On This Day: Limerick begin their National Hurling League campaign with a draw against Cork

February 15

On this day seven years ago, Cork and Limerick played out an exciting draw to kickstart Division 1B in the National Hurling League.

2014

A late Shane Dowling free ensured a share of the spoils for 14-man Limerick in a 0-17 to 0-17 draw in the opening round of the NHL at Pairc Ui Rinn.

The home side were utterly dominant in the opening quarter as they raced into a 0-8 to 0-2 lead against TJ Ryan’s men.

Limerick replied with a pair but Cork should have had the first goal of the game on 23 minutes when Stephen Moylan blasted over from close range.

Nonetheless, Cork looked comfortable at 0-9 to 0-4, when Graeme Mulcahy received his marching orders moments later.

But, the Shannonsiders rallied and had the final two scores of the half to leave them trailing by three at the interval.

Limerick were the brighter side on the resumption and reduced the gap further with Cork reliant on Patrick Horgan frees.

With ten minutes to play, the sides were finally level at 0-13 apiece before Cork pulled two clear again.

Dowling had a free and a ’65 to level proceedings before Michael O’Sullivan looked to have won it for Cork in injury time.

But there was still time for Dowling to bag his 11th of the day to secure the draw in the second minute of stoppage time.

The sides would go on to contest the Munster hurling final for the second consecutive year later that summer.