THE 15,650 people in the crowd at Thurles were treated to an enthralling encounter in the Munster hurling championship between Limerick and Waterford today. A 70th minute goal by John Mullane was the game breaker as Limerick lost out 3-15 to 3-14 in a classic game of hurling at the GAA HQ. The game was an advert for hurling.
Limerick’s had stars all over the field and should have at least drawn the game. Indeed referee Kelly could have awarded a late free but he decided against it and Limerick lost out. For more reaction and analysis, check out this week’s Limerick Post.
THE early attendees at Thurles were treated to an entertaining intermediate semi final curtain raiser. The Limerick side, winning out 2-12 to 2-9 in the end, in a game played at fast pace considering the rain. Limerick now advance to the Munster final. Well, that’s one for the day.
Late change for Waterford as Richie Foley is replaced by David O’Sullivan
16.02 The game starts with several changes and a unique sight of all the Limerick forwards in a bunch. PFP means point from play.
Limerick start well with several blocks and hooks from the backs.
2nd PFP from Donal O’Grady. after a good cover tackle by Brian Geary.
L 0-1 W 0-0
3rd PFP from Pauric Mahony.
L 0-1 W 0-1
6th PFP Kevin Downes, great stick work from the tall debutant.
L 0-2 W 0-1
7th PFP John Mullane, break in midfield.
L 0-2 W 0-2
8th PENALTY to Waterford for Damien Reale taking down, Brian O’Sullivan. Pauric Mahony to take, saved by Seamus Hickey and Damien Reale. Limerick clear.
After 10 minutes, it is noticeable to see Brian Geary will not be moving from his centre back spot. He is a permanent fixture and something Waterford might look to exploit.
12th Goal for Waterfrod as Mullane slips past Condon and fires to the net.
W 1-2 L 0-2
13th PFP Niall Moran. Worked well off of his own hurley. Good response from Limerick.
W 1-2 L 0-3
16th Wayne Mc Namara is booked for late hook on Pauric Mahony. Looked worse on the TV than here in the stadium
17th Pauric Mahony to take the resulting free.
W 1-3 L 0-3
19th Free to Limerick for Hutchinson over carrying. Richie Mc Carthy scores.
W 1-3 L 0-4
21st Free once more to Limerick for Waterford dragging back players. Mc Carthy misses the free.
23rd PFP Shane O’Sullivan after work by Mullane in the corner.
W 1-4 L 0-4
24th PFP Shane Walsh. Waterford forward takes one touch and it’s over the bar.
W 1-5 L 0-4
Six wides for Limerick now as they struggle to make inroads in the full forward line.
25th PFP Maurice Shanahan as Limerick look to stay in touch now.
W 1-6 L 0-4
27th Gavin O’Mahoney booked for kick out. Reale and Mc Namara are all booked now and we are only 27 minutes in.
28th Shane Walsh booked for a sliding tackle on Seamus Hickey. First Waterford player is now booked.
31st Pauric Mahony scores from a free after Damien Reale fouls him.
W 1-7 L 0-4
34th GOAL for Limerick from Wayne Mc Namara. A great goal from the wing back, worked up the field well.
W 1-7 L 1-4
35th PFP from Donal O’Grady. Limerick are coming back. A great score from the Granagh Ballingarry man.
W 1-7 L 1-5
36th PFP from Brian O’Sullivan.
W 1-8 L 1-5
37th PFP Maurice Shanahan. Looked wide from the press box.
W 1-9 L 1-5
38th PFP Niall Moran as Richie Mc Carthy gets a save from Hennessy.
W 1-9 L 1-6
————— HALF TIME —————–
1st Brian Geary taps over a free from the middle of the field.
W 1-9 L 1-7
3rd GOAL from Kevin Downes. A great score from the young man. Limerick in the lead.
L 2-7 W 1-9
4th PFP from Donal O’Grady. Unbelievable score from the midfielder.
L 2-8 W 1-9
5th PFP Sean Tobin. Limerick are flying and going well now.
L 2-9 W 1-9 That’s 1-3 unanswered.
7th GOAL for Waterford. Shane Walsh breaks through on his own and strikes to the net.
W 2-9 L 2-9
9th Free to Waterford for John Mullane throwing himself down on the ground. Pauric Mahony scores.
W 2-10 L 2-9
11th PFP John Mullane as again Condon slips. He needs to swap the boots or be swapped off of Mullane.
W 2-11 L 2-9
12th PFP Brian O’Sullivan as Limerick struggle to clear.
W 2-12 L 2-9
14th Michael Walsh booked for Waterford after about 19 fouls on the Limerick half forward line. Free to be taken by Mc Carthy. Scored.
W 2-12 L 2-10
15th PFP Niall Moran. A monster score from the middle of the field.
W 2-12 L 2-11
15th GOAL for Limerick from Kevin Downes. A star is born. The 19 year old is killing the Deise on his own.
L 3-11 W 2-12
This match is turning into a classic. 8 wides a piece and Limerick are looking like they could do this.
18th Hutchinson booked for a kick on Moran. Geary with the free. Dropped to the goalie.
19th Free to Waterford as Reale struggles to contain Brian O’Sullivan. Reale is lucky now as he is already booked.
19th Pauric Mahony tacks on the free.
L 3-11 W 2-13
20th Wayne Mc Namara wins a free after running almost 40 yards with the ball. Mc Carthy to take it. It’s good.
L 3-12 W 2-13 (Limerick by 2)
21st PFP Pauric Mahony. From the puck out straight over the bar.
L 3-12 W 2-14 (Limerick by 1)
22nd David Moloney comes on for Damien Reale.
25th PFP Pauric Mahony. His 7th.
L 3-12 W 2-15 (They are level)
28th Pat Tobin for Richie Mc Carthy
30th David Breen for Sean Tobin. 5 to go, all to play for. What chance the draw?
32nd David Breen scores a Ciaran Carey-esque point to take the lead.
L 3-13 W 2-15
33rd PFP Niall Moran. A monster point once more from the Ahane man. Limerick by 2 now.
L 3-14 W 2-15
34th Free to Waterford. Straight in front as Waterford look to get within one. Eoin Kelly to take. Saved.
35th Mullane gets the late goal. Waterford lead by a point. Disaster. Time is up.
W 3-15 L 3-14
Limerick lose. Should have at least gotten a draw.
Limerick:
Quaid, Reale, Hickey, Condon, Mc Namara, Geary, O’Mahony, O’Grady, Browne, Ryan, Mc Carthy, Moran, Tobin, Downes, Mulcahy.
Waterford:
Hennessy, Fives, Hutchinson, Connors, Browne, Walsh, Moran, Foley, S O’Sullivan, Mahony, Molumphy, Shanahan, Mullane, Walsh, B O’Sullivan
