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/

Munster Championship Preview

 Limerick footballers look to build on league success

Limerick will be travelling to Fraher Field as they face Waterford on Saturday night (throw-in 7pm) hoping to progress to a Munster Championship semi-final.

Fraher Field is always a difficult ground to travel to especially with Waterford looking to gain revenge for defeats in this year’s league and last year’s championship.

Despite Limerick securing promotion and winning Division 4 in the process, form counts for little in the white heat of Championship battle and in a one-off game it is difficult to predict what could happen.

Billy Lee’s side will be hoping to continue their flying form since the restart and show that their promotion to Division Three is a statement of intent.

If Limerick can account for Waterford then they will face Tipperary or Clare in the semi-finals

Considering Limerick overcame Tipperary in last year’s Championship while Clare only survived relegation from Division 2 by the skin of their teeth, Billy Lee’s men would certainly be in with an excellent chance of reaching their first Munster final since 2010.

Limerick’s squad improvement during the league is going to make it difficult for Billy Lee to decide on a starting 15 for this game.

To have a player like Seamus O’ Carroll potentially coming off the bench could make a huge difference if the game is in the balance in the second half.

Meanwhile, Iain Corbett has excelled at centre back with the spine of this Limerick team looking very strong.

Limerick’s defensive unit held firm against Sligo last weekend and they will hope that they show some of this defensive solidity on Saturday night also.

Goalkeeper and captain Donal O’ Sullivan could have a big say in this game at both ends with his long range free-taking important for his side as he kicked two points last weekend against Sligo.

Limerick will be favourites heading into this clash and the momentum generated from winning Division Four should help them overcome this tricky challenge on Saturday night

http://limerickvoice.com/sport/limerick-footballers-look-to-build-on-league-success/

.

Division 4 Match Report

 

Limerick hold off late Sligo fightback to seal promotion

Limerick secured promotion at the second time of asking as they survived a late Sligo onslaught.

When Billy Lee’s charges went six points up in injury time, it looked as if Limerick would comfortably hold on for victory.

However, Sligo had other ideas, and four late scores made for a nervy finale to this game.

Limerick started the more lively of the two teams, with centre back Ian Corbett broke through the Sligo defence to fire over the first score of the game.

Sligo replied in kind through Sean Carrabine before the visitors fired over three scores without reply to leave three points between the sides at the first water break.

The Treaty men flew out of the blocks after the break with Peter Nash and Corbett slotting over before Bourke rattled the back of the net.

Sligo’s response came from Red Óg Murphy with a point from play and a free.

With the aid of a very strong breeze, Limerick hit back through McSweeney, Fahy and Cillian Ryan.

McSweeney received a black card just before the break, but despite this, Sligo could only muster a pointed free before the break as Limerick led by 1-9 to 0-4.

Murphy opened the second half scoring with a free for Sligo, but Limerick fired over a score of their own.

With Sligo struggling to penetrate the Limerick defence, Murphy added another free for the Yeats men before Limerick midfielder Darragh Treacy drove through middle to score.

O’Connor responded again from play for Sligo, but Bourke slotted over a free before Treacy added another.

Sligo then managed to score 1-3 to drag themselves back into the contest with Barry Gorman hit two fine scores in this period.

Full-forward Pat Hughes then rattled the back of the net for Sligo.

Limerick displayed their composure as Cian Sheehan extended Limerick lead before goalkeeper Donal O’Sullivan kicked two important frees to put six between the sides.

Despite Sligo’s late flurry of points, it was Limerick who held on as they will now be playing Division 3 football next year.

Limerick: 1. Donal Ó’Sullivan (Capt.) (0-2, 0-2frees), 2. Sean O’Dea, 3. Brian Fanning, 4. Paul Maher, 5. Tony McCarthy, 6. Iain Corbett (0-2), 7. Gordon Brown, 8. Darragh Treacy (0-2), 9. Tommy Griffin, 22.Peter Nash(0-1) , 11. Hugh Bourke (1-3 0-2 frees) , 21.Cillian Ryan (0-2), 13. Adrian Enright, 14. Cillian Fahy (0-1), 24. Sean McSweeney(0-2) Subs used: Micheal Donovan, Tommy Childs, Darren O’ Doherty, Cian Sheehan (0-1), Davy Lyons

