Limerick end league with disappointing loss to Wexford

Limerick’s hurlers finished their Allianz Hurling League Division 1A season with a defeat to Wexford on a 1-19 to 1-12 scoreline at the TUS Gaelic Grounds.

John Kiely’s men were well off the pace in a game that saw the visitors shoot 21 wides during the seven-point win.

The Treatymen welcomed Darragh O’Donovan back to the fold in the game and the Doon man was one of their better performers but Limerick lost Mike Casey to a dead leg early in the game.

Former captain Declan Hannon and David Reidy were also due to start but were ruled out before throw-in due to injury and illness respectively.

Limerick got out of the blocks relatively well but as the first half continued, Wexford took control with the home side failing to score between the 21st and 37th minutes.

Aaron Gillane had Limerick 0-6 to 0-4 up with a free in the 21st minute but they then conceded the next four points. Wexford’s lead would have been greater only for their lack of prowess in front of goal and a smart Shane Dowling save from Jack O’Connor’s powerful shot.

A Diarmaid Byrnes free brought Limerick to within two points at the break with Wexford leading 0-9 to 0-7.

Wexford got the next two points when the game resumed but Limerick were soon back on level terms thanks to Shane O’Brien’s goal and a Tom Morrissey strike from play.

However, Wexford nabbed a goal themselves when Lee Chin set up Kevin Foley to finish from close range and that was that for Limerick.

The away side dominated the final quarter and held out for a deserved seven-point victory.