Limerick footballers remain winless as Clare win Allianz League clash

The visitors headed in at the interval with a commanding 1-11 to 0-05 lead, inspired by the brilliant Emmet McMahon who landed four points from play.

Limerick remain winless in Division Three of the Allianz Football League following Saturday evening’s loss to Clare in Mick Neville Park.

Jimmy Lee’s men have suffered defeat at the hands of Antrim, Sligo, Down, Westmeath this year, and the trend continued in Rathkeale as a strong first-half performance saw the Banner over the line.

Former Limerick football boss Mark Fitzgerald was in the opposing dugout this time, as he coached his Clare side to a fourth win in five, keeping their promotion hopes alive.

The visitors headed in at the interval with a commanding 1-11 to 0-05 lead, inspired by the brilliant Emmet McMahon who landed four points from play.

While McMahon impressed, it was Brian McNamara who found the net for the Banner, finding himself in position to fire home after 21 minutes.

Limerick had limited opportunities, among them points from Jamie Baynham and Robbie Childs, and couldn’t cope with the might of Clare in the opening half.

The Shannonsiders came out for the second half with a new lease of life as they put together some nice scores, even cutting the gap to three points at one point.

Colm McSweeney, Baynham, James Naughton and Barry Coleman were all on hand to land fine scores for their side, as the Limerick men rallied.

Ultimately, that first half display from Clare would be too much for Lee’s charges to overturn, and Fitzgerald’s men regained control of the tie with some real stubborn play to kill the Limerick charge.

Limerick travel to Wicklow next, knowing they must win that game and the following meeting with Offaly to avoid back to back relegations.

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