LIMERICK’S quest for a third All-Ireland Junior Ladies Football title fell just short against Down at Croke Park.
Rated as serious outsiders, Limerick belied this tag and remained in the hunt for honours all through but were eventually squeezed out by their northern opponents, 1-7 to 0-8.
Down had led by the narrowest of margins at the break (following an opening-half in which their opponents were unlucky not to have grabbed a couple of goals) but quick unanswered points on the restart from Monagea pair Deborah Murphy and Karen O’Leary had Limerick ahead, 0-6 to 0-5.
The turning-point, mid-way through the half, was the game’s only goal from substitute from Orla Swail.
Limerick lost a player to the dreaded sin-bin in the closing quarter.
Caoimhe McGrath of Fr. Casey’s top-scored for Limerick with 0-4.
