Limerick overpower Wexford in All-Ireland Camogie Championship

The Limerick senior camogie team have beaten Wexford in round two of the All-Ireland Camogie Championship. The Shannonsiders' were victorious on a scoreline of 1-10 to 0-10 in Mick Neville Park.

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Joe Quaid's side picked up a vital win after their opening round defeat to Cork last weekend in Páirc Uí Rinn. It now sets up a winner-take-all clash with Munster rivals Clare in Ennis next weekend.

It was a bruising opening half with both sides not afraid to get some early hits in. Both sets of defences were on top throughout the half with Limerick's Sophie O'Callaghan dominating the middle-third. 

After a cagey opening quarter, the game soon started to come to life. Dearbhla Egan had a fine goal effort saved after 15 minutes. Limerick's captain Caoimhe Costelloe was in fine form.

The Adare native notching three of The Shannonsiders' four first-half points. Anais Curran and Joanne Dillon were also a constant threat throughout as they both scored two points each to help the Leinster side go in at the break in front, 0-06 to 0-4.

Wexford were denied the chance to extend that lead just before half-time when Limerick shot-stopper Sarah Gillane pulled off an outstanding save from close range. 

The second half played out much the same as the first but Limerick began to up the levels of intensity with the aid of the wind at their backs.

The level of physicality from the first half also continued into the second. The game had to be stopped on multiple occasions due to coming together of players, both sides acutely aware of how significant this round two clash was.

Laura Southern laid the foundations for Limerick's win five minutes into the second half scoring the only goal of the game. Both teams began to trade scores for the remainder of the half with Joanne Dillon and Anais Curran again proving deadly for The Yellowbellies but it was Limerick's Caoimhe Costelloe who stole the show for the home side coming down the stretch. 

The corner-forward dragged her side over the line finishing with a tally of eight points. There was to be a grand stand finish but Limerick held firm and picked up a win which keeps them well in the mix for a chance at qualification out of the group. 

Scorers for Limerick: Caoimhe Costelloe (0-08), Laura Southern (1-00) Ciara Neenan, Emily O'Halloran (0-01 each)

LIMERICK: Sarah Gillane (Patrickswell), Orlaith Kelliher (Croagh Kilfinny), Emily O'Halloran (Monaleen), Ciara O'Riordan (Blackrock Effin), Sophie O'Callaghan (Adare), Shauna Cunningham (Killeedy), Ailbhe Larkin (Mungret St Pauls), Mairead Ryan (Bruff), Lizanna Boylan (Na Piarsaigh), Stephanie Woulfe (Templeglantine), Ciara Neenan (Bruff), Dearbhla Egan (Crecora), Laura Southern (Monaleen), Caoimhe Costelloe (Adare) 

Scorers for Wexford: Joanne Dillon (0-03), Leah Furlong (0-02), Anais Curran (0-04), Linda Bolger (0-01)

Wexford: Keeva Steadmond (Craanford Monaseed), Karen Tomkin (Kilrush), Miria O'Dowd (Oulart na Ballagh), Clodagh Jackman (Glynn Barntown), Amy Cahill (Rathnure), Orla Sinnott (Ferns St Aidans), Roisin Cooney (Glynn Barntown), Laura Dempsey (Glynn Barntown), Chloe Cashe (Glynn Barntown), Anais Curran (Oulart na Ballaigh), Muireann Fitzpatrick (Castletown Liam Meadows), Linda Bolger (St Martins), Sadhbh Buttle (Kilrush), Leah Furlong (Cloughbawn), Joanne Dillon (Rathgarogue Cushinstown)

SUBS: Caoimhe Bryne for Muireann Fitzpatrick (36 minutes), Ciara O'Connor for Linda Bolger (47 minutes), Grace Roche for Sadhbh Buttle (62 minutes)

Referee: Patrick Murphy (Carlow)