Pat Ryan and the Limerick Junior Camogie side kick off season with win over Clare

Pat Ryan got his first win as Limerick camogie manager as his side overcame Clare 2-16 to 2-10 in Kilmallock in their League opener on Saturday.

They now move on to play Carlow next Sunday in the second round.

In Kilmallock. Clare got off to a bright start with Sarah Loughnane finding the net after 4 minutes. Aine Cunningham levelled moments later with her second of the game as she finished with six points from play.

She had her third of the day to pull Limerick clear as they led by three after 12 minutes.

The advantage was reduced marginally to two at the first waterbreak.

The sides traded scores for the remainder of the half as Limerick led 0-9 to 1-5 at the interval.

Within five minutes of the restart, the margin was back to the minimum but 1-1 in quick succession from Michelle Curtin pulled Limerick five clear.

At the final waterbreak of the day, the gap was four with Ryan’s side holding a 1-14 to 1-10 lead.

With time running out, Valerie Sheehan, who opened the scoring, sealed the result with a well taken goal as Limerick moved nine clear.

Clare did find a consolation goal, but the day belonged to Pat Ryan’s team who didn’t relinquish the lead they found after five minutes.