NEXT month’s Limerick Senior Football Final will involve holders Newcastle West (NCW) facing off against Adare, who came through respective weekend semi-finals against Monaleen and Fr Casey’s of Abbeyfeale.
It’s a repeat of last year’s decider, which Newcastle West won comfortably.
Both teams returned 1-10 each in their semi-finals last Sunday.
Jimmy Lee’s Newcastle West were first to book their place in the 2022 final, but were given a stern test from supposed outsiders Monaleen, under the watchful guidance of Muris Gavin. The city outfit were in front, narrowly 0-5 to 0-4 at the interval, but were outgunned in the closing 30 minutes in Askeaton.
The eventual winners, under the captaincy of county ace Iain Corbett, kicked 1-5 (to 0-4) in the closing period, the crucial score arriving close to the finish from the razor-sharp Diarmaid Kelly.
Newcastle West’s Brian Hurley and Ger Collins (Monaleen) were joint top-scorers with five points apiece, both proving efficient from placed-balls.
The showdown finished 1-10 to 0-10.
Kevin Long Memorial Park, Feenagh – one of the most sanded pitches around – was well-qualified to host, at short notice, the other semi-final.
Fr Casey’s, who shot a huge number of wides over the hour, led by 0-3 to nil inside the early stages, but Adare came through by a comfortable five points in the end, 1-10 to 0-8.
Much similar to the earlier semi, the game’s only goal arrived near the end, courtesy of Shane O’Connor.
Robbie Bourke’s overall contribution was also important for Adare.
John Brudair’s side are now within touching distance of a fourth title since 2017, but Newcastle West have been installed as favourites to retain their crown and claim the championship for a sixth occasion.
