Limerick Look to Waterford semi-final after passing Clare challenge

The Munster Senior Championship preliminary round took place in Clarina on Saturday between Limerick and Clare with the Treaty side coming out deserved winners following a highly impressive performance.

The game that took place at 3.30pm provided some exciting moments as early on it looked like Limerick would win comfortably only for Clare to pull back into it and make it a tight encounter that did not fail to provide entertainment.

Two goals in the first half gave Pat Ryans Ladies a strong lead at the half time break leading 2-7 to 1-5.

Following Clares early goal the Limerick side soon responded with Limericks Megan O’Mara who delivered a fine pass to Aine Cunningham who took her chance to score and level the score. Limericks finishing on the day proved to be the major difference between the two sides.

Clare came back strong in the game at several different occasions however missed chances and a huge penalty miss shaped the outcome of their defeat.

Soon after Limerick had a free that found its way into the opposition net from their top scorer Caoimhe Costelloe. The fixture was a repeat of the opening round earlier this year in the Division 1A fixture between the two.

The five-point half time lead was a result of some clinical finishing and patient build up play. Goalkeeper Laura O’Neill was called on to make a brilliant stop at the beginning of the second half. Costelloe who had a brilliant performance put over another point soon after from a free quickly followed by another point.

A huge turning point in the game from Clares perspective will be the missed penalty that would have seen them get right back into contention. However, the shot was put wide and Clare were left to rue their missed chances.

Substitutions were brought in to see out the remainder of what was a measured display from the limerick side .The changes made included Laura stack coming in for Sophie O’Callaghan,Neamh Curtin for Megan O’Mara, Dearbhla Egan for Caoimhe Lyons and Sinead McNamara for Aine Cunningham who all slotted in well to see out the win for the Shannonsiders.

Limerick were solid at the back and remained calm under pressure for the remainder of the game, earning an important victory with it finishing 2-11 to 1-9 for Pat Ryans side. The win will see Limerick take on Waterford in semi-final action next Saturday at 7.15pm.

Limerick Camogie Senior Squad panel: