Nickie Quaid leads way as Effin book Limerick premier intermediate semi-final spot with win over Bruff

IMPRESSIVE Effin booked their place in the semi-finals of the Lyons of Limerick premier intermediate hurling championship after recording an impressive 3-16 to 0-14 round robin victory over local rivals Bruff at Kilmallock on Saturday afternoon.

A hat-trick of first half goals from Frankie Herr, Cillian O'Riordan and finally Patrick O'Donovan, just before the break, propelled Effin into a very useful 3-7 to 0-9 interval lead.

Limerick senior goalkeeper Nickie Quaid was a commanding presence in the Effin defence throughout, showing his class with a tour de force performance.

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Bruff, who lined out without their injured Limerick senior star Sean Finn, were unable to reel in their opponents in the second period.

Indeed, Effin increased their advantage through the second 30 minutes, easing clear to secure an impressive win. A significant 3-12 of the winners total of 3-16 came from open play. 

While Effin have won four and drawn one of their six round robin fixtures, Bruff have four points on the table after two wins from their six games to date. 

More to follow:- 

SCORERS: Effin: Patrick O'Donovan 1-4 (0-3 frees), Frankie Herr, Cillian O'Riordan 1-2 each, Ewan Dillon, Pierse O'Kelly 0-2 each, Nickie Quaid (free), Sean Canning, Fergal O'Connor, Conor Kearney 0-1 each. Bruff: Owen Meaney 0-5 (all frees), Paul Browne 0-2, Danny O'Leary 0-2, Paul O'Riordan, Kevin Bonner, Darragh Butler, Mikey O'Riordan, Charlie Cronin 0-1 each. 

EFFIN: Ryan O'Neill; Robert Cagney, Alan Byrne, Mark Mullins, Aaron Moffatt, Nickie Quaid, Sean Canning, Cillian O'Riordan, Fergal O'Connor, Brian Clifford, Patrick O'Donovan, Ewan Dillon, Pierse O'Kelly, Conor Kearney, Frankie Herr. SUBS: Enda Kelly for Clifford (45 mins), Clive Doherty for Herr (53 mins), Mike Rea for Carney (54 mins), Ben O'Donovan for Canning (57 mins), Hugh O'Neill for Kelly (58 mins).

BRUFF: Eric Finn, Patrick Finn, Jason Hayes, Colm O'Loughlin; Gavin Bracken, Sean Casey, Kevin Bonner; Owen Meaney, Barry Callinan; Bobby O'Brien, Paul Browne, Darragh Butler; Josh Keating, Mikey O'Riordan, Danny O'Leary. SUBS: Paul O'Riordan for Callinan (38 mins), Charlie Cronin for Keating (42 mins), Jack Fitzgerald for Bracken (44 mins).

REFEREE: Jonathon Hayes (St Senan's)