Limerick 2-23
Cork 1-21

Denis Hurley reports from Mallow

LIMERICK HAD A good finish to ensure they began their CoOpSuperStores.ie Munster Hurling League campaign with victory over Cork at Mallow on Saturday evening.

Eleven months ago, Alan Cadogan’s late goal secured victory for the Rebels against the Shannonsiders in the final of the 2017 competition but a strong Limerick side were on top for most of this game, never trailing at any stage.

Before 1,364 people, Cork did produce a strong second-half fightback to draw level, capped by Jack O’Connor’s goal on 59 minutes, but Limerick responded well as two points from Aaron Gillane – who finished with 1-9 – and one from Séamus Flanagan were followed by a Flanagan goal.

Two Christopher Joyce points gave Cork hope as six minutes of injury time dawned but Diarmaid Byrnes and Gillane were on hand to secure Limerick’s win.

Brian Lawton with Limerick's Tom Morrissey. Oisin Keniry / INPHO Oisin Keniry / INPHO / INPHO

After throw-in was delayed due to a power cut, Gillane’s tenth-minute goal put Limerick 1-4 to 0-4 in front, and four points in a row – Gillane with three and one by Byrnes – put them in a strong position.

Scores from Eoghan Finn and Robert O’Shea brought Cork to within four, 1-13 to 0-12, at half-time but Limerick began the second half with points from Pat Ryan and Gillane to suggest that they would pull clear.

Cork didn’t give up though and a long-range free from goalkeeper Patrick Collins made it 1-18 to 0-18 before Stephen Murphy’s pass allowed O’Connor to fire home. A lead score was elusive for the hosts though and Limerick had the extra gear when required.

Scorers for Limerick: Aaron Gillane 1-9 (0-5f), Seamus Flanagan 1-3, Tom Morrissey 0-4, Diarmaid Byrnes, Barry Nash 0-2 each, Paul Browne, Pat Ryan, Cian Lynch 0-1 each.

Scorers for Cork: Rob O’Shea 0-5 (0-1f), Jack O’Connor 1-2, Eoghan Finn 0-4, Dean Brosnan 0-3, Christopher Joyce 0-2, Patrick Collins (0-1f), Daniel Kearney, Brian Lawton, Robbie O’Flynn, Brian Murray 0-1 each.

Cork

1. Patrick Collins (Ballinhassig)

4. Eoghan Murphy (Sarsfields)
2. Seán O’Donoghue (Inniscarra)
3. David Griffin (Carrigaline)

7. Darren Browne (Kanturk)
6. Tim O’Mahony (Newtownshandrum)
5. Chris O’Leary (Valley Rovers)

10. Brian Lawton (Castlemartyr)
17. Stephen Murphy (Blackrock)

8. Daniel Kearney (Sarsfields)
11. Robbie O’Flynn (Erin’s Own)
9. Dean Brosnan (Glen Rovers)

13. Robert O’Shea (Carrigaline)
12. Eoghan Finn (St Finbarr’s)
15. Jack O’Connor (Sarsfields)

Subs:

27. Brian Murray (Bishopstown) for O’Flynn (28, injured)
28. Rickard Cahalane (Ballymartle) for Daniel Kearney (32, injured)
29. William Kearney (Sarsfields) for Eoghan Murphy (half-time)
24. Christopher Joyce (Na Piarsaigh) for O’Donoghue (38-51, blood)
24. Joyce for Stephen Murphy (61)

Limerick

1. Nickie Quaid (Effin)

2. Seán Finn (Bruff)
3. Séamus Hickey (Murroe-Boher)
4. Richie English (Doon)

5. Diarmuid Byrnes (Patrickswell)
6. Declan Hannon (Adare)
7. Dan Morrissey (Ahane)

8. Paul Browne (Bruff)
9. Pat Ryan (Doon)

11. Cian Lynch (Patrickswell)
10, Darragh O’Donovan (Doon)
12. Tom Morrissey (Ahane)

13. Aaron Gillane (Patrickswell)
14. Séamus Flanagan (Feohanagh)
15. Barry Nash (South Liberties)

Subs:

17. Tomás Condon (Knockaderry) for Hickey (half-time)
23. Colin Ryan (Pallasgreen) for Pat Ryan (47)
25. David Reidy (Dromin-Athlacca) for O’Donovan (51)
24. Barry Murphy (Doon) for Nash (59)
26. Oisín O’Reilly (Kilmallock) for T Morrissey (66)

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