Sligo: Eamonn Kilgannon; Nathan Mullen, Eddie McGuiness, Sean Murphy; Ryan Feehily, Paul McNamara, Darragh Cummins; Paddy O’ Connor (Capt.) (0-2, 0-1 free), Paul Kilcoyne; Mikey Gordon, Liam Gaughan, Seán Carrabine (0-4) 0-1free, 0-1 ‘45); Red Óg Murphy (0-4, 0-3 frees), Pat Hughes(1-1), Brian McGowan Subs used: Gerard O’ Kelly Lynch, Brian Cox,
Oisin Kennedy, David Quinn, Barry Gorman (0-3), Ryan Feehily

http://limerickvoice.com/sport/limerick-hold-off-late-sligo-fightback-to-seal-promotion/

Limerick vs Sligo Preview

 

Last chance saloon for promotion-chasing Limerick

After failing to gain promotion to Division 3 of the National Football League (NFL) last weekend Limerick have their final opportunity to make the step up when they play Sligo this Saturday in Markievicz Park (throw-in 2pm).

Despite the tight nature of this group, Limerick knows a win against Sligo ensures promotion while any other result means they need results to go their way.

Markievicz Park is never an easy place to go, especially when both sides are in with a chance of promotion.

The stakes could not be higher for Billy Lee’s side as Limerick alongside Wicklow and Wexford are all level on points at the top of the table with the latter two counties facing each other in the final round of games.

However, Limerick’s score difference of -2 is worse than Wexford (+19) and Wicklow (+36). Antrim on seven points along with Carlow and Sligo who are both on six points could mathematically earn promotion.

Billy Lee will be hoping that his team start this game much quicker than last weekend when they found themselves five points down inside 15 minutes.

The big question on Limerick’s fans lips is will the manager start Tommy Griffin, Sean McSweeney and Killian Ryan who made a significant impact off the bench against Wexford with Griffin scoring a goal three minutes after coming off the bench.

If Billy Lee picks the same 15 that started against Wexford, he will expect the forwards to make more of an impact on the scoreboard especially Seamus O’ Carroll who is playing senior club football with Castleknock in Dublin.

The Limerick full-back line needs to be ready for what this dangerous Sligo full-forward unit will throw at them.

In Sligo’s defeat to Carlow last weekend, their full-forward line of Red Óg Murphy, Liam Gaughan and Pat Hughes scored 1-10 between them.

If Limerick can stop a decent supply of possession coming to the Sligo inside line, they will have a strong chance of emerging victorious.

Limerick’s fate is in their own hands, and they should take enough lessons from last weekend’s defeat to seal a vital victory.

http://limerickvoice.com/sport/last-chance-saloon-for-promotion-chasing-limerick/

Fresher A Hurling

NUIG 3-18

MIC 3-12

The fresher A hurlers traveled up to Dangan Wednesday night to play in an all or nothing knockout hurling game.

The game started off at a serious pace with both sides hitting the net in there first attacks the home sides goal coming through there wing forward before MIC’s full forward rattled home a response after the ball came down of the post.  The game settled down then after such a frenetic start. The away side edged ahead with a fine point from wing back John Ryan, the home sides response came with a point from that wing forward again. MIC’s center back Aidan McCarthy then dissected the posts from the sideline to edge them back in front again. NUIG responded with a quick-fire goal and two points. With the game ebbing and flowing either side, NUIG corner back got a straight red card for a bad tackle.  Aidan Griffin duly slotted over the resulting free before adding another shortly after. Cathal O Leary extended the lead for the away side with another long-range point. The homes side responded with a two frees either side of a Griffin goal from play. With the game edging towards the whistle the scores kept on flowing with MIC firing over three more points and NUIG responding 4 giving the home side a 1-point lead at the break.

 The home side flew out of the blocks in the 2^nd half with there center forward firing over 5 frees in succession. McCarthy responded with a point from play before adding another from a dead ball. NUIG tagged on 4 more points with a solitary reply from Griffin from a dead ball again. With MIC needing a draw to get through and time nearly up they started to launch ball after ball on top of the NUIG defense Power fired narrowly over the bar before Griffin buried a 21-yard free to leave a goal in it. With MIC going on all out attack NUIG finished the game off with a goal with the last puck of the game.

