World U20 Lacrosse Championships scheduled for UL postponed until 2022

 THE Ireland CEO Lacrosse has stated he was a 'bit relieved' after the World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championships due to take place in the University of Limerick (UL) next year were postponed until 2022.

Michael Kennedy believes this is the correct decision with the Irish team unable to train together due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“This time of the year the team should be training together, preparing to compete. We are not able to train together at the moment because of lockdown.”

If the competition had gone ahead this summer, Kennedy believed some countries would suffer more due to not having adequate time to train.

“There would have always been that asterisk, well you know the teams wouldn’t have the same amount of time as they would normally have to prepare.”

He explained how there was relief that if the Covid-19 vaccines work it could allow supporters and people to come to the games in a safe environment.

“We could have run the event with really stringent COVID-19 protocols.

“With so much uncertainty around the virus pushing it out a further year, especially what is happening with the vaccine, it is going to bring a lot more certainty and give the teams and the players the right amount of time to prepare for a World Championships.”

“The whole point of hosting the event in UL is to showcase the sport of Lacrosse to people in Limerick and throughout Ireland.”

The Ireland Lacrosse CEO hopes these games will still take place in UL in 2022.

“I absolutely do not want to change the venue, I have the highest regard for UL and David Ward in particular, he has been fantastic to work with. I have absolutely no intention of having the games anywhere but Limerick.”

https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/sport/595924/world-u20-lacrosse-championships-scheduled-for-ul-postponed-until-2022.html

Munster vs Harlequins

 

Munster grind out important victory

Munster secured a 21-7 victory over Harlequins in what proved to be a tough battle in Thomond Park.

Despite not being at their free floing best Munster came out on top against an ill-disciplined Harlequins side. Johann Van Graan’s men will need to produce an improved display away to Clermont next Saturday.

After a cagy opening 10 minutes Munster won a penalty just outside the 22, which JJ Hanrahan duly slotted over to open the scoring.

Harlequins struggled to convert their opportunities, missing two penalties as they also saw a try disallowed just after for a forward pass in the build-up.

James Cronin won a penalty against the run of play for Munster which Hanrahan converted to extend the home sides lead.

Directly from the kick-off Tadhg Beirne broke through the Quins defence. This led to Quins flanker James Chisholm receiving a yellow card for a cynical foul to stop the play. Hanrahan missed the extras just before the break.

The home side levelled up the number of players on the pitch early in the second half when Danny Care took a quick penalty, Stephen Archer stopped him illegally and received a yellow card in the process.

Just after Quins got 15 back on the pitch, they conceded the first try of the game. The home side kicked a penalty into touch and after the maul was illegally brought down referee Pascal Gauzere awarded a penalty try and yellow carded Will Evans from Quins.

Quins finally managed to get on the scoreboard through winger Cadan Murley who managed to break a tackle on the wing and touch the ball down. Smith added the extra two.

With the game in the final quarter Quins captain Alex Dombrandt hit Munster fly half Ben Healy late which he got a yellow card for. Healy knocked over the penalty from well inside his own half.

The home side made the extra man count as they scored their second try with Gavin Coombes crossing the whitewash on his debut for his seventh try in eight games. Healy missed the extras as Munster secured an opening round victory.

Munster: Mike Haley; Andrew Conway, Chris Farrell, Damian de Allende, Keith Earls; JJ Hanrahan, Conor Murray; James Cronin, Kevin O’Byrne, Stephen Archer; Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne; Gavin Coombes, Peter O’Mahony (C), CJ Stander.

Subs Rhys Marshall for Kevin O Byrne, Josh Wycherley for James Cronin, John Ryan for Stephen Archer , Fineen Wycherley for Jean Kleyn , Jack O’Donoghue for CJ Stander , Craig Casey for Conor Murray , Ben Healy for JJ Hanrahan , Rory Scannell for Andrew Conway

Tries (1 penalty try), Coombes

Conversions Hanrahan (x1)

Penalties: Hanrahan (X2) Healy (x1)

Harlequins: Mike Brown; Nathan Earle, James Lang, Ben Tapuai, Cadan Murley; Marcus Smith, Danny Care; Joe Marler, Scott Baldwin, Wilco Louw; Hugh Tizard, Glen Young; James Chisholm, Will Evans, Alex Dombrandt (C)

