Goal-hungry Limerick claim Division 4 Football League title with thrilling Croke Park win over Wexford

LIMERICK defeated Wexford 3-11 to 0-18 in the Allianz Divsion 4 league final on Saturday evening in Croke Park.

Goals from Tommie Childs, Peter Nash and Darragh O'Siochru proved crucial which saw Limerick collect their first piece of silverware under manager Jimmy Lee. 

Limerick's victory was well deserved and Lee's side were pushed right until the end from Wexford. Wexford's Niall Hughes had a chance to equalise the game in the final play of the games. Hughes' effort tailed out to the left and wide. 

Limerick ended Wexford's unbeaten run in Division 4 after the Slaneysiders won all seven of their games before this evening's clash. 

Tommie Childs was insturmental in Limerick's victory setting up two goals and the Galtee Gaels scored the victors third goal. Emmet Rigter who was named in the Tailteann Cup team of the year last year was awarded TG4 man of the match for his impressive performance. 

Limerick defended excellently in the first half, corner forward Killian Ryan dropped back as the sweeper and Limerick's defensive gameplan began to frustrate Wexford on occasions. 

Limerick made a blistering start to this encounter after one minute when full forward Emmet Rigter spotted James Naughton in space and the St Senan's clubman pointed from close range. Captain Cillian Fahy set up Tony McCarthy's for Limerick's second point of the evening. 

On seven minutes, Shane Pettit took on the Limerick defence and Pettit's effort hit the post as Limerick avoided conceeding an early goal. 

Wexford goalkeeper Darragh Brooks stepped up with a 45 to reduce the gap to minimium. Limerick sharpshooter James Naughton added a free on 12 minutes. Darragh Brooks then drove his kickout long and Wexford corner back Liam O'Connor won the breaking ball. O'Connor went down through the centre of the Limerick defence and the corner back tapped over a neat point. 

On 17 minutes, Wexford's Mark Rossister made it 0-3 apiece. Naughton and Eoin Porter swapped scores in a two minutes and the sides were level for the second time in the first half. Rossiter put Wexford into the lead for the first time in the opening period but their lead didn't last for long as Naughton levelled matters with 13 minutes remaining in the first half. 

Limerick midfielder Tommie Childs played a clever handpass inside into corner forward Darragh O'Siochru and O'Siochru cut inside and fired his shot past Wexford goalkeeper Darragh Brooks. Wexford wing back Eoin Porter was causing Limerick problems and Porter's effort meant John Hegarty's charges trailed 1-5 to 0-6. 

Goalscorer Darragh O'Siochru's confidence was high but O'Siochru's scoring attempt landed in the square. Tommie Childs stayed alert and Childs fisted the ball over the bar and Limerick re-established their three point lead which pushed them 1-6  to 0-6 clear. 

Before the break Emmet Rigter cut inside and Rigter went for goal, the Newcastle West's man shot went to the wrong side of the post. Limerick led 1-6 to 0-6 at the interval. 

Wexford made a lively start to the second half and on 42 minutes and the Leinster side had the contest all square once again through Pairic Hughes and Mark Rossister. 

Tommie Childs excellenly won the Wexford kickout and Childs excellently set up substitute Peter Nash who was just introduced. Nash cooly slotted the ball into the back of the net which put Limerick 2-6 to 0-9 clear. Kevin O'Grady and Graeme Cullen were keeping Wexford within in touch. Scores from Darragh O'Siochru and Paul Maher gave Lee's side some breathing space on 47 minutes. 

Wexford's Niall Hughes and Rigter traded scores as Limerick were 2-9 to 0-12 ahead on 52 minutes. Wexford centre half Eoghan Nolan sent over the first two pointer of the evening to bring his side back into this game. 

Peter Nash and Danny Neville combined on 57 minutes, Wexford goalkeeper Darragh Brooks responded to deadlock the sides once again. The victors response was impressive Rigter fisted the across to Tommie Childs and Childs rattled the ball into the back of the net. 

In the end, Limerick held on for a two point victory which saw them win the Divsion 4 title for the first time since 2013. 

Jimmy Lee's charges will now face Cork in the opening round of the Munster Senior Football Championship on Saturday April 5. 

SCORERS: 

LIMERICK: Darragh O'Siochru 1-1, Peter Nash and Tommie Childs 1-0 each, James Naughton (0-4,0-3 frees), Emmet Rigter 0-2, Tommie Childs, ,Paul Maher, Danny Neville and Tony McCarthy 0-1 each

WEXFORD: Mark Rosssiter (0-4, 0-3 frees), Darragh Brooks (0-3, 0-1 two pointer, 0-1 45) Eoghan Nolan (0-2, 0-1 two pointer), Eoin Porter, Niall Hughes and Pairic Hughes 0-2 each,Martin O'Connor, Graeme Cullen and Kevin O'Grady 0-1 each