Limerick’s ladies footballers claim a draw in league opener against Carlow. 

Limerick made the journey to the Centre of Excellent in Fenagh to take on Carlow in Round 1 of the Lidl National Football League. A minute silence was observed at the start of the game in memory of Limerick’s Dolores O’Riordan and Carlow’s Tommy Lyons.

Limerick were on top for the first 15 minutes of the game but a number of saves from the Carlow Goalkeeper and poor shooting from Limerick made it difficult to convert their chances. Limerick got off the mark in the 20^th minute with a Catriona Davis point.

The home side responded well and rattled of the next five scores including a well taken goal to hold a 1-4 to 0-1 lead going in at the break.

Limerick were in for a tough second half, playing into a very strong breeze, but clever position changes by the management brought about a better game performance which saw them storming back into contention.

Kate Geary scored Limerick’s only goal mid way through the second half, followed within one minute by Davis’s second point from a free, 2 more points ensued from Cliodhna Ní Cheallaigh and Kristine Reidy to put Limerick level with Carlow.

In the end both sides would have to settle for a share of the spoils as the game finished 1-4 apiece. Limerick deserve huge credit for their never say die attitude and for having the defensive resolve to hold Carlow scoreless in the second half.

Limerick are at home to Antrim this Saturday, 3 February at 2 pm (Venue TBC).

Limerick Team: Karen O Dwyer (Oola), Kristine Reidy (Feoghanagh/Castlemahon), Clodagh McGrath (Ballylanders), Olivia Giltenane (Mungret/St Paul’s), Shauna Ryan (Murroe Boher), Caroline Hickey (St. Ailbes), Cathy Mee (Ballylanders) Captain, Loretta Hanley (Feoghanagh / Castlemahon), Niamh Ryan  (St. Ailbes), Amy Ryan  (Oola), Catríona Davis (Monagea), Kate Geary  (Adare), Orlaith O’Donoghue  (St. Brigids), Stephanie Carroll  (St. Ailbes), Clíodhna Ní Cheallaigh (Mungret).

Subs: Meabh McCarthy  (St. Brigids), Jennifer O Malley  (Mungret/St Paul’s), Kate Kennedy  (St. Brigids), Mary Hogan (Galtee Gaels), Niamh Holland (St. Brigids), Siobhan Moloney (Oola), Síofra Keane  (Ahane), Rachel O’Brien (Feoghanagh/Castlemahon), Megan O‘Shea (St. Brigids), Clare O’Meara (Mungret/St Paul’s), Janet Garvey (Monagea), Cloda Kirby (Knockainey), Gráinne Regan (Murroe Boher) & Shelly Walsh (Galtee Gaels).

Manager: John Ryan, Team Mentors: Jim Moran, Paul Butler and Aideen Fitzpatrick. Physio: Debbie Carroll (Knockainey)

Subs used: Grainne Regan for K. Geary (15 minutes), K. Geary for Orlaigh O’Donaghue (Half Time), Jennifer O’Malley for Stephanie Carroll (52 minutes).