Subs: Elia Elia for Scott Baldwin, Santiago Garcia Botta for Joe Marler , Fin Baxter, Richard De Carpentier for Will Evans , Tom Lawday for James Chisholm, Scott Steele for Danny Care ,  Willie Edwards for Murley , Ross Chisholm for Mike Brown (failed HIA)

Tries Murley

Conversions Smith

http://limerickvoice.com/sport/munster-grind-out-important-victory/

Michael Kennedy Irish Lacrosse CEO

 

Irish Lacrosse CEO relieved after postponement of World Championships

The Ireland CEO Lacrosse has stated he was a “bit relieved” after the World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championships due to take place in the University of Limerick (UL) next year were postponed until 2022.

Michael Kennedy believes this is the correct decision with the Irish team unable to train together due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“This time of the year the team should be training together, preparing to compete. We are not able to train together at the moment because of lockdown.”

If the competition had gone ahead this summer, Michael believed some countries would suffer more due to not having adequate time to train.

“There would have always been that asterisk, well you know the teams wouldn’t have the same amount of time as they would normally have to prepare.”

He explained how there was relief that if the COVID-19 vaccines work it could allow supporters and people to come to the games in a safe environment.

“We could have run the event with really stringent COVID-19 protocols.

“With so much uncertainty around the virus pushing it out a further year, especially what is happening with the vaccine, it is going to bring a lot more certainty and give the teams and the players the right amount of time to prepare for a World Championships.”

“The whole point of hosting the event in UL is to showcase the sport of Lacrosse to people in Limerick and throughout Ireland.”

The Ireland Lacrosse CEO hopes these games will still take place in UL in 2022.

“I absolutely do not want to change the venue, I have the highest regard for UL and David Ward in particular, he has been fantastic to work with. I have absolutely no intention of having the games anywhere but Limerick.”

http://limerickvoice.com/sport/irish-lacrosse-president-relieved-after-postponement-of-world-championships/

World Lacrosse games Postponed

 

Blow for Limerick with World Lacrosse Championships pushed back

The World Lacrosse Men’s U20 World Championships, which were due to take place at the University of Limerick (UL) next year have been postponed until 2022.

The decision is a blow for the Castletroy based college and for Limerick with the potential for visitors to the city which would lead to additional revenue.

After COVID-19 caused disruption for much of the hospitality sector, this will be disappointing news for the local economy.

A statement on the World Lacrosse website says: “The World Lacrosse Men’s U20 World Championship is also being postponed from 2021 to 2022. It is expected the event will still be held in Limerick, Ireland at the University of Limerick. The dates for the rescheduled event are to be confirmed, but likely will be late July / early August 2022.”

“In making the decision, the World Lacrosse Board of Directors examined the continued impact, uncertainty and disruption to preparations for these events brought about by the global pandemic, along with input provided by its member-National Governing Bodies and participating teams regarding athlete health and safety, team training, travel and other logistical considerations.

“These are extremely difficult decisions, particularly given the need to provide our members with as much advance notice as possible whilst managing the risk and uncertainty brought about by the pandemic.”

http://limerickvoice.com/sport/blow-for-limerick-with-world-lacrosse-championships-pushed-back/

Louise Cantilon All Ireland Hurling Piece

 Louise Cantillon talks new radio show and Limerick’s chances of winning the All-Ireland final.

If Louise Cantillon was not busy enough with writing a weekly column for The Limerick Leader and presenting with Spin South West, she has recently started co-hosting a radio show with former Limerick hurler Shane Dowling.

They christened the show ‘A Different Ball Game’, with the show taking place every Friday night on Classic Hits FM from 6.30-7pm.

It is very unusual to have a sports show on this station due to the fact it is for all intents and purposes a music station.

The show began when it was announced that the GAA Championship was going to be played during the lockdown.

This was going to make the championship even more historic if it was not going to be anyway with the delayed start to this year’s competition co-inciding with the 100-year anniversary of Bloody Sunday.

Louise and Shane’s new show airs every Friday

Herself and Shane have been friends for many years so with Louise’s knowledge of radio and Shane’s experience at competing at the highest level, it was an ideal opportunity to create a show.

Louise said: “We have been friends since we were in the same year in school.”

“Shane has a great character and a great personality and had already dabbled a little bit in media. I needed someone to be a voice of experience.”

