Limerick claim inaugural U25 Munster Hurling title

At a sweltering Semple Stadium an Oisin O’Reilly hatrick of goals saw Limerick take the inaugural Munster U25 Reserves hurling title.

It was Limerick’s goal threat that kept them in the game early on as first half goals from O’Reilly and Kyle Dillion meant Limerick only trailed the Déise by 2-6 to 0-13 at the break.

The game was nip and tuck affair with the teams level on six occasions during the first half alone and the tie hanging in the balance right up until the end.

While Limerick notched four goals, it could have been more but for Waterford goalie Billy Nolan who pulled off some fine saves.

Limerick edged back into a one-point lead in the 49th minute courtesy of O’Reilly’s second goal on before Waterford’s leading scorer Shane Ryan bagged his side’s only goal a minute later.

With only six minutes remaining on the clock, O’Reilly completed his treble.

This time, Limerick would not be caught, as manager Pat Donnelly’s side saw out the rest of the game.

The game also served as a good opportunity for Donnelly to cast an eye over some of the players that will feature against Tipperary in the Bord Gáis Energy Munster U21 championship later this week.

The only blot on the copy book was a red card for Andrew La Touche Cosgrave for a high tackle on Edmund O’Halloran.

Scorers for Limerick: Oisin O’Reilly 3-1, Kyle Dillion 1-3 (0-3f), Seamus Flanagan & Brian Ryan (2f) 0-2 each, Jack Cagney, Conor O’Grady, Lorcan Lyons & Mike Mackey 0-1 each.

Scorers for Waterford: Shane Ryan 1-5 (0-2f), Jack Prendergast & Cormac Curran 0-3 each, Andy Molumby, Edmund O’Halloran & John Paul Lucey 0-2 each, Billy Nolan (f) & Ryan Grey 0-1 each.

Limerick

1. Cian Hedderman (Ballybrown)

4. Luke Doran (Ballybrown)
17. Willie O’Meara (Askeaton)
2. Sean Hogan (Adare)

18. Jack O’Grady (Knockainey)
5. Andrew La Touche Cosgrave (Monaleen)
7. Cian O’Brien (Mungret/St Paul’s)

19. Conor O’Grady (Hospital-Herbertstown)
8. Jack Cagney (Granagh/Ballingarry)

10. Brian Ryan (South Liberties)
22. Mike Mackey (Adare)
12. Conor Boylan (Na Piarsaigh)

13. Kyle Dillion (Bruff)
11. Seamus Flanagan (Feohanagh)
14. Oisin O’Reilly (Kilmallock)

Subs

21. Lorcan Lyons (Monaleen) for O’Grady (35)
20. Cian Magnier Flynn (Killeedy) for O’Brien (38)
23. Finn Hourigan (Murroe/Boher) for Hogan (46)
24. Eoin Ryan (Adare) for Dillion (49)

Waterford

1. Billy Nolan (Roanmore)

2. David Prendergast (Lismore)
3. Stephen O’Neill (Mount Sion)
21. Darragh Lynch (Passage)

5. Jordan Henley (Tallow)
6. Ray Barry (Lismore)
7. Dermot Ryan (Fourmilewater)

15. Andrew Casey (Ballyduff Upper)
8. Andy Molumby (Cappoquin)

9. Edmund O’Halloran (Clashmore/Kinsalebeg)
12. Cormac Curran (Brickey Rangers)
11. Jack Prendergast (Lismore)

14. Shane Ryan (De La Salle)
22. John Paul Lucey (Shamrocks)
20. Eddie Meaney (De La Salle)

Subs

24. Ryan Grey (Tallow) for Casey (28)
4. Mikey Daykin (Mount Sion) for Barry (48)
17. Conor Morrissey (Brickey Rangers) for Meaney (51)

Referee: Philip Kelly (Tipperary)