Limerick 1-12

Tipperary 2-9

IAN RYAN’S FREE in the third minute of stoppage time salvaged a draw for hosts Limerick in this afternoon’s Allianz Football League opener against Tipperary in Kilmallock.

The St Senan’s hitman took his match tally to nine points as a competitive affair played in heavy conditions finished in stalemate.

Limerick looked set for victory late on as they led by three points – 1-11 to 1-8 – with just minutes remaining.

But Josh Keane’s well-taken goal for Tipperary in the 68th minute levelled matters before Conor Sweeney slotted over a free.

There was still time for Limerick to level through Ryan and on the balance of play, respective managers John Brudair and Liam Kearns, the ex-Limerick supremo, will have been happy with a point.

Tipp could have been further ahead at half-time, however, as Limerick remained in touch, trailing by 0-5 to 1-6 at the turnaround.

Four first half frees from Ryan kept Limerick hanging on, with their only score from play in that opening half supplied by Stephen Cahill, who was later black-carded.

Tipp’s goal arrived in the 15th minute, a fine Peter Acheson effort, and Sweeney dragged an effort wide in the 29th minute as the visitors showed up well.

Tipp’s tactics worked a treat as they brought 13 men behind the ball when Limerick attacked, frustrating their opponents and forcing numerous turnovers.

Tipp were quick to break but with Limerick still in contention at the turnaround, there was always hope of a revival with the aid of a crossfield breeze.

The Shannonsiders upped the ante and were within striking distance before a fortuitous goal handed them the lead with eight minutes left.

A rare Colm O’Shaughnessy error allowed Gearoid Hegarty in behind and when the St Patrick fisted an effort off the crossbar, sub Peter Nash was on hand to boot home the loose ball.

That goal handed Limerick a 1-9 to 1-7 lead but a Sweeney free kept Tipp alive.

Ryan’s solitary point from play and Seanie Buckley’s second long range special of the second half had Limerick three clear before that dramatic conclusion.

Scorers for Limerick: Ian Ryan 0-9 (8f), Peter Nash 1-0, Seanie Buckley 0-2, Stephen Cahill 0-1.

Scorers for Tipperary: Peter Acheson 1-1, Conor Sweeney 0-4 (2f), Josh Keane 1-0, Philip Austin (1f) & Alan Maloney 0-2 each.

Limerick

1. Brian Scanlon (Gerald Griffin’s)

2. Johnny McCarthy (St Kieran’s)
3. Paudie Browne (Fr. Casey’s)
5. Stephen Cahill (Mountcollins)

4. Sean O’Dea (Kilteely/Dromkeen)
22. Brian Fanning (Pallasgreen)
6. Iain Corbett (Newcastlewest)

8. Gearoid Hegarty (St Patrick’s)
9. Darragh Tracey (St Kieran’s)

10. Danny Neville (Ballysteen)
24. Pa Ranahan (Ballysteen)
12. Seanie Buckley (Dromcollogher-Broadford)

13. Seán McSweeney (St Kieran’s)
23. Stephen Kelly (Newcastlewest)
14. Ian Ryan (St Senan’s)

Subs:

19. Michael O’Donovan (Galbally) for Cahill (b/c 16)
15. Peter Nash (Kildimo/Pallaskenry) for McSweeney (25)
16. Donal O’Sullivan (Monaleen) for Scanlon (h.t.)
26. Tom Lee (Ballylanders) for Kelly (49)
25. James Naughton (St Senan’s) for Tracey (62).

Tipperary

16. Ciaran Kenrick (Moyle Rovers)

4. Ciaran McDonald (Aherlow)
7. Alan Campbell (Moyle Rovers)
2. Colm O’Shaughnessy (Ardfinnan)

3. Jimmy Feehan (Killenaule)
6. Robbie Kiely (Carbery Rangers, Cork)
5. John O’Callaghan (Ballyporeen)

8. Alan Maloney (Rockwell Rovers)
9. Martin Dunne (Moyle Rovers)

12. Brian Fox (Éire Óg Anncarty)
11. Peter Acheson (Moyle Rovers)
10. Josh Keane (Golden-Kilfeacle)

21. Niall O’Donovan (Arravale Rovers)
14. Conor Sweeney (Ballyporeen)
15. Philip Austin (Borrisokane)

Subs:

13. Kevin O’Halloran (Portroe) for O’Callaghan (46)
17. Billy Hewitt (Ardfinnan) for Maloney (61)
20. David Butler (Drom & Inch) for O’Donovan (68)
19. Donagh Leahy (Arravale Rovers) for Dunne (70+2)

Referee: Brendan Cawley (Kildare)