“We just have a bit of craic and talk about what could happen in the GAA each weekend.”

Each week the pair host live chats with inter county players themselves which provides an opportunity to hear about how they are coping with the ‘new normal.’

The show has now got over 80,000 listeners since the first episode on October 30^th.

Louise’s partner Declan Hannon is captain of the Limerick team as he aims to climb the steps of the Hogan Stand and lift the Liam McCarthy for the second time in three years.

“He is feeling good sure look they have put a merciful amount of work into everything. I admire every single man on that team and on every county team who have been training during this time.”

“The lads are out in the freezing cold November training in the dark nights on the pitches.”

The intercounty scene is not as glamorous as made out to be especially during the cold winter months.

Louise says Limerick “have a great chance” in this Sunday’s eagerly anticipated All-Ireland final against Waterford.

 “The lads worked so hard that that they are a credit to themselves. They are the type of team that will go out and fight until the bitter end.”

Any side that fights in the way described will stand a great chance of winning the final.

“I reckon they will go out and they will fight for it because it’s an All-Ireland and they know what’s at stake.”

“I have no doubt it will be a tight game, but obviously I hope Limerick will come out on top in the end.”

http://limerickvoice.com/sport/louise-cantillon-talks-new-radio-show-and-limericks-chances-of-winning-the-all-ireland-final/

Ireland V Scotland Report

 Ireland 31

Scotland 16

Tries either side of half time gave Ireland the platform to come out on top against Scotland as Andy Farrell’s men secured third place in the Autumn Nations Cup.

After a patchy opening half display Ireland’s power game proved too much for Scotland to handle in a performance that summed up Ireland’ 2020: inconsistent.

Farrell can take positives from the way Ireland responded from trailing 9-3 to take control of the game thereafter.

Scotland got the opening score of the game against the run of play with a penalty from fly half Jaco Van Der Walt.

The away side extended their lead with another penalty after Ireland were penalised at the scrum. Johnny Sexton narrowed the gap for the home side with a long-range penalty.

Van Der Walt extended Scotland’s advantage from a penalty before Duncan Taylor was sin-binned for a deliberate knock in with Ireland inching closer to the Scottish try line.

Sexton added the penalty which was a reward for some great Irish play. Ireland managed to make the extra man count with a try from Keith Earls after some quick thinking from Robbie Henshaw. Earls’ try moved hi msecond on the list of all time leading try scorers for the men in green as he surpassed Tommy Bowe’s tally of 31. Sexton missed the conversion as Ireland led by two points at half time.

Ireland flew out of the blocks after the break with Cian Healy crossing the whitewash after Caelan Doris was held up just short. Sexton added the extras for the home side.

Keith Earls crossed the try line minutes later after a great hands from Peter O Mahony. Sexton nailed the touchline conversion.

The away side replied with a try from winger, Duhan van der Merwe after a period of pressure, Van Der Walt slotted the extras.

Ross Byrne came off the bench to replace Sexton, with his first kick of the game he added another three points with a penalty.

Byrne added a second penalty after Scotland’s defence was penalised after 20 phases of play to ensure there would be no comeback by Gregor Townsend’s side as Ireland secured third place in the Autumn Nations Cup.

Ireland: Jacob Stockdale; Hugo Keenan, Bundee Aki, Robbie Henshaw, Keith Earls; Jonathan Sexton (C), Conor Murray; Cian Healy, Rob Herring, Andrew Porter; Iain Henderson, James Ryan; CJ Stander, Peter O’Mahony, Caelan Doris

Subs: Quinn Roux for Iain Henderson (39 mins), , Ross Byrne for Johnny Sexton (63 mins), Josh Van Der Flier for Caelan Doris (66 mins), Eric O Sullivan for Cian Healy (66 mins), Ronan Kelleher for Rob Herring (66 mins), John Ryan for Andrew Porter, Caelan Doris for James Ryan , Chris Farrell for Robbie Henshaw (79 mins) Jameson Gibson Park for Conor Murray (79 mins).

