Limerick fall to Antrim loss in Camogie Championship opener

Ultimately, it was a first half goal from the home side that would lead them to the win, with little difference in overall scoring in Dunloy.

John Lillis saw his Limerick camogie side slip to a 1-15 to 0-14 loss away to Antrim on Saturday, with the Ulster outfit holding the lead for the entire game in the championship opener in Dunloy. The Shannonsiders could not keep up with Antrim, as Caitrin Dobbin scored five points for the home side as the Ulster side made it successive wins over the Treaty following their Spring win in the League.

Ultimately, it was the first half goal from the home side that would lead them to the win, with little difference in overall scoring, 16 to 14. That three pointer came in the 8th minute pushing the hosts four clear and Limerick could not find parity for the remainder of the contest.

In Antrim, the host opened the scoring through Dobbin but Limerick were on hand with the reply shortly after. They then exchanged the next two scores but by the time Limerick next found the target, Antrim had moved 1-6 to 0-3 clear.

The final two scores of the half went the way of the Saffrons as they led 1-8 to 0-3 at the interval. John Lillis’ side dominated the third quarter, scoring six of the first seven scores, closing the gap to a goal within thirteen of the restart. Antrim hit back but two on the bounce from the visitors reduced the margin to just two points with fifteen to play.

Antrim restored some cushion but with 55 minutes on the clock, their advantage was just 1-12 to 0-13. The sides went back and forth once again but it was the hosts who finished the stronger with two on the spin to secure the victory.

The loss represents the second year in a row that Lillis has seen his side lose the championship opener, falling to Galway in 2022. Last year, the Treaty responded to reach the quarter final of the championship, where they were beaten by Waterford, who they play in the next round. The Deise got their campaign off to a flying start over the weekend, as they secured a rather comfortable victory over Offaly, winning by 20 points.

Waterford are favoured to top the group and will provide tough opposition for Limerick when they meet on June 17.

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