Ladies footballers impress with win up north

After A blistering start to the league in the wake of their All-Ireland success, Limerick suffered their first defeat since last June at the hands of Cork in the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday.

After falling behind by as many as nine in the opening half, Limerick battled back to level late on but never got ahead of Cork at any stage.

They now face Clare this weekend in Ennis with a two point cushion over their hosts in the league.

Limerick will be desperate for a performance in Cusack Park after a heavy loss suffered in the same venue eight months ago in the Munster Hurling Championship.

Clare picked up their second win of their campaign against Wexford last Sunday.

The ladies footballers would prove to be the only success story of the weekend as they picked up a valuable win over Fermanagh in Ederney on Saturday.

John Ryan’s side now have two wins from three as they seek promotion from the bottom tier. They travel north once more this weekend as they face Antrim.

The Saffrons have been in imperious form since their opening round loss to Fermanagh notching 10-28 in their victories over Leitrim and Kilkenny. Yet, Ryan will be fully aware that a Limerick victory will push them ahead of Antrim in the table.

At the same time as the ladies footballers’ victory last Saturday, Billy Lee’s senior footballers suffered a last minute defeat from Leitrim in Kilmallock.

Lee’s side had levelled the game late on to leave it 0-11 apiece before Gary Plunkett kicked over the winner for Leitrim.

Limerick now have a 50% record in the League after starting with two wins from two. They welcome Derry to Limerick on Saturday hoping to get back to winning ways.

Once again, Limerick will be facing a side with a 100% record with Derry ahead of Leitrim in the table on scoring difference. However, should Limerick continue to improve like they’ve show thus far, there could be a shock on the cards.

The Limerick camogie side also suffered defeat on Sunday, going down to All-Ireland finalists Kilkenny in the Gaelic Grounds.

After three consecutive wins, however, Limerick were assured their place in the semi finals of the league, where they will face Galway in the last four on March 10. Galway had a victory over All-Ireland champions Cork at the weekend.