Limerick suffer loss to Antrim in Very National Camogie League

Limerick 1-11
Antrim 2-17

Tom Clancy reports from Mick Neville Park
Limerick suffered a second consecutive defeat at the start of their VERY Camogie League Division 1B campaign. After trailing by just a point at half-time, Limerick were unable to stop a sharper looking Antrim who pulled clear in the third quarter.

Following a narrow defeat in Wexford last weekend, Limerick were aiming to bounce back against a confident Antrim outfit.

An inexperienced looking Limerick outfit matched their opponents for much of the opening half, though Limerick relied heavily on the free-taking of full-forward, Clare Keating. The Cappamore player, was goalkeeper last season but has been deployed at the opposite end this season.

She was joined on the scoresheet by Áine Reynolds and Sarah O’Brien. At the other end, a 6^th minute goal from Aine Magill gave Antrim a foothold and she was one of the leading lights for the Saffrons. Indeed, Magill, together with Caitrin Dobbin contributed 2-11 of their total.

Dobbin’s free with the final act of the first half left it Limerick 0-8, Antrim 1-6. The wind had favoured the home side in Mick Neville Park.

Limerick wouldn’t be level again as Antrim outscored John Lillis’ side 1-7 to 0-2 over the next 20 minutes. A powerful, low finish from Dobbin was the final blow to the Limerick challenge.

There was a strong finish from Limerick in attack, scoring a quick-fire 1-1. The goal came from Caoimhe Lyons after a poorly executed free was rescued and the net was struck. Subs Sophie O’Callaghan and Lizzie Boylan combined with the latter firing over, under pressure from range.

They must regroup ahead of a trip to Waterford next Saturday, who are the favourites to top group 1B, after their strong Championship run last season.

Elsewhere on Saturday, the Limerick Junior Camogie side lost out, also against Antrim. This 3B clash was played in Cappamore. It finished 0-10 to 1-5 to the Ulster outfit.

Scorers for Limerick: Claire Keating 0-8 (0-6 frees, 0-1 ’45’); Caoimhe Lyons 1-0; Áine Reynolds, Sarah O’Brien, Lizzie Boylan 0-1 each.

Scorers for Antrim: Caitrin Dobbin 1-7 (0-2 frees, 0-1 ‘45’); Áine Magill 1-4; Shannon Graham 0-2, Finnouala Kelly, Siobhán McKillop, Cassie McArthur, Mary McKillen 0-1 each.

Limerick: Laura O’Neill; Marian Quaid ©, Muireann Creamer, Teresa Dore; Emma Kennedy, Ailbhe Larkin, Stephanie Woulfe; Noirin Lenihan, Mairead Ryan; Caomihe Lyons, Áine Reynolds, Orlaith Kelleher; Sarah O’Brien, Claire Keating, Cliodhna Ryan.

Subs: Lizzie Boylan for Lenihan, Éle Madigan for O’Brien (both 52), Sophie O’Callaghan for Ryan, Ciara O’Riordan for Kelleher (both 55), Emily O’Halloran for Kennedy, Amy Burke for Reynolds (both 60).

Antrim: Catriona Graham; Colleen Patterson, Caoimhe Conlon, Maria Lynn; Amy Boyle, Lucia McNaughton, Niamh Cosgrove; Shannon Graham, Siobhan McKillop; Katie McKillop, Mary McKillen, Aine Magill; Fionnula Kelly, Cassie McArthur, Caitrin Dobbin.

Subs: Nuala Devlin for McArthur (41), Niamh Anne Donnelly for Kelly (46).

Referee: Cathal McAllister (Cork)