LIMERICK slipped to a second loss in as many outings in the Munster Under-20 Hurling Championship at Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale.
Beaten by Clare a week earlier, Limerick’s 3-18 to 1-17 defeat to Cork now makes qualification for the knock-out phase a serious risk, with a difficult away trip to Cork next up on May 26.
After the group stage, the top team qualifies for the final while the next pair clash in a semi.
In Rathkeale, Limerick reeled off the opening three points without reply but shortly afterwards the visitors took the lead, one which was never subsequently relinquished.
Tipp were 2-12 to 1-8 ahead at the interval. Limerick’s goal came through a penalty effort from Hugh Flanagan.
Darragh McCarthy, who helped Nenagh CBS to Harty Cup glory earlier in the year, was the best player on the show, striking 1-9.
Limerick: Pierce Connery (Kilmallock); Mikey Fitzgibbon (Cappamore), Darragh Langan (Monaleen), Shane Fitzgibbon (Dromin-Athlacca); Vince Harrington (Na Piarsaigh), Matthew Fitzgerald (Monaleen), Cian Scully, captain, (Dromin-Athlacca); Joe Fitzgerald (Monaleen), Con Hayes (Newcastle West); Robert O’Farrell (Kildimo-Pallaskenry), Fintan Fitzgerald (Mungret-St Paul’s), Donal Coughlan (Doon); Hugh Flanagan (Garrspillane), Shane O’Brien (Kilmallock), Oisín O’Farrell (Askeaton/Kilcornan Desmonds).
Substitutes used: Wayne Kearns (Na Piarsaigh), Dara Ferland (Monaleen), Mark Riordan (Castletown-Ballyagran), Daniel Scully (Dromin-Athlacca), Tádgh Boddy (Bruff).
