Penalties needed as Limerick outlast Clare in Munster football classic

With light dwindling in Cusack Park, James Naughton settled the contest.

It took penalties but Limerick are into the Munster semi-final after outlasting Clare in Ennis.

The sides couldn’t be separated in normal time which continued into extra time to send the contest to penalties.

But Billy Lee’s men dominated the shootout 4-1, as each of his side scored while Clare missed three.

The contest finished 1-14 apiece after 70 minutes, which was 2-16 to 1-19 at the end of extra time. 

Limerick move on to play Tipperary in the Munster semi final on May 14 after the Premier county defeated Waterford with ease.

Robbie Bourke certainly played his part from the bench as the Adare man sent the game to extra time with a 40-yard free with the final score of normal time.

Bourke then swing the contest in Limerick’s favour, hitting the net with the final act of the first half of extra time to give Limerick a slender 2-15 to 2-17 lead.

But as Bourke did in normal time, Eoin Cleary followed suit to level the game after 90 minutes and ensure penalties.

Iain Corbett stepped up first and slotted to the net to give Limerick the initiative. Cian O’Dea then skied his effort before Bourke had Limerick two up. A second Clare effort went wide as Brian Donovan widened the gap. 

Joe McGann kept Clare’s hopes alive but James Naughton was on hand for the winner as he made no mistake to send Limerick into the semi finals.

In normal time, Clare begin the brighter but five successive Limerick scores including a Brian Fanning solo goal had Limerick 1-9 to 1-6 to the good at the break. 

Clare looked to have won the game deep into additional time before Bourke pounced.

It is Limerick’s first win in five championship attempts after successive losses at this stage from 2015-‘18.

If also signals a Munster championship win for the fourth successive year for Limerick after going seven years without one prior to 2019.