Tries: Earls (37^th min 50^th min), Healy (44^th min)

Penalties Sexton (X2), Byrne (X2)

Conversions Sexton (x2)

Stuart Hogg (C); Darcy Graham, Chris Harris , Duncan Taylor, Duhan van der Merwe; Jaco van der Walt, Ali Price; Rory Sutherland, Fraser Brown, Zander Fagerson; Scott Cummings, Jonny Gray; Blade Thomson, Jamie Ritchie, Matt Fagerson

Subs: Huw Jones for Taylor, Sean Maitland for Darcy Graham, Oli Kebble for Rory Sutherland, Sam Skinner for Scott Cummings, Blair Cowan for Jamie Ritchie, George Turner for Fraser Brown WP Nel for Zander Fagerson, Sam Hidalgo Clyne for Ali Price

Tries Van Der Merwe (55^th min)

Penalty Walt (X3)

Conversions Walt (X1)

http://limerickvoice.com/sport/strong-second-half-showing-powers-ireland-to-victory/

Glasgow vs Munster

 

Munster maintain perfect start as they secure bonus point win

Munster struck late to seal a bonus point win away in Scotland as they made it six wins out of as many games in the Pro14.

Johann Van Graan’s men hit the ground running with an early try from Billy Holland, with Healy adding the conversion.

From the resulting kick off, the home side won possession back and went on the attack, with the ball eventually ending up in Glenn Bryce’s hand who crossed for the Scottish side with the conversion was missed.

Brandon Thomson landed a monster penalty from the halfway line moments later to give the home side the lead.

It was almost like deja vu in the 31^st minute. Munster had a lineout 5 metres from the try line. They mauled the ball over the line with Fineen Wycherley crossing the whitewash. Healy missed the subsequent conversion.

The away side notched the opening points of the second half through Ben Healy with a long-range penalty.

After a sustained period of pressure by Glasgow close to the Munster line they eventually managed to cross with Grant Stewart notching the score after sustained pressure. Thomson missed the conversion.

During this period Munster captain Billy Holland was sin-binned for continuous infringements close to the line.

Munster’s Gavin Coombes managed to get over the line for the second time in as many games after Munster went through the phases. Glasgow captain Wilson had also been given a yellow card in the lead up to the try. Healy then landed the extra two points.

Munster managed to get a bonus point try right at the end of the game from another rolling maul. Jean Kleyn eventually came off the side of to drop over the line to end the game as a contest. Hanrahan missed the extras but it mattered not as Munster picked up another impressive victory.

Munster: M. Haley, C. Nash, R. Scannell, D. De Allende, M. Gallagher, B. Healy, C. Casey, J. Cronin, K. O’Byrne, S. Archer, J. Kleyn, B. Holland, F. Wycherley, J. O’Sullivan, G. Coombes.

Subs: R. Marshall for K. O’Byrne (60 mins), J. O’Donoghue for F. Wycherley (60 mins), J. Wycherley for J. Cronin (67 mins), K. Knox for S. Archer (67 mins), T. O’Donnell for J. O’Sullivan (67 mins), JJ. Hanrahan for B. Healy (71 mins), D. Goggin for M. Gallagher (71 mins), N. McCarthy for C. Casey (77 mins)

Glasgow: Glenn Bryce, Tommy Seymour, Nick Grigg, Robbie Fergusson, Robbie Nairn, Pete Horne, Sean Kennedy, A. Seiuli, G. Stewart, E. Pieretto, L. Bean, R. Harley, R. Wilson, T. Gordon, TJ Ioane.

Subs: B. Thomson for Grigg (8 mins, inj.), N. Matawalu for T. Seymour (29 mins, inj.), A. Allen for Aki Seiuli, D. Rae for Pieretto (both 51 mins), F. Lokotui for Ioane (52 mins), 

http://limerickvoice.com/sport/munster-maintain-perfect-start-as-they-secure-bonus-point-win/

Ireland Vs England

    
                            Ireland fall short once more against England

England 18

Ireland 7 

Twickenham 

England’s strong defence and Ireland’s inaccuracies paved the way for an easy win for the home side.

This is England’s fourth successive victory against the Men in Green with Ireland failing to mount a serious challenge as they failed to break down a resolute England defence.

England looked certain to score a try within the first 10 minutes after some quick thinking from Ben Youngs, but CJ Stander managed to get a hand to the ball which stopped a certain try.

Eddie Jones’s side continued to dominate and their pressure told when Johnny May grabbed the opening try after a cross field kick from Owen Farrell with the out half then missing the conversion.

England added a second try soon afterwards as through May again who ran the ball back from his own 22 after Ireland lost a lineout, Farrell added the conversion from straight in front of the posts.

