GAA
Waterford 1-20
Limerick 0-14
Limerick’s Minor hurlers suffered their second consecutive defeat in the Munster Minor Championship, falling to a strong Waterford side at Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field, Dungarvan.
Following a 10-point loss to Cork the previous week, this latest defeat puts Limerick’s hopes of advancing in the competition in serious jeopardy.
The standout performer for Waterford was Ballygunner’s Cormac Spain, who racked up an impressive 1-10, including 1-3 from open play. His late goal ultimately dashed any lingering hopes of a Limerick comeback.
The first half was tightly contested, with the sides level on six occasions. Despite playing against a stiff breeze, Limerick held their own and went in at the break tied 0-8 apiece. Shane Waters, Paul Murphy, and Cathal Dennehy were among the scorers, with full-forward Killian Begley also contributing two points.
Waterford’s Gearóid O’Shea supported Spain on the scoring front, while Limerick’s Rory Hanly caused trouble with his direct attacking play.
However, the second half saw a shift in momentum. Whether it was a resurgence from Waterford or a dip in Limerick’s intensity, the Deise dominated the remainder of the contest. Limerick struggled to gain primary possession and were hindered by a mounting free count against them.
Spain continued to shine, adding more scores alongside teammates Jamie Shanahan and Shane Power. Substitute Gavin O’Brien, brother of senior star Shane, made an immediate impact with a point.
Despite a well-taken free from Waters, Limerick couldn’t close the gap. A late chance for a goal was denied by a brilliant James Comerford save, and Waters could only manage a point from the resulting ’65.
Spain sealed the deal with a brilliant goal and set up the final score to cap a commanding Waterford display.
Limerick now face Tipperary in Thurles on Friday, April 18th, before hosting Clare in their final round-robin match. Waterford head into their bye week in a strong position after two wins.
Scorers for Waterford: Cormac Spain 1-13 (0-10 frees); Gearóid O’Shea 0-3; Jamie Shanahan, Shane Power 0-2 each.
Scorers for Limerick: Shane Waters 0-8 (0-7 frees; 0-1 ‘65); Paul Murphy, David O’Keeffe, Killian Begley, Rory Hanly, Cathal Dennehy, Gavin O’Brien 0-1 each.
Waterford: James Comerford (Ballygunner); Conor Lynch (Geraldines); Darragh Murphy (St. Mary’s East) Darragh Keane (De La Salle); Bradley Penkert (Mount Sion), Hugo Quann (Lismore), Conor Power (Da La Salle); Gearóid O’Shea (St. Mollearn’s), Pierace Quann (Dungarvan); Eoin Burke (Roanmore), Jack Power (Ballygunner), Tommy Kennedy (Mount Sion); Cormac Spain (Ballygunner), Shane Power (De La Salle), Jamie Shanahan (Erin’s Own).
Subs: Caoilinn Reville (Roanmore) for Kennedy (half-time); Aaron Walsh (Abbeyside/Ballinacourty) for Burke (38); Dylan Murphy (Roanmore) for P Quann (54).
Limerick: Marcus Murphy (Na Piarsaigh); Shane Carroll (Kildimo Pallaskenry), Evan Ryan (South Liberties), Jackie Dwane (Kilmallock); Sean Fitzgerald (Murroe Boher), Gavin Thompson (St. Kieran’s), Michael Hanly (Ballybricken/Bohermore); Eoin Hennessy (Patrickswell), David O’Keeffe (Na Piarsaigh); Danny Sheehna (Na Piarsaigh), Rory Hanly (Ballybricken/Bohermore), Paul Murphy (Castletown/Ballyagran); Shane Waters (Na Piarsaigh), Cathal Dennehy (Glenroe), Killian Begley (Mungret St. Paul’s).
Subs: Gavin O’Brien (Kilmallock) for Hennessey (47); Ryan Foley (Patrickswell) for Begley (54); Paul Collins (Tournafulla) for Carroll (54); Kyle McCarthy for Fitzgerald (61).
Referee: Niall Fahy (Cork).
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