chris Breen who ironically played for Finn Harps to lead the attack from here on in. Garbhan Coughlan was also absent from the squad last night as he represented the Irish Schools side. His influence was evident towards the end of last season and they will look to fill the massive void left by the absences of Sheahan and O’Flynn.