Limerick exit Munster U-20 Football Championship after defeat to Kerry

Limerick’s hopes of reaching the final of the Munster U-20 Gaelic Football Championship ended at the semi final stage with a 0-14 to 0-7 defeat to Kerry at Mick Neville Park in Rathkeale.

Jerry O’Sullivan’s side put up a gallant effort, but ultimately succumbed to Kerry’s class in a game that saw Limerick kick seven first half wides.

That total hurt Limerick’s chances and Kerry took full advantage to book a final clash with old rivals Cork.

Kerry were two points to the good by the time James Cummins got Limerick on the scoreboard in the ninth minute.

The Kingdom followed with scores from Killian Falvey and Paul Walsh before superb points from James Molyneaux and Eoin O’Mahony brought their lead back to a point in the lead up to half time.

However, Luca Brosnan and Walsh fired over points for Kerry that saw them to a 0-6 to 0-3 lead at half time.

Falvey and Walsh struck again early in the second half, but with Kerry four points to the good, a moment of controversy go against Limerick.

A John Hayes shot appeared to have gone straight between the posts, but referee Chris Maguire’s umpire waved the ball wide and much to the amazement of all in attendance, the officials on duty failed to award the point for the home side.

Paul O’Shea immediately put Kerry five points clear and they cruised to a seven-point victory.

Limerick Scorers: James Cummins, James Molyneaux, Eoin O’Mahony, John Hayes (0-1f), Brian Foley, Rory O’Brien and Barry Coleman 0-1 each.

Limerick: Ronan McElligott; Cormac Woulfe, Craig Carew, Darragh O’Keeffe; Barry Coleman, Adam Shanagher (capt), James Garvey; Liam Kennedy, James Molyneaux; Rory O’Brien, Brian Foley, James Cummins; John Hayes, Eoin O’Mahony, Colm Ryan.

Subs: Cathal McCarthy for Ryan (44 mins), James Pomeroy for O’Keeffe (51 mins), Shane O’Donoghue for O’Mahony (57 mins), Shane Barry for Kennedy (59 mins), Conor Galvin for O’Brien (64 mins).