MIC; Micheal Duggan, John Ryan, Jason Niland, Darragh Nolan, John Nolan (0-1), Aidan McCarthy (0-3), Liam Delaney (0-1), Aaron Ryan, Eoin Guilfoyle, Cathal O Leary (0-1), William Halpin, Ciaran Byrne (0-1), Cathal Doyle, Cormac Power (1-1) Aodan Griffin (2-4)

Giles Cup Mary I Ladies

DCU 3-06

MIC 4-6

After a pulsating quarter final, the away side (MIC) have qualified for the Giles Cup semifinal.

MIC took control of the game right from the opening whistle with their opening point of the game through full forward Emma Dineen. The away then took complete control of the game with two quick fire with goals these coming from Grainne Regan and Aisling Healy to extend there first half lead. DCU hit a point in reply before Brid Ryan responded in kind for the away side. With the game edging to the half time whistle DCU fired in a late goal to narrow the gap even further.

The 2^nd half was a much tenser affair with both defences coming out on top in the opening phases of play. Despite defences been on top MIC hit points from Aoife Murray, Eimear Kiely, Aisling Healy and Kate Leneghan, before a late rally from DCU, which levelled the game before DCU were awarded a late penalty which gave them a very late 3-point lead. This didn’t phase the MIC girls who managed to keep their heads with Leneghan burying a goal from a tight angle before Laura Cleary gathered the ball after a fine flowing move and fired the ball into the net to end the game with MIC leading by 3 at the final whistle

The girls will play the semi-final which will be in the Kerry GAA Centre of Excellence on Friday March 13th V TUD or MU.

Mary I Junior Hurlers

UCC 3-19

MIC 0-9

The MIC junior hurlers travelled to the Mardyke for there 2^nd  match in the space of week. The away side only travelled with 15 players to this knockout clash.

The home side hit the ground running from the opening whistle scoring  6 unanswered points, four of these coming from play along with two dead balls. MIC eventually opened the scoring through corner forward Ciaran Barrett from a free before wing back Jack Ryan split the posts from long range before Barrett added two more frees to narrow the gap. UCC responded with four more quick fire scores before the break to extend there lead before half time giving them a 6-point lead at the break.

MIC opened the scoring of this half with a free from Barrett before UCC responded with another point from play. The away side started to get back into the game firing over 3 scores in quick succession. The first coming from midfielder David Croke after a fine run from the middle before Barrett slotted over two more dead balls. These scores narrowed the gap to three points. This was the closest the away side got to UCC. The home side then took complete control after Barrett’s score, in this purple patch they scored 3-8. This finished the game of a contest. Barrett fired over one more free for the away side to narrow the gap at the end.

Unfortunately, this was the end of the road for the junior hurlers for the season

MIC Joe Lynch; Ciaran Guinan, Kevin O’ Mara, Stephen Curry; Gerard O’ Dwyer, Oisin Ryan, Jack Ryan (0-1); David Croke(0-1), Dan O’ Donovan, Barry Motherway, Donal Donoghue, Michael Cussen, Ciaran Barrett(0-7) , Martin Grace, Damien Boyle

Ladies Moynihan Cup

UL 8-11

MIC 4-18

The MIC ladies 2^nd football team played in an all or nothing knock out game in the Moynihan cup against cross city rivals UL. Unfortunately, UL came out on top in this high scoring thriller

MIC the away team started the opening half stronger slotting over the first two points of the game the first coming from Katie Buckley before full forward Aoife Gavin added a 2^nd. UL responded with a point before Gavin slotted over another to extend MIC lead. UL bagged there first goal of the game shortly after, Gavin was on fire up front dissecting the posts from an acute angle before UL slammed in their second goal of the half before Gavin responded with yet again with a free. With scores coming from nearly every attack UL extended their lead with two more quick fire points. MIC added another point with UL yet again adding another to extend their lead. UL attack looked menacing every time the ball went near them with two more goals coming in quick succession before Buckley fired over for MIC. UL tapped over another from play before Aisling Bauman got her name on the score sheet, Gavin then buried the ball into the net to narrow the gap. With the game heading towards the interval the scoring didn’t let up with UL hitting 2-1 and MIC getting the last two scores of the half through corner forward Hannah Meaney.

Ul opened the scoring fest again with a fine long range before Gavin fired over a free.  Point taking was in great show in some awful conditions with UL firing over before Buckley and Gavin added one more each for the away side. UL bagged another quick goal and point with widened the gap even more, before Bauman and Buckley added more points in between a solitary point from UL. Every score UL put over MIC would respond with two points the next two scores coming from the aforementioned Gavin and Buckley. With the game in its dying embers in seemed to burst into life, with goals flying in at both ends with UL hitting the first before MIC hit three goals and a point without reply. The first goal coming from Buckley before Menaney hit two goals in quick succession before Buckley fired over the last score of the game in anger.