This was May’s 31^st international try, level with Will Greenwood and Ben Cohen as he sits just behind Rory Underwood.

Ireland managed to gather the ball and after seventeen phases of play where England’s defence held them out. Keith Earls eventually broke the line, but England won a penalty to relieve the pressure on their line.

Ireland went in 12 points down at the break after a performance littered with mistakes and unforced errors

The home side opened the scoring against the run of play at the start of the second half with Farrell slotting over a penalty to extend the home sides advantage.

Ireland gave away another penalty within scoring distance which Farrell duly converted to extend the home sides lead by another three points.

Andy Farrell’s men eventually managed to gain a foothold in the English half but despite some intense pressure from Ireland, Maro Itoje managed to win he turnover as Eddie Jones’ side dominated the breakdown.

Ireland started to empty the bench, two of these subs Billy Burns and Jacob Stockdale combined with the latter crossing for a try as Burns notched the conversion

That last try made the score line look slightly better after a disappointing display from Andy Farrell’s men.

Ireland: Hugo Keenan, Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Bundee Aki, James Lowe, Ross Byrne, Jamison Gibson-Park; Cian Healy, Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Quinn Roux, James Ryan, CJ Stander, Peter O’Mahony, Doris

Subs Used: Iain Henderson for Quinn Roux, Conor Murray for Gibson Park Rob Herring for Ronan Kelleher, Jacob Stockdale for Keenan, Findlay Bealham for Healy, Will Connors for Stander, Billy Burns for Byrne

Tries x1 Stockdale (74^th min)

Pens

Conversions x1 Burns (75^th min)

England: Elliot Daly, Jonathan Joseph, Ollie Lawrence, Henry Slade, Johnny May; Owen Farrell, Ben Youngs; Mako Vunipola, Jamie George, Kyle Sinckler, Maro Itoje, Joe Launchbury, Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Billy Vunipola

Subs: Ellis Genge for Mako Vunipola, Ben Earl for Sam Underhill, Dan Robson for Ben Youngs, George Ford for Lawrence, Johnny Hill, Launchbury,  Will Stuart for Sinckler , Max Malins for Joseph , Tom Dunn for George

Tries: May x2

Conversions: Farrell x1

Penalties: X2 Farrell (45^th min), (53^rd min)

http://limerickvoice.com/sport/ireland-fall-short-once-more-against-england/

Ireland v England Preview

 

Ireland look to build upon opening round victory against England

Ireland will be looking to improve on last week’s victory against Wales as they face England in Twickenham this Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

Andy Farrell’s side are missing captain Johnny Sexton along with Robbie Henshaw as the Ireland head coach makes four changes from last week’s win.

Ross Byrne comes in for Sexton at fly half, while Bundee Aki replaces Henshaw. Ireland have made two tactical changes to the team with Keith Earls replacing fellow Munster man Andrew Conway.

The final change and arguably the most interesting one is CJ Stander coming in at blindside which means Josh Van Der Flier drops out and Peter O’ Mahony moves to 7.

Leinster’s James Ryan captains the side for the first time as he will be partnered by Quinn Roux once more.

Ireland’s defence last week, even though makeshift at times, was well able to cope with what a below-par Wales side threw at them.

England will have much more options and variety in their attack as Eddie Jones’ charges are able to use the power of their pack to get over the gain line with hooker Jamie George scoring a hat-trick in England’s 40-0 win against Georgia last weekend.

Ross Byrne will be looking to improve on his performance from Ireland’s 57-15 defeat to England prior to the 2019 World Cup, where he was targeted from the beginning.

Having fellow Leinster man Jamison Gibson Park beside him at scrum-half could help Byrne play the game on his own terms.

England enter this game brimming with confidence after securing the Six Nations crown on the final day of action while they have beaten Ireland by 12 points in the last two Six Nations campaigns.

Whichever pack can gain the upper hand in the set piece along with gaining an advantage in the breakdown will lay the foundations for victory.

Hugo Keenan could be set for a baptism of fire in his second ever start at full-back.

England’s kicking game will pose a far greater challenge than what he has experienced before this but if Keenan can come out on top or even break even in this position it will give Ireland a great platform to attack.

The benches will play a huge part in the result of the game with Ireland having an interesting blend of youth and experience to call upon.

