Limerick fall to Waterford defeat to end knockout hopes in Camogie championship

The result ends Limerick’s chances of reaching the knockout stages of this year’s championship.

John Lillis’ Limerick camogie side were on the end of a harsh beating in Cappamore on Sunday, as his team lost 2-19 to 0-11 to a strong Waterford. The result ends Limerick’s chances of reaching the knockout stages of this year’s championship, following a disappointing loss to Antrim in the first round.

The Saffrons defeated Offaly over the weekend to secure a final day showdown with the Deise in the final round. As for Limerick they meet Offaly in a bid to avoid a relegation play off.

The Deise set the tone right from the off on Sunday, scoring within seconds of the throw in. A pair of Claire Keating frees put the Shannonsiders on the scoreboard, but Waterford would command a five point lead when Niamh Rockett fired home a goal after just seven minutes.

The Deise dominance would only grow, as they went on to score five unanswered points, before Sophie O’Callaghan got Limerick’s first point from play after eighteen minutes. Keating stepped up with two more frees to bring her side’s tally to five going into the break, trailing by nine, 1-11 to 0-5.

Again there would be a score straight from the throw in, except this time it was in Limerick’s favour, as Caoimhe Costello fired over. Another pair of Keating frees were followed by another Costello point but Waterford still managed to add to their advantage with the Shannonsiders ten points behind mid way though the second half.

Just five minutes later Beth Carton found her side’s second goal of the day, as she smashed the ball home, extending her sides advantage to thirteen.

Waterford saw out a game they controlled from start to finish, to win on a scoreline of 2-19 to 0-11, and book their spot in the next round of the championship.

For Lillis and his side, it is unfortunately the end of the road in a qualification bid, although they have one game left to play against Offaly, in what will be a battle to avoid bottom spot and a place in a relegation play-off.

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