Defeat for Limerick Masters hurlers in Challenge Cup All-Ireland final
Limerick were beaten by five points in their final fixture against Cork in Athenry
Limerick were beaten in the All-Ireland Masters Hurling final after going down by 0-20 to 1-12 against Cork in Kenny Park, Athenry.
Mike Flynn’s side were eight points down at half time but had it back to three points with 10 minutes to go after a Paudie McNamara goal from a free.
However, Cork managed to navigate Limerick’s second half rally to win the game by five-points in the end.
Two Paudie McNamara points got Limerick off to a great start but that was as good as it got in the opening quarter as Cork took firm control with seven scores on the bounce.
Limerick eventually got back on the board through Harry Dore on 18 minutes but Cork restored their six-point lead.
Andrew Brennan added a strike from play but three on the bounce from Cork saw them dominate the first half.
Paudie McNamara kept Limerick in touch from placed balls and a Barry Manton point from play saw the score at 0-14 to 0-6 lead at the break.
Paudie McNamara opened the second half scoring and Limerick were then denied a much-needed goal when Peter Harty fired at goal only to be denied by a superb save. Mike Dillon fired over the rebound.
Karl O’Regan from play and another two frees from Paudie McNamara made it five-points without reply.
A long range free saw Cork get off the mark in the second half and two further efforts saw them six points up heading into the final 10 minutes.
However, Paudie McNamara’s goal from a 20-metre free gave Limerick hope heading down the stretch but Cork held their nerve to win the final.
Limerick Scorers: Paudie McNamara 1-7 (1-5f), Harry Dore, Andrew Brennan, Barry Manton, Mikey Dillon and Karl O’Regan 0-1 each.
Limerick Starting Team: Paul Butler; Mikey Dillon, Barry O’Grady, Ger Kelliher; Harry Dore, Liam Walsh, Karl O’Regan; Derek Grimes, Liam O’Sullivan; Paudie McNamara, Adrian Garvey, Andrew Brennan; Peter Harty, Mike Geary, Ian McNamara.