Adare secure semi-final berth as Ballylanders face into SFC relegation decider

Adare did get off the mark first but were hit with an early goal, Shane O’Donoghue firing home for Landers in the fifth minute.

Adare sealed their place in the last four of the Limerick Senior Football Championship for the seventh successive season with a 0-14 to 2-5 win over Ballylanders on Tuesday evening.

The result not only books Adare their semi-final berth but ensures that Ballylanders will compete in the relegation final for the second successive year.

Five points from the impressive Hugh Bourke saw Adare home in a contest where they rarely looked comfortable against the South side.

Adare did get off the mark first but were hit with an early goal, Shane O’Donoghue firing home for Landers in the fifth minute.

The West side replied with five on the bounce but again Bally found the net, Danny Frown flicking over the head of Jeffrey Alfred to leave it 0-6 to 2-0.

Eoin O’Mahony had Ballylanders’ first point in the 23rd minute as the sides went into the interval level. Points from O’Donoghue and Danny Frown after the restart had Ballylanders ahead with twenty to play.

Adare had lost Shane Doherty to a black card prior to the break but on his resumption, Adare took control and led by Bourke they kicked four on the trot, Michael O’Mahony also finding the target.

Ballylanders did battle back through Frewen and Declan O’Connor gave them a lifeline when saving a penalty from Shane O’Connor.

Adam Canny increased Adare’s margin to four but Frewen left a goal in it with his third free. And Ballylanders did have a chance late on but for a good save from Alfred with the 2020 champions holding on.

They now meet Ballysteen in the final round with top spot secured while Ballylanders have Na Piarsaigh for company, knowing they will face one of Claughaun, Oola or St Kierans in the relegation final.

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