Limerick fall to impressive Derry in National League promotion decider

Derry defeated Limerick 0-17 to 0-13 in the National Football League Division 3 semi-final in Carrick on Shannon on Saturday afternoon.

The loss means Limerick will remain in Division 3 for 2022 with the Ulster side moving into the second tier.

Derry got onto the scoresheet first with Conor Doherty kicking over.

Hugh Bourke and Cillian Fahy replied to give Limerick the lead with Derry responding through Benny Heron.

Bourke’s second pulled Limerick ahead but three on the bounce moved Derry into a 0-5 to 0-3 lead. Efforts from Robbie Bourke and Fahy levelled proceedings at the first water break.

Again Derry went on a run of three on the trot, which could have been worse were it not for a brilliant Donal O’Sullivan stop.

But buoyed by O’Sullivan’s heroics, points from Danny Neville and Hugh Bourke had the gap back to one at 0-8 to 0-7 at the half.

The sides exchanged frees to start the second half but by the 47th minute, Derry had conjured up the first four-point lead of the day.

They maintained this advantage for a 0-14 to 0-10 lead at the second water break.

Derry stretched the lead once more and despite three long range frees from substitute Josh Ryan, Limerick couldn’t find the goal they desperately needed.

Nonetheless, despite a disappointing end to the league, Limerick’s status in Division 3 is secured for another year.