The experience of Conor Murray coming on in the final 20 minutes could help Ireland close out a tight game.

Ireland also have an English-born 10 in Billy Burns on the bench, who could help Ireland secure victory against the country of his birth.

With this game effectively deciding who finishes top of the pile in Group A and Ireland looking for revenge after defeat to the English earlier this year, Andy Farrell’s side will need to produce their best performance under his stewardship to stand any chance of producing an upset.

.http://limerickvoice.com/sport/ireland-look-to-build-upon-opening-round-victory-against-england/

Irish Rugby vs Wales Match Report

Ireland record convincing win over Wales

Ireland strong set piece and kicking paved the way to a comprehensive victory at home in the first game of the Autumn Nation Cup.

Ireland started the game well winning a couple of early scrum penalties which led to Johnny Sexton kicking the first penalty of the game. Wales responded with a penalty through Leigh Halfpenny after Ireland had surned a try scoring opportunity when getting turned over five metres from the Welsh try line.

Ireland’s pressure paid off a few minutes later after some good work by the forwards near the try-line. Quin Roux crossed for the home side’s first try of the game with Sexton adding the extras.

The out-half slotted another penalty to add to the home side’s advantage.

In the process, he also injured his hamstring which forced him to come off the pitch, handing Ulster’s Billy Burns the chance to come off the bench to make his debut in a green jersey.

On the half hour mark Halfpenny added another penalty to eat into Ireland’s advantage. Andy Farrell’s side won a scrum against the head, after a couple of phases of play Ireland won another penalty which was converted by Burns with his first kick in a green jersey.

Despite putting Wales under concerted pressure late in the first half Ireland had a 10-point lead going in at half time after seeing the TMO deem that Andrew Porter did not ground the ball just before the break.

After missing the first penalty of the half with a kick from the halfway line, Halfpenny duly slotted his next one to narrow the gap even more.

From the resulting restart Caelan Doris blocked down the attempted clearance from the Welsh. After several phases of play the home side won another penalty which Burns scored.

After a period of play where defences were on top Ireland eventually won a penalty which was slotted over by Conor Murray who had replaced Billy Burns with a HIA.

With the game heading its final 10 minutes Ireland won yet another penalty outside the 22 which was put between the posts by Murray again.

Ireland debutant James Lowe managed to get Ireland second try of the game in the final play of the game. Murray added the extra to to give Ireland a big win as they prepare to face England next Saturday.

Ireland: Hugo Keenan: Andrew Conway, Chris Farrell, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe; Jonathan Sexton (capt), Jamison Gibson-Park; Cian Healy, Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter Quinn Roux, James Ryan, Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris.

Subs: Billy Burns for Jonathan Sexton, Ed Byrne for Cian Healy, Findlay Bealham for Andrew Porter, Dave Heffernan for Ronan Kelleher, Tadhg Beirne for Quin Roux, Conor Murray for Billy Burns (HIA), Will Connors for Josh Van Der Flier, Keith Earls for Robbie Henshaw.

Tries: Roux, Lowe,

Conversions: Sexton, Murray

Penalties, Sexton x2, Burns x2, Murray x2

Wales: Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams, Jonathan Davies, Owen Watkin, Josh Adams; Dan Biggar, Gareth Davies; Rhys Carre, Ryan Elias, Tomas Francis, Will Rowlands, Alun Wyn Jones (capt), Shane Lewis-Hughes, Justin Tipuric, Taulupe Faletau

Subs: Wyn Jones, for Rhys Carre, Elliot Dee for Ryan Elias, Samson Lee for Thomas Francis, Jake Ball for Will Rowlands, Lloyd Williams for Gareth Davies. George North for Jonathan Davies, Callum Sheedy for Dan Biggar, Aaron Wainwright for Taulupe Faletau

Penalties: Halfpenny x3

http://limerickvoice.com/sport/ireland-record-convincing-win-over-wales/

Munster Championship Semi- Final

 

Limerick fall to one point extra time defeat against Tipperary

Limerick suffered an agonising one point defeat after extra time as Tipperary progressed to the Munster Senior Football final after extra time.

Billy Lee’s charges will rue letting a seven point half-time lead slip while they also led by a point during the second period of extra time.

Ultimately it was Brian Fox’s score in the 89th minute that sealed Tipperary’s win, with Seamus O’Carroll seeing a late effort drop wide for Limerick as the Treaty men fell short in their quest to reach a first Munster final since 2010.

