Mungret take big step toward knockouts with victory over Adare in Limerick SHC

MUNGRET St Paul’s moved to within a victory of a quarter-final spot, and with it a return to group one for 2027, as they collected a third consecutive victory, when seeing off Adare 2-20 to 2-16 in Clarina.

With Thursday’s weather impacting on both crowds and pitches, Clarina was blessed with warm temperatures and with it came an expecting crowd. Declan Hannon, as well as Sam Hickey and Mike Keane all returned to the Adare panel, though Keane’s injury problems curtailed his involvement once again.

Mungret led this contest for practically the whole hour, scoring off the throw-in through captain Brian O’Meara. When it was level after eight minutes, Mungret quickly forged ahead before pulling clear and never being headed in this top-of-the-table clash.

Adare, for all their endeavor and quality, were unable to string a game winning run together, which had helped them to earlier victories over Garryspillane and Kildimo-Pallaskenry. This means that next weeks tie against Patrickswell is massive for both clubs who now have a defeat, as well as two wins.

But Brian Begley’s Mungret St Paul’s will know, a win over Newcastle West next week, will see them uncatchable at the summit of this group. A fortuitous goal from Mark O’Brien and a well taken effort from the impressive Liam Lynch were key to the victory.

Having edged 0-4 to 0-2 ahead, O’Brien’s sideline cut bounced in the square and deceived Brian Curtin to find the net. Quickly adding a point from Fintan Fitzgerald, the gap was out to six.

However, Adare, through top scorer Willie Griffin found the net. Initially, Conor O’Brien looked to have saved Griffin’s rocket, with the ball appearing to hit the side netting. However, after consulting with his umpires, Doon official Eamonn Stapleton awarded the goal.

Moments later, the green flag was raised at the other end. Lynch burrowed through and blasted home, with Curtin getting a touch. Initially there was confusion – was it a point or a goal – with all satisfied that Mungret had found the net.

This, was as points from Barry Duff and Lynch, helped the leaders to the dressing room, 2-9 to 1-8. Darragh Gleeson and Willie Griffin closing the half with positivity for Adare, scoring the final two points.

There was two more, from Griffin and David O’Mahoney, however, Mungret asserted control. Six unanswered including Fintan Fitzgerald and Lynch with doubles, before Rory Duff and Mark O’Brien stretched the margin out to eight.

The final quarter introduction of Hannon helped Adare, but another sub, Patrick Kearney shone brightest. His trio of points made it a four point game. Once more, the city side had answers. Sub Niall Mulcahy and another from Lynch gave them breathing space.

John Fitzgibbon netted off a Hannon handpass to make it a two point game at the start of the additional four minutes.

The final say however, went to Conor O’Halloran and then Lynch, who fittingly won his own free before arrowing over.

SCORERS – MUNGRET ST PAUL’S: Liam Lynch 1-6 (0-1 ‘65, 0-1f); Mark O’Brien 1-3 (1-0 s/l); Fintan Fitzgerald 0-3; Brian O’Meara, Barry Duff 0-2 each; Killian Begley, Niall Mulcahy, Rory Duff, Conor O’Halloran 0-1 each. ADARE: Willie Griffin 1-5 (0-3f); John Fitzgibbon 1-2 (0-2f); Patrick Kearney 0-3; Conor Ryan, Sean Connolly, Darragh Gleeson, Sam Hickey, David O’Mahoney, Shane Gleeson 0-1 each.

MUNGRET ST PAUL’S: Conor O’Brien; Billy Molyneaux, Eoin O’Doherty, Seán Duff; Rory O’Callaghan, Brian O’Meara, Matt O’Sullivan; Cian Moloney, Rory Gleeson; Rory Gleeson, Barry Duff, Fintan Fitzgerald; Killian Begley, Liam Lynch, Mark O’Brien.

Subs: John Wright for O’Doherty (inj – 25 mins); Niall Mulcahy for Gleeson (44 mins); Conor O’Halloran for M O’Brien (58 mins); Liam Harrington for Molyneux (60 mins).

ADARE: Brian Curtin; James Gahan, Joe Sweeney, Conor Ryan; Mike Keane, Ronan Connolly, Darragh Gleeson; David O’Mahoney, Wayne McNamara; Sam Hickey, John Fitzgibbon, Seán Connolly; Willie Griffin, Brendan O’Connor, Charlie McCarthy.

Subs: James Canty for Keane (inj – 20 mins); Patrick Kearney for Connolly (half-time); Declan Hannon for Gahan (42 mins); Shane Gleeson for B O’Connor (46 mins); Jack Doran for McCarthy (50 mins).

REFEREE: Eamonn Stapleton (Doon).