Dramatic finale as Limerick preserve senior camogie status with victory over Antrim

AFTER a most dramatic second-half of end-to-end camogie, Limerick preserved their senior status into an 11th consecutive season, after a tense two-point victory over Antrim.

This final round group game in the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Camogie Championship finished Limerick 2-17 Antrim 3-12 in Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale.

In what was effectively a relegation final, both sides showed quality and nerves in equal measure as the Treaty side let an eight-point lead slip to almost fall through the trap door.

Seemingly in firm control thanks to a brace of goals from poacher Caoimhe Lyons, the hosts were suddenly pushed all the way by an Antrim side powered forward by sharpshooter, Roisin McCormick. The centre-forward accounted for 2-10 of her sides 3-12 and hardly put a foot wrong in her bid to end their own winless streak.

Limerick, under the management of Joe Quaid, had experience of this scenario after winning against Offaly twice in 2023, to maintain both League and Championship status on the final day. The task on Saturday for management was to rise the charges after 33-point loss to Tipperary just seven days prior.

A strong opening quarter saw scores from Caoimhe Costelloe, Lyons and Niamh Ryan put Limerick 1-4 to 0-3 ahead. Lyons’ 11th minute goal coming off the back of a mistake from the Antrim full-back.

Trading scores late in the opening half, Limerick pushed into an even stronger position when Lyons whipped to the net after Lizanna Boylan’s initial effort was saved by Catriona Graham.

The margin was out to eight by the 42nd minute when Lyons raised a white flag, but three goals in ten minutes changed everything. McCormick was sharp to a rebound for the first, and also netted a penalty, while in between Annie Lynn, a second half sub, found the net after an impressive run.

Limerick were wasteful during this period, as well as a number of wides, turnovers and errors allowed the game become a real contest once more.

Trailing by a point, Costelloe showed impressive leadership to score three points in just four minutes, with a ’45 one of those. That came after the Adare forward saw her goal-bound effort superbly saved by Graham for the Saffrons.

Trailing by two points on 62 minutes, Antrim cut the gap with another point from McCormick. With scoring difference favouring the Ulster side, a draw would have been enough. With that in mind, there was a final score from Lyons, to bring her total to 2-2 and the full-forward line to 2-13.

There was a late scare for a fourth and potentially game winning Antrim goal, but the home defence held firm. The final whistle was greeted by cheers of both joy and relief, with a place at the top-table sealed for 2025.

Meanwhile also on Saturday afternoon, Limerick’s Junior Camogie outfit saw their season end, after suffering a 2-12 to 1-10 defeat away to Cavan in the All-Ireland Junior Championship.

SCORERS: Limerick: Caoimhe Costelloe 0-9 (0-4 frees, 0-1 ’45); Caoimhe Lyons 2-2; Orlaith Kelleher, Niamh Ryan 0-2 each; Laura Fennelly, Rebecca Delee 0-1 each. Antrim: Roisin McCormick 2-10 (1-0 pen, 0-5 frees, 0-1 ’45); Annie Lynn 1-1; Dervla Cosgrove 0-1.

LIMERICK: Ciara Mulqueen (Crecora); Cliodhna Ryan (Doon), Marian Quaid (Bruff), Aoife Nelligan (Monaleen); Ciara O’Riordan (Blackrock-Effin), Sophie O’Callaghan (Adare), Ailbhe Larkin (Mungret St Paul’s); Muireann Creamer (Cappamore), Orlaith Kelleher (Croagh-Kilfinny); Laura Fennelly (Capt) (Cappamore); Rebecca Delee (Newcastle West), Lizanna Boylan (Na Piarsaigh); Niamh Ryan (St Ailbes), Caoimhe Lyons (Monaleen), Caoimhe Costelloe (Adare). Subs: Stephaine Woulfe (Templeglantine) for C Ryan (half-time); Mairead Ryan (Bruff) for Kelleher, inj (38 mins); Aine Reynolds (Ahane) for Fennelly (51 mins); Niamh Brennan (Ahane) for Delee (62 mins).

ANTRIM: Caitriona Grahan; Dearbhail Dobbin, Maria McKenna, Clare McKillop; Erin Coutler, Evanne Martin, Amy Boyle; Eimear Johnston, Fionnuala Kelly; Meave Kelly, Roisin McCormick, Dervla Cosgrave; Janey McIntosh, Cassie McArthur, Caitrin Dobbin. Subs: Annie Lynn for Kelly, Lucia McNaughton for Johnston (both 37 mins); Sarah Fyfe for Cosgrove (43 mins);

REFEREE: Enda Loughnane (Galway).