MIC; Muireann Egan; Sadhbh Lally, Kate Dillon, Shauna Fleming; Edwina Curran, Shauna Coakley, Caoimhe Ni Cheallaigh, Emer Hanrahan, Aobha O’ Gorman; Katie Buckley (1-6), Aisling Bauman (0-2) Emily McCarthy, Triona Murphy, Aoife Gavin (1-7) Hannah Meaney (2-3)

Mary I Freshers Footballers

MIC 2-16

Tralee IT 6-9

MIC’s freshers’ footballers welcomed Tralee to their home ground in the second round of the group. A game which was played in great spirits in dreadful conditions. Both sides hitting some glorious scores from the word go, with the saying goals win games certainly true in this game.

The away side playing against a stiff breeze opened the scoring with a point from play before adding another from a free. MIC opened their account through corner forward Eanna Ryan who slotted over from play. Tralee corner forward duly responded in kind before MIC hit two scores one from wing forward Gerry O’ Sullivan before midfielder Jack Curtin mad his way up the field to dissect the uprights. Tralee fired in the first goal of the game against the run of play, MIC’s response came through full forward Philp Talty who buried the ball in the net from the next attack, Curtin added another point to narrow the gap. Tralee then hit the net twice in the space of a couple of minutes which was a hammer blow for the home side. With the game heading towards the break the home side hit 1-5 without reply with the scores coming from frees from David Dineen hitting over two which Talty adding another. MIC’s center back Tadhg Roche made his way up the field to fire in a 2^nd goal of the game before Dineen and O Sullivan got the last two scores of the opening half

Tralee came out of the blocks much quicker in the second half slotting over four scores three from frees and one from play.  Billy Murphy responded for MIC. Tralee hit another quick goal and point to extend their lead. O Sullivan pulled the home side back into it with two more frees. Tralee looked dangerous going forward another attack resulted in another goal and point from play. Frees were keeping the home side in this game with O Sullivan adding two more to his tally before Talty fired over a 45. Tralee added one final goal in the dying embers with Talty getting the final score of the game from a close in free.

MIC will play AIT in the 3^rd game of the group next Tuesday in Athlone.

MIC; John Duignan; Padraig Holly, Brian Campbell, Sean Gorman; Paul Linehan, Tadhg Roche(1-0), Oisin Daly, Jack Curtin(0-2) Billy Murphy (0-1); Eoghan McDonagh, David Dineen (0-3), Gerry O’ Sullivan (0-6), Eanna Ryan(0-1) Philp Talty (1-3), Eoin Power

Mary I Junior Hurlers

Mary I         3-12

Tralee IT     3-7

Mary, I come out on top in Dreadful Conditions

The Mary I junior hurlers played there first game of the season in tough conditions down in Tralee. The away side playing with the aid of a strong breeze in the opening half opened the scoring with a free from corner forward Ciaran Barrett, before center forward Donal Donoghue fired over too double Mary I’s lead. Full forward Martin Grace then managed to get his hurl too the ball to in around the goalmouth which resulted in the first major of the day for Mary I. Mary I defense were well on top at this stage clearing ball after ball, one of these clearances fell to wing forward Micheal Cussen who fired slotted the ball between the sticks. Grace then followed up with his second major of the day which extended the away side’s lead. Midfielder Dan O’ Donovan fired over from long range before the aforementioned Barrett slotted over three more frees in the tough conditions. With the game nearing half time the home side fired over a point in anger before hitting there first major of the day to leave the half time score line slightly more respectable.

Tralee came out of the blocks much quicker in the second half with there center back hitting 3 unanswered points.  Barrett came into his own again then for Mary I slotting over another free before hitting arguably the score of the game, fetching the ball over his head out near the sideline and dissecting the uprights. Mary I’s third major came from wing back Jack Ryan after Barrett sideline landed in his hand before he fired into the net. Tralee responded with a free before Ryan added another point. Tralee were stayed in the game with three more frees. Barrett responded again when Mary I needed him firing over from play. With the game nearly over Tralee managed to hit two final majors but unfortunately these came too late, Grace hit an insurance point from a free for Mary I giving them a five-point win.

Mary I will play UCC away in the Mardyke this Thursday in the next round.

