IN THEIR maiden season, Limerick toppled hot-pots Armagh 2-14 to 1-13 following extra time in an absorbing All-Ireland Masters Football Final at Kiltoom (St Brigid’s GAA) in Roscommon.
The teams were level 1-11 each at the end of normal time.
Midfielder John O’Connell of Knockane was the stand-out performer for Limerick, who were under the management of Anthony McCarthy (Kilteely/Dromkeen).
“We actually didn’t have a team at the start of the year, but in February another shout-out was given and this group, who have now won an All-Ireland, responded to the call. It’s just unbelievable the way the season has panned out for Limerick,” revealed an emotional McCarthy.
The boss had particular praise for both captain Maurice O’Connor of Mountcollins and Dromcollogher/Broadford’s Micheál Reidy.
“Ahead of extra-time, I didn’t open my mouth. I didn’t have to, as two boys, Maurice and Micheál, actually stood up in the dressing-room and took control of the situation, as only leaders like them can do,” he said.
Limerick (starting XV): Denis O’Connor (Knockane), Paul Case (Kileedy), Ciarán Carey (Patrickswell), Maurice O’Connor (Mountcollins); Michael Moloney (Caherline), Eddie Mulcahy (Pallasgreen), Andrew Breedy (Galtee Gaels); John O’Kelly (Dromcollogher/Broadford), John O’Connell (Knockane); Gary Campbell (St. Patrick’s), Micheál Reidy (Dromcollogher/Broadford), Ray Lynch (Dromcollogher/Broadford); Michael Geary (St. Patrick’s), Trevor Cosgrave (Knockane), Ronan Magee (Hospital/Herbertstown).
