Disastrous first half sees brave Limerick crash out of Munster SFC

LIMERICK exited the Munster SFC at the first hurdle, falling to a 4-16 to 1-16 defeat to Cork at SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Sunday afternoon.

The defeat means Limerick will play their summer football in the Tailteann Cup, a competition which gave Jimmy Lee’s side some great days last year.

With the Newcastle West man only able to field six of the side who played in the second-tier final last July, this was always going to be a tough ask against a side who will compete in Division 1 of the Allianz League in 2027.

Despite a disastrous start, a brave second half effort saw Limerick outscore the winners 1-9 to 0-6 to give them at least some momentum heading into the Tailteann Cup.

Limerick had the aid of a strong breeze in the first half started brightly, controlling the ball. A James Naughton two-pointer was their early reward.

Rory O’Brien got a fine point to give Jimmy Lee’s men a 0-3 to 0-1 lead - but then the wheels fell off for the visitors. 

Two goals in the space of a minute, saw the ‘Rebels’ take control in front of an attendance of 4,709.

In the 14th minute, Dara Seefy ran through the middle of the Limerick defence. With options left and right, the full forward went alone and coolly slotted into the back of the net.

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Within 60 seconds, had another major. From close range Tommy Walsh blasted the ball into the roof of the net.

The hosts nearly had a third goal soon after but Mark Cronin’s shot was well saved by Jeffrey Alfred.

They did raise a third green flag after 23 minutes, Sean McDonnell palming home after a clever pass from Chris Og Jones.

A two-pointer from Barry Coleman and a Eliah Riordan ‘45 threatened to give Limerick some bit of momentum heading into the break - however, Cork quickly re-seized the initiative.

Ian Maguire took a pass from Brian O’Driscoll for the fourth goal of the game as the hosts - despite playing against the wind - led 4-10 to 0-7 at half-time.

To their credit, Limerick came out all guns blazing after the break. They were awarded a penalty in the second minute of the half - which James Naughton dispatched. The foul saw Cork defender Brian O’Driscoll black-carded.

A Riordan ‘45 and Naughton free either side of the goal reduced the gap to 10 - and playing against 14.

Lee’s men nearly had a second goal - Rory O’Brien’s close range effort from a tight angle crashing off the post.

It was a much better second half from the ‘Treaty’ who started winning ball in the middle of the field. 

Cillian Fahy added another for Limerick as it took Cork 15 minutes to score in the second half. When they did get on the board Conor Cahalane and Paul Walsh added two in quick succession.

A brave second half effort from Limerick wasn’t enough to get within striking distance - the concession of four first half goals meaning Lee’s men had too much to do.

SCORERS:

Cork: Steven Sherlock 0-4 (‘45, 1f); Dara Sheedy, Tommy Walsh, Sean McDonnell, Ian Maguire 1-0 each; Mark Cronin, Conor Cahalane 0-3 each; Paul Walsh, Chris Og Jones 0-2 each; Luke Fahy, Brian Hurley 0-1 each.

Limerick: James Naughton 1-4 (1-0 pen, 1 x 2pt, 1f); Eliah Riordan 0-5 (4 ‘45, 1f); Barry Coleman 0-2 (1 x 2pt); Rory O’Brien, Killian Ryan, Cillian Fahy, Peter Nash, Mark McCarthy 0-1 each.

CORK: Micheal Aodh Martin; Maurice Shanley, Daniel O’Mahony, Sean Meehan; Brian O’Driscoll, Tommy Walsh, Luke Fahy; Colm O’Callaghan, Ian Maguire; Paul Walsh, Mark Cronin, Sean McDonnell; Chris Og Jones, Dara Sheedy, Steven Sherlock.

Subs: Conor Cahalane for Dara Sheedy (22-28 mins, ht); Conor Corbett for Sean McDonnell (53 mins); Brian Hurley for Mark Cronin (54 mins); David Buckley for Chris Og Jones (66 mins); Darragh Cashman for Luke Fahy (66 mins).

LIMERICK: Jeffrey Alfred; Sean Kilbride, Cormac Woulfe, Diarmuid Buckley; Barry Coleman, Killian Ryan, Tony McCarthy; Eliah Riordan, Jack McCarthy; Rory O’Brien, Cillian Fahy, Paul Maher; Robbie Childs, James Naughton, Danny Neville.

Subs: Colm McSweeney for Jack McCarthy (ht); Peter Nash for Paul Maher (ht); Shane Cross for Rory O’Brien (54 mins); Mark McCarthy for Tony McCarthy (61 mins);

REFEREE: Seamus Mulhare (Laois).