St Pat’s 2

Limerick 1

AARON GREENE’S BRACE ensured St Pat’s left Limerick with all three points despite a much improved performance by their hosts.

The Saints took the lead after half an hour when Killian Brennan’s corner was eventually converted by Aaron Greene.

Paudie O’Connor did well to initially prevent a dangerous Pat’s attack, but from the resulting corner, Limerick were all over the place.

Brennan’s delivery found Chris Forrester whose shot was well saved by O’Donnell. A series of quick efforts on goal followed, but O’Donnell was again equal to them. Aaron Greene eventually converted from close range at the far post despite O’Donnell’s best efforts.

The second Saints goal did eventually come after 72 minutes, but against the run of play. Ciaran Kilduff’s flick-on was brilliantly met by the run of Aaron Greene. He didn’t need two touches; lobbing O’Donnell from the edge of the box to secure his brace.

Limerick pulled one back just three minutes later when Ian Turner powered a low free kick past Conor O’Malley. Kenny Browne was penalised for an elbow, and Turner made the most of it.

The Saints did well to deal with late Limerick pressure — and held on to pocket a big three points.

LIMERICK: Conor O’Donnell; Sean Harding (Shane Costelloe 63), Paudie O’Connor, Aidan Price, Robbie Williams; Shane Duggan; Ian Turner, Paul O’Conor (Ross Mann, 82), Sean Russell, Darragh Rainsford (Jason Hughes 70); Dean Clarke.

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC: Conor O’Malley; James Chambers, Sean Hoare, Kenny Browne, Ian Bermingham; Killian Brennan (Conor McCormack, 86), Greg Bolger; Conan Byrne, Chris Forrester, Aaron Greene; Ciaran Kilduff.

Man-of-the-Match: Aaron Greene (St Pat’s)

Referee: Sean Grant (Wexford)

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