Tipperary started the game slightly brighter firing over and early free from Connor Sweeney.

The home side then started to settle with their first effort coming from Sean McSweeney before goalkeeper Donal O’ Sullivan spilt the posts with a long-range free.

The Premier County were the better of the sides after the water break with Sweeney pointing before Quinlivan’s goal effort was put over by the Limerick keeper.

After being kept scoreless for 12 minutes, Limerick managed to break through the away sides defence with Sean McSweeney slotting low into the net.

Tommie Griffin landed a monster point minutes later before Fahy netted a second goal after a fine crossfield ball.

Sweeney nailed another free, before Killian Ryan fired over the final score of the half for Limerick as they led by 2-6 to 0-5 at half time.

The visitors flew out of the blocks after the break, hitting 1-6 without any reply from the home side.

Sweeney and Lonergan slotted frees while Kevin Fahey came up from the back to add his name to the scorers.

Lonergan notched another free, with Sweeney getting a monster point from play.

The benches started to be emptied then with Tipp sub Liam Boland adding another score.

Just before the water break, Liam Casey palmed the ball into the Limerick net.

Limerick midfielder Darragh Treacy got the home side first point of the half.

With time almost up, Cian Sheehan scored to put Limerick one point up before Sweeney hit an outrageous free from the sideline to make the game go to extra time.

Scores were difficult to come by in extra time with Tipperary kicking the only score of the first period of extra time through Boland.

Limerick flew out the blocks after the break with McSweeney scoring from play before Donal O’Sullivan slotted a ’45.

Robbie Kiely responded to level the game, before Brian Fox’s late score ensured Limerick suffered a heart-breaking defeat.

Limerick: Donal O’Sullivan (0-2, 1f 1’45); Sean O’Dea, Brian Fanning, Paul Maher; Tony McCarthy, Killian Ryan (0-1), Gordon Brown; Darragh Treacy (0-1), Tommie Childs; Iain Corbett, Cillian Fahy (1-1), Adrian Enright; Hugh Bourke (0-2, both frees), Tommy Griffin (0-1), Sean McSweeney (1-2). Subs: Padraig de Brun for Adrian Enright (h-t), Danny Neville for Sean McSweney (50mins), Cian Sheehan (0-1) for Tommy Griffin (50mins), Bob Childs for Gordan Brown (54mins), Seamus O’Carroll for Killian Ryan (65mins), Michael Donovan for Tony McCarthy (6mins, e-t), Davey Lyons for Cillian Fahy (11mins, e-t), Sean McSweeney for Paul Maher (h-t, e-t).

Tipperary: Evan Comerford; Alan Campbell, Jimmy Feehan, Colm O’Shaughnessy; Bill Maher, Kevin Fahey (0-1), Robbie Kiely (0-1); Conal Kennedy, Liam Casey (1-0); Jack Kennedy (0-2, both frees), Colman Kennedy, Emmet Moloney; Jason Lonergan, Conor Sweeney (0-7, 0-5 frees), Michael Quinlivan (0-1). Subs: Brian Fox (0-1) for Jason Lonergan (h-t), Liam Boland (0-2) for Colm Kennedy (h-t), Riain Quigley for Jack Kennedy, inj (58mins), Kevin O’Halloran for Emmet Moloney (65mins), Tadhg Fitzgerald for Colm O’Shaughnessy (68mins), Colman Kennedy for Riain Quigley (6mins, e-t), Paudie Feehan for Kevin Fahy (11mins, e-t), Kevin O’Halloran for Liam Boland (18mins, e-t).

http://limerickvoice.com/sport/limerick-fall-to-one-point-extra-time-defeat-against-tipperary/

Treaty United Preview

Rooney believes Treaty United can pull off upset

Treaty United are looking to create their own bit of history this Sunday when they travel to Bishopstown Stadium to take on local rivals Cork City in the FAI Women’s Senior Cup semi-final (kick-off 2pm).

A win on Sunday afternoon would see this new side make it to the biggest event in the Irish women’s soccer calendar.

Both sides will both be determined to reach the December 12^th showpiece event which will be broadcast live on RTE2 as a standalone event for the first time.

Treaty United manager Dave Rooney is delighted with the progress his side have made throughout this current campaign and believes his charges enter the game with no pressure on their shoulders.

