Limerick fall short to Cork in league semi final

Limerick were unable to reach a first ever Division 1 final today as they lost out to a strong Cork team by 3-15 to 0-12 in Pairc Ui Rinn.

The visitors started the better and opened the scoring courtesy of a Rebecca Delee point. However, Julia White levelled quickly for Cork and Orla Cronin edged them ahead before Niamh McCarthy goaled for the Leesiders after 10 minutes.

Limerick replied once more with Mairéad Fitzgerald, Orla Curtin and Delee raising white flags for the Shannonsiders, the latter would tack on her third moments later with a well taken individual score.

Katrina Mackey responded for Cork with 3 points, Mackey would finish with a personal tally of 1-8 for the winners.

Amy O’Connor and Gemma O’Connor added points before the half time whistle to make it 1-8 to 0-6 at the break.

Despite leading, Cork would not have been happy with their opening half while Limerick were still well in the game.

After the break, Niamh Mulcahy reduced the margin to four from a free as Limerick tried to make inroads to the Cork lead.

However, Mackey added a second Cork goal after a long range shot dropped into the Limerick net pushing their lead out to seven. It was a body blow that Limerick would never really recover from.

Limerick never gave up and Mulcahy kept them in touch with a couple of well taken scores.

The Leesiders would have the last word with Mackey and Gemma O Connor pointing before McCarthy removed all doubt with her second goal eight minutes from time.

Cork would run out comfortable winners 3-15 to 0-12 in the end to advance to play Kilkenny who beat Galway 1-14 to 0-11 in the other semi final.

For Limerick, it’s a case of back to the drawing board as the focus turns to the Championship.