O’Neill leads Limerick to victory over Clare

Limerick’s hopes of reaching the Munster MHC Final remain intact after a 0-16 to 0-13 win over Clare at LIT Gaelic Grounds.

Cathal O’Neill top scored for Limerick with 0-7 and put in an outstanding overall performance throughout.

He was ably backed up by Patrick Kirby at midfield and the ever willing Adam English and Adam Murrihy.

Limerick held a deserved 0-7 to 0-3 advantage heading into half time, with O’Neill nailing three. Patrick Reale, Aidan O’Connor, English and Kirby also got a point each.

Clare rallied in the final few minutes of the first half to leave a point in at the break – Limerick 0-7 to 0-6 up.

Two early Clare points at the change of ends saw the Banner in front for the first time, but Limerick soon took control with another scoring spree.

This time it was eight on the trot. O’Neill sent over four, while Murrihy (2), Liam Lynch and Kirby also hit the target.

That gave Limerick a 0-14 to 0-10 lead. Clare came back at Limerick again in the final stages and reduced the lead to one point, but O’Neill and English scores saw Limerick to victory.

Scorers – Limerick: Cathal O’Neill 0-7 (5f), Patrick Kirby and Adam Murrihy 0-2 each, Patrick Reale, Aidan O’Connor and Liam Lynch 0-1 each.

Limerick: Jack Franklin; Ronan Lyons, Michael Keane, Fergal O’Connor; Jimmy Quilty, Ethan Hurley, Adam Murrihy; Cian Casey, Patrick Kirby; Adam English, Patrick Reale, Diarmuid Hegarty; Aidan O’Connor, Cathal O’Neill, Liam Lynch.

Subs: Eddie Stokes for Hegarty (h-t), Patrick O’Donovan for Reale (42), Conor Hanley Clarke for Lynch (59).