HIGHLIGHTS | Limerick fall to Antrim in All-Ireland Junior Championship opener

Defeat was Limerick’s lot in their National League opener on Sunday afternoon in Bruff.

A strong second half showing from Antrim was enough to overturn a half time deficit and inflict a 0-12 to 1-7 defeat on Limerick in the first round of the All-Ireland Junior Football Championship in Bruff on Sunday.

Limerick looked to be cruising in the early stages but the Ulster side kept within touching distance of the hosts before taking the lead in the second period with a string of unanswered scores.

Graham Shine’s side were too reliant on placed balls, although Cathy Mee did kick four from play during the contest.

Catriona Davis opened the scoring from a free as Mee extended the advantage early on. Grainne McLoughlin replied for the visitors but Limerick were then awarded a penalty after Amy Ryan was fouled.

Davis made no mistake from the spot, firing low into the corner before Mee had her second to make it 1-3 to 0-1 to the hosts.

But Antrim hit back with four on the spin to move within a point of Limerick, Cathy Carey bagging a brace of frees while McLoughlin and Áine Tubridy also ate into the lead.

Davis replied with her third of the day from the ground as Limerick took a 1-4 to 0-5 lead into the half.

Antrim had the first score on the resumption but Limerick replied with a pair from Mee.

But Antrim began to dominate proceedings and three on the troy had them level with McLoughlin grabbing their ninth of of the day.

Orlaith Prenter kicked Antrim into the lead before Carey made it a two point game. Mee once again responded for Limerick but Prenter was equal to the task in making it 0-12 to 1-7 to secure the valuable victory.

Antrim can secure their place in the knockout stages with a win over New York next weekend. If they do then it will be a straight knockout clash between Limerick and the American side on 22 June.

If New York defeat Antrim, then Limerick will have to win their second round clash to have any chance of progression.