Derry prove too strong for Limerick in NFL opener

Derry 0-16
Limerick 0-4

By Tom Clancy in Owenbeg

Derry proved too strong for Derry in the Allianz Football League Division Two clash in Owenbeg. This was a return to the second tier for the first time since 2007 for the Treaty. They had 12 points too many for Limerick who scored two points in either half.

Limerick were handing National League debuts to Cathal Downes of Kildimo Pallaskenry and Barry Coleman from Rathkeale.

Limerick manager Ray Dempsey was able to call upon many of the players who’d gained promotion last season, but was without forwards Brian Donovan and Josh Ryan.

These sides had clashed in the 2019 and 2021 Leagues, with those in Division Four and Division Three respectfully. Both went the way of the Oak Leaf County.

Derry had won the Dr. McKenna Cup last week, further complimenting their recent rise following their Ulster title win and run to the All-Ireland semi-final last season.

Derry led 0-7 to 0-2 at half-time with Limerick having points from Adrian Enright and a free from James Naughton. Aside from that, the home side were in firm control, with four points from the boot of Shane McGuigan aiding their cause.

Manager Rory Gallagher called upon Glen duo Conor Glass and Ethan Doherty, just six days removed from their controversial All-Ireland Club final loss to Kilmacud Crokes.

Shane McGuigan was their scorer in chief, landing

Limerick had second half scores from Gordon Brown and Iain Corbett.


Scorers for Limerick:  Adrian Enright, James Naughton (free), Gordon Brown, Iain Corbett 0-1 each.


Limerick: Donal O’Sullivan (J/C); David Connolly, Sean O’Dea, Barry Coleman; Brian Fanning, Cillian Fahy, Michael Donovan; Cian Sheehan, Iain Corbett (J/C); Paul Maher, James Naughton, Gordon Brown; Adrian Enright, Cathal Downes, Davy Lyons.

Subs: Robbie Bourke for Fanning (half-time), Hugh Bourke for Lyons (51), Colm McSweeney for Coleman (56), Peter Nash for Enright (64), Killian Ryan for Downes (69),

Derry: Odhran Lynch; Chrissy McKaigue, Eoin McEvoy, Conor McCluskey; Padraig McGrogan, Gareth McKinless, Conor Doherty; Conor Glass, Brendan Rogers; Niall Toner, Paul Cassidy, Ethan Doherty, Benny Heron, Shane McGuigan, Lachlan Murray.

Referee: Noel Mooney (Cavan)