Mary I : Joe Lynch; Ciaran Guinan, Kevin O’ Meara, Mark Barry; Mike Cottrell, Oisin Ryan, Jack Ryan (1-1), David Croke, Dan O’ Donavan(0-1), Mark Shanhan, Donal Donoghue(0-1), Micheal Cussen(0-1), Ciaran Barrett( 0-7), Martin Grace( 2-1), Aidan Kirwan

Wicklow Senior Hurling Championship

Avondale 0-15

Eire Óg Greystones 1-19

Eoin Horkan

Pearse’s Park

A proper end to end championship encounter took place in Arklow Saturday evening.

Avondale fired over the opening point of the through corner forward Ross Ward. Eiré óg responded in kind with a score of their own from opposing number 13 Shaun Cranley. Avondale big full Eamon Kearns opened his account for the evening firing over from play before James Cranley responded for the opposition with a great score from play. Avondale then managed to score three frees in a row, two of these coming from Eamon Kearns before midfielder Zach Cullen hit a dead ball over from his own half. James Cranley managed to stop the Avondale scoring dissecting the posts from close range. Avondale added to their lead through midfielder Gearoid Murphy from play before Kearns fired over another free. The younger of those Cranley Shaun scored again from play. Avondale hit their final score of through centre forward Dean Gahn. Eiré Óg hit a purple patch heading towards the break scoring 5 unanswered four of these coming from that man Shaun Cranley again one of these coming from play and the others coming from dead balls. Corner forward Hugh O Neil added the other score to leave the minimum between the sides at the break.

Eire Óg flew out of the box at the start of the second half. Centre back

Andy Walsh one a high ball in his own half and lashed a ball over the bar,

 not too be outdone by his brother midfielder Michael Walsh lashed over

another long range point. Kearns responded with another free. Sharpshooter

Shaun Cranley got two more points one from a dead ball before he added

another from play. With the game been so end to end the sliotar was near the

sideline with both sides going full blooded to gain control of the ball, this led to

a bit of a ruck which ended up with the ref sending off two players off in which

was a widely disputed decision on the sideline. Eire Óg midfielder Kristin Flynn

and Avondale wing forward Paul Gahn giving their marching orders.  Avondale

midfielder Zack Cullen fired over another score to narrow the margin. Eire Óg

then went to finish the game off which they duly did through bustling centre

forward Anto Byrne managed to break through the opposition defence to bat

the ball into the net with Cranley hitting another from play. Kearns yet again

responded with a clever score from play. Eire Óg forwards were clinical with

both corner forwards scoring from play first was from Cranley before Hugh O’

Neil slotted another score. Wing forward Cranley weaved his way through the

defence to put another ball over the bar Kearns was doing his level best to

keep Avondale in this scoring three more quick fire points one from play and

two dead balls. Byrne, Cranley and O’ Neil hit Eire Óg last 3 points of the game

to finish the game off as a contest. Avondale lashed over final consolation

through Ryan Nolan to finish the games scoring.

Eire Óg Scorers; Shaun Cranley 0-10 4fs  , James Cranley 0-4, Anto Byrne 1-1, Andy Walsh 0-1, Michael Walsh 0-1, Hugh O’ Neil 0-2

Avondale Scorers; Eamon Kearns 0-9 5fs, Ross Ward  0-1, Zack Cullen 0-2, Gearoid Murphy 0-1, Dean Gahn 0-1, Ryan Nolan 0-1

Eire Óg; Dan O’ Neil; Dan O’ Connor, Billy Cuddihy, Michael Arrigan; Peter Keane , Andy Walsh, Eoghan Potts; Michael Walsh, Kristin Flynn; Brian Lawless, Anto Byrne, James Cranley; Shaun Cranley, Daniel Salmon, Hugh O Neil

Subs Used; Gavin Parslow for Daniel Salmon, Kevin Byrne for Brian Lawless, Eoin Dorgan for Hugh O’Neil

Avondale; Thomas Finn; Niall Heffernan, Conor Sheehan, Keith Byrne; Jack Manley, Shane Byrne, Eoin Baker; Gearoid Murphy, Zack Cullen; Paul Gahn, Dean Gahn, Ryan Nolan; Ross Ward, Eamon Kearns, Kevin Kinsella

Subs Used; Seamus McGraynor for Kevin Kinsella, Michael O’ Toole for Ross Ward, Anthony O’ Toole for Niall Heffernan