“We are confident enough about the game. We enter this game as heavy underdogs which means there is no real pressure on us.”

“It will be a massive challenge for us. Cork City are a well-established club and have a pedigree in the competition, as they won the cup three years ago”.

Limerick are well prepared for this game although Rooney states there are two injury concerns among his side.

Rooney says that Irish U17 international Aoife Horgan is out of the biggest game in Treaty United’s brief history due to a foot injury.

Horgan scored last weekend as the Limerick side secured a memorable 5-4 victory against Bohemians in the league while the talented attacker also found the net in her side’s FAI Women’s Senior Cup quarter-final win against DLR Waves.

 “She could have a broken metatarsal. At the time of talking I am not one hundred per cent certain. Aoife is a huge loss for the team given she is our top scorer this year.”

The goalkeeping coach for the Irish U17 women’s side is hoping that other players step up to the mark in Horgan’s absence.

One of the players he will need to be fit is captain Marie Curtin.

However, Rooney admits the former Republic of Ireland international is struggling with a hand injury.

Despite having two players potentially out of the game, Rooney is hoping his squad will step up to the mark.

“Our squad will step up and we won’t make any excuses no matter what the result. We will work hard, stick to our plan and try our best.”

When these sides met in September, Cork City ran out 5-2 winners and Treaty United will face an uphill task to secure a result. If they do upset the odds, then it would be a huge step forward for women’s soccer in the city and county.

http://limerickvoice.com/sport/rooney-believes-treaty-united-can-pull-off-upset/

Munster Football Championship Report

 Limerick through to semis with convincing win over Waterford

Limerick secured their place in the Munster senior football Championship semi-finals after an impressive 11 point win against Waterford.

When these sides met in the league earlier this year, Limerick prevailed by three points but Billy Lee’s charges only trailed once throughout this game as they dominated proceedings.

The home side fired over the first score of the game through there captain Conor Murray. Limerick then gained control with the aid of a breeze with Killian Fahy rifling an effort to the back of the Waterford net.

Limerick kept the foot on the peddle firing over four more unanswered points from Ian Corbett, Tony McCarthy along with two from Hugh Bourke.

Limerick second major of the game came from Adrian Enright after some fine teamwork from the Limerick forwards. Murray fired over a point in response just before the water break.

However, a Fahy score maintained Limerick’s advantage as the game entered a lull with Waterford managing to get the last two scores of the half from Jason Curry and Darragh Corcoran.

Limerick flew out of the blocks at the start of the second half hitting the first four scores of the half, three of them from play with Bourke notching two of those. Waterford responded with scores from Dylan Guiry and Shane Ahearne in between a free from McSweeney.

However, Limerick maintained their composure as they emptied their bench with the game entering the final quarter. Substitute Seamus O’ Carroll fired over for Limerick but Jason Curry knocked over two place balls in reply. Ryan notched another score before Tony Gray slotted the Waterford’s last score.

Davy Lyons who had also come off the bench landed the final two scores of the game for Limerick.

The Treaty men will now be awaiting the winners of Tipperary and Clare with the Munster semi-final down for decision next week.

Waterford: Aaron Beresford: Darach Ó Cathasasaigh, Brian Looby, Robbie Flynn: Sean O’ Donovan, Tony Grey (0-1), William Hahessy, Michael Curry, Dermot Ryan : Dylan Guiry(0-1), Jason Curry (0-3 2fs, Jack Mullaney: Conor Murray(0-2), Shane Ahearne(0-1m), Darragh Corcoran (0-1)

Subs Used: Rian Reddy, James Beresford, James Walsh

Limerick: Donal O Sullivan: Sean O’ Dea, Brian Fanning, Paul Maher : Tony McCarthy(0-1), Iain Corbett (0-1), Gordon Brown(0-1); Darragh Treacy, Tommie Childs: Killian Ryan(0-1), Cillian Fahy(1-1), Adrian Enright(1-0): Hugh Bourke(0-42fs,1m), Tommy Griffin , Sean McSweeney(0-2,1p,1f)

Subs Used: Seamus O’ Carroll (0-1), Davy Lyons (0-2), Cian Sheehan, Michael Donovan, Robbie Childs

http://limerickvoice.com/sport/limerick-through-to-semis-with-convincing-win-over-waterford/