Limerick start minor campaign with narrow Waterford win in woeful conditions

Waterford 0-7
Limerick 1-7

By Tom Clancy in Fraher Field

Limerick opened their Electric Ireland Munster Minor Hurling Championship with a three-point victory over Waterford at an absolutely rain-soaked Fraher Field in Dungarven. The young Treaty side were deserving winners in their group opener which will see all five sides face each other in a bid to book a top three spot.

This game was doubtful all afternoon but the game was given the go ahead by Cork referee Shane Scanlan. There was several pools of water on the surface with the pre-match sweeping doing little to aid it.

That said, Limerick played some fantastic hurling at times. They tried to work it short and find runners and created far more openings that their hosts.

They led at half-time, 1-4 to 0-4 with the goal coming from Cathal Hayes of Newcastle West.

Limerick never trailed and they maintained their buffer when Oisin O’Farrell landed a second half score. They were happy to defend but almost conceded a goal. Goalkeeper Joe Fitzgerald was superb in denying Conor Tobin from close range.

Evan Loftus’ charges held on for the two points ahead of a clash with Clare, who defeated Tipperary in Shannon. That game takes place at TUS Gaelic Grounds on Tuesday evening.

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