Limerick fall short in Louth to remain bottom of Division 2 of the NFL

Limerick led by one approaching the half but seven unanswered from the hosts either side of the break turned the contest.

Limerick’s search for points in Division 2 of the National Football League will continue into the fourth round next week after they were pipped to the post by Louth in Ardee.

After a couple of near misses against the Wee County in the 2022 League where both earned promotion from Division 3, the Leinstermen once more bested Limerick who are the only pointless side remaining in the division after Kildare also got off the mark on Sunday.

Seven unanswered scores either side of the half proved too much for Limerick to contend with as Brian Donovan’s goal on his seasonal debut couldn’t haul the Shannonsiders back into the contest.

Try as they might to find a second goal down the stretch, it was Louth who were unlucky not to put the game to bed with Donal O’Sullivan denying them.

It means Limerick must find at least a pair of wins from their four remaining games, although it is likely they will need more given Sunday’s results.

Kildare’s comeback win over Clare puts them on two points, level with the Banner, Louth and Cork, who will find themselevs aggrieved not to pick up something from their clash with Dublin. The Dubs are out on top with six points level with other pace setters Derry who are also perfect after three rounds. Meath are on four points but following the heavy defeat to Derry may be looking down the table.

Up next for Limerick is a trip to Pairc Ui Chaoimh next Sunday before they welcome Meath to the TUS Gaelic Grounds. Then they travel to Cusack Park with Kildare in town for the final round.

In Ardee, Colm McSweeney, who was a late change to the side, kicked Limerick ahead with the first score of the afternoon, seven minutes into the tie. The response came from Tom Jackson while Ciaran Downey was equal to Hugh Bourke’s first.

Scores from Bourke, Cian Sheehan and James Naughton free had Limerick three clear after 18 but a Dan Corcoran goal cancelled out the advantage with Sam Mulroy also getting off the mark.

Adrian Enright leveled for the visitors while Iain Corbett and Gordon Brown also found the target. Louth drew level but McSweeney had Limerick in front once more heading into injury time.

But Limerick wouldn’t score again for twenty minutes as Louth turned a one point deficit into a 1-12 to 0-9 lead.

Naughton stemmed the tide and Donovan netted a minute later and suddenly Limerick were back to within two.

A third free from Naughton followed by a Cathal Downes effort made it a one point game but Louth kicked two in response to secure the victory and leave Limerick rooted to the foot of the table.