League Final heartbreak for Limerick against Offaly

Limerick’s bid to reach Division 3 of the Lidl LGFA League ended in defeat in the Division 4 Final at St Brendan’s Park in Birr.

The home side won on a 3-12 to 4-4 scoreline with a devastating third quarter ensuring their path to victory.

Limerick had started the game brilliantly with a Mairead Kavanagh point after 15 seconds that was quickly followed up by a Rebecca Delee goal.

Offaly replied with the next seven points but Limerick ended a spell of 18 and a half minutes without a score when Iris Kenneally found the back of the net to level the score at 2-1 to 0-7.

Fiona Dempsey’s point saw Offaly into the lead once more but Kenneally struck again thanks to a third Cathy See goal assist to put Limerick ahead.

Ellee McEvoy’s point cut Limerick’s advantage to one point at the half with Graham Shine’s charges leading 3-1 to 0-9.

Limerick started the second half in positive fashion with a Catriona Davis free and a Kenneally point either side of a Ciara Walsh point but from there it went astray.

Emma Hand landed a point and then got the credit for a goal that was hotly contested with Limerick claiming the ball did not cross over the line.

Roisin Ambrose had a goal chance immediately after for Limerick but had to settle for a point and Offaly took full advantage with Walsh and McEvoy raising two green flags in as many minutes.

Cathy Mee did get a fourth Limerick goal in the final quarter, however, it was Offaly that saw the game out to earn a five-point win.