CAMOGIE: Gallant Limerick bow out to Armagh in close quarter-final encounter

THE Limerick camogie team narrowly missed out on an All-Ireland semi-final after being beaten by current champions Armagh in Saturday’s All-Ireland Junior championship on a scoreline of 1-16 to 3-8.

With the game being played in tricky conditions in Westmeath, Pat Ryan’s got off to a flyer, doubling Armagh’s scoring as the sides went in at 2-4 to 0-5 at the first water break.

Early goals from Michelle Curtin and Íde Cunningham were testament to the determined Limerick side who were quick out of the blocks.

The lead was six at one stage but as champions do, Armagh stuck in there to cut the deficit to three at the interval.

As the second half went on, it was Armagh who had the momentum.

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The third quarter belonged to them and they overturned the scoreboard to lead by three at the end of it.

As is common knowledge, a three point lead is a dangerous one and the Limerick team flipped a switch in the final quarter.

2020 minor captain Ailbhe Larkin slotted a crucial point between the posts before Valerie Shanahan sent a bullet to the Armagh net to give Limerick the lead at 3-8 to 1-13 with 10 to go.

Armagh drew level on 27 minutes thanks to another free from the accurate Ciara Donnelly.

The Armagh captain was on fire from start to finish and ended the game with a personal haul of 0-12 (9f).

The girls in green put the Armagh defence under the ultimate test for the last few moments but they stood their ground to come out winners on a scoreline of 3-8 to 1-16.

Plenty for the Limerick team to be proud of, putting up a valiant effort up against the champions and were unlucky not to have a semi-final spot to look forward to.

As for Armagh, they’re up against Clare next Saturday in Kilkenny, vying for a spot in the final.

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