Limerick minor hurlers suffer Munster Championship defeat to Waterford

LIMERICK'S minor hurlers suffered defeat in their opening Electric Ireland Munster MHC clash, losing 1-17 to 1-14 to Waterford.

In front of a crowd of 1,359 at the TUS Gaelic Grounds, the Shannonsiders put in a solid display but fell short after an inspired effort from Deise duo Dylan Murphy and Ryan Molumphy.

The pair combined for 0-14 - 11 from play - to condemn Diarmuid Mullins side to defeat.

It means Limerick have just one Championship win in nine games since the start of the 2024 campaign.

It was an opening quarter where Limerick were the better team.

A superb point from Eamon O’Sullivan from a tight angle, under pressure pushed Limerick to a 0-4 to 0-2 lead after a lively opening 10 minutes. 

Gavin O’Brien added a smart point as Limerick’s forwards looked sharper.

Waterford were reliant on the influential Dylan Murphy for scores - three frees and a smart effort from play meant the sides were level 0-5 apiece midway through the opening period.

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During an even first half, Murphy's seventh point gave the Deise their first three-point advantage of the evening approaching the interval.

Limerick levelled the tie before the break with some quick-thinking seeing Gavin O’Brien scoring the game’s first goal.

Zach Bennis’ initial point attempt struck the upright and the Kilmallock man was quickest to react, striking off the ground past Waterford ‘keeper Mikey Ware.

Despite the boost of the goal, Limerick struggled after the interval. Waterford scored the first two points before a super team move finished by Jack Roche got the home side on the board in the 38th minute.

Within seconds Molumphy added his fourth of the game to stretch the Deise lead before Jack Walsh put them 0-15 to 1-9 ahead with 20 minutes to play.

Limerick nearly had a second goal when Rian Horgan turned his man. However, his shot was well saved. Limerick didn’t leave the attack empty handed, Roche’s second point keeping his side in touching distance.

The Shannonsiders were then hit with a sucker-punch: A free dropping into the square was not dealt with and Cian Delaney found won possession and his low strike found the back of the net.

Limerick had guilt-edged two goal chances in quick succession but couldn’t find the back of the net as Waterford held on for the victory, despite a nervy finish.

SCORERS: Limerick: Shane Waters 0-7 (7f); Gavin O’Brien 1-1; John O’Riordan, Eamon O’Sullivan, Jack Roche 0-2 each.

Waterford: Dylan Murphy 0-10 (3f); Ryan Molumphy 0-4; Cian Delaney 1-1, Jack Mullaly, Jack Walsh 0-1 each.

LIMERICK: Sam Collins (Crecora-Manister); Rowan Collins (Adare), William Ryan (Murroe-Boher), Donagh Horgan (Murroe-Boher); Killian O’Neill (Murroe-Boher), Eoin Hennessy (Patrickswell), John O’Riordan (Bruff); Shane Waters (Na Piarsaigh), Jack Roche (Blackrock); Diarmuid Crowe (Doon), Xavier Neligan (Kilmallock), Zach Bennis (Kildimo-Pallaskenry); Gavin O’Brien (Kilmallock), Eamon O’Sullivan (Adare), Rian Horgan (Murroe-Boher).

Subs: Ryan Foley (Patrickswell) for Zach Bennis (half-time); Callum Butler (Patrickswell) for Killian O’Neill (43 mins); Conor Ryan (Monaleen) for John O’Riordan (56 mins).

WATERFORD: Mikey Ware; Luke Fitzgerald, Darragh Murphy, Dara Sullivan; Jack Walsh, Andrew Porter, Emmet Walsh; Stephen Coffey, Adam Cummins; Cian Delaney, Ryan Molumphy, Ferdia Geoghegan; Jack Mullaly, Dylan Murphy, Liam MacFhlannchadha 

Subs: Micahel Moloney for Jack Mullaly (43 mins).

REFEREE: Cian Ryan (Tipperary).