Late Dempsey strike confirms Limerick win over Westmeath

Limerick’s hurlers made it four wins from four games in the Allianz Hurling League after seeing off Westmeath on a 1-24 to 0-18 scoreline at the LIT Gaelic Grounds.

John Kiely’s men didn’t have it all their own way though as the visitors provided a spirited comeback in the second half.

That got them to within four points after Limerick lead by nine points at half time, but David Dempsey’s 69th minute goal saw his side to victory.

Limerick got off to a flying start with David Reidy hitting three points Tom Morrissey and Seamus Flanagan firing over two scores each.

Barry Nash also got in on the act as Limerick went nine clear after just 15 minutes of the contest.

Niall Mitchell got Westmeath on the board in the 18th minute, but Limerick fired back with four Reidy points and a Brian Ryan effort on his first start in the league.

Westmeath’s first half highlights were provided by Derek McNicholas. He sent over four points, two of which were superb sideline cuts. Limerick led 0-15 to 0-6 at the break.

Limerick tired in the second half and Westmeath came right at them as the clock ticked towards full time.

McNicholas led the charge, but was ably backed up by subs Darragh Clinton and Josh Coll.

Limerick weathered the storm and Dempsey’s individual goal late on saw them to the nine point win.

Scorers for Limerick: David Reidy 0-8 (7f), Tom Morrissey 0-7 (4f), Seamus Flanagan 0-4, David Dempsey 1-0, Barry Nash and Brian Ryan 0-2 each, Darren O’Connell 0-1.

Limerick: Barry Hennessy; Sean Finn, Mike Casey, Aaron Costello; Barry Nash, Declan Hannon, Dan Morrissey; Josh Considine, Darragh O’Donovan; David Reidy, Tom Morrissey, Brian Ryan; Darren O’Connell, Seamus Flanagan, Graeme Mulcahy.

Subs: Kyle Hayes for Mulcahy (half time), David Dempsey for Reidy (half time), Brian O’Grady for Finn (42 mins), Paddy O’Loughlin for Hannon (52 mins), R Hanley for Considine (62 mins).