Round Up | Four teams remain at 100% after Limerick SFC Second Round

The senior football now takes a six week break to allow for the start of the hurling championship.

Just four teams remain on 100% records after the second round of championship games in the Limerick SFC.

They are defending champions Newcastle West, Fr Caseys, Adare and St Kierans as each of those look to have one foot in the knockout rounds with three rounds to play.

In Group One, in a repeat of the 2019 county final, NCW extended their unbeaten start to the campaign with a 2-9 to 0-8 win over Oola in Kilmallock. The Magpies led by the minimum at the break with Mike McMahon grabbing the goal. But they showed their class in the end for a seven point win to move onto four points from four.

They do find themselves in second place in the group however, as Fr Caseys continued their early season form with a ten point win over Claughaun. The City side had the games opening goal that had them a point ahead before Caseys raised a green flag prior to the break that had them a point in front. They dominated the second half, limiting Claughaun to a single point as they ran out 1-16 to 1-6 winners in Askeaton.

Monaleen, who were beaten by Newcastle West in round one, got off the mark with a 2-13 to 1-10 win over Galbally, who remain on one point. The City side started the brighter and a Mark O’Dwyer goal had them five to the good just after the quarter four mark. The sides then traded goals to leave it 2-6 to 1-5 in Monaleen’s favour at the interval. From here they kept their distance to get their season back on track.

Last year’s beaten finalists Adare were made to work by Kildimo Pallaskenry but the three time champions had a Davy Lyons goal to thank for the victory. Adare looked comfortable at 1-4 to 0-1 after twenty minutes as KP reduced the deficit to four by the half. But seven unanswered either side of the interval had the Intermediate champions two clear at 0-12 to 1-7. Adare found the appropriate response with five of the last six scores to take the win and maintain their 100% record.

St Kierans had a close call with Ballylanders but secure the win late on to make it two from two with a 2-9 to 2-8 result in Ballyagran. A Steven Fox goal from the penalty spot had Ballylanders early leaders. But Kierans hit back with a goal of their own to bring them within two points after a quarter of an hour with that lead remaining at the half. An Eoin O’Mahony goal five minutes into the second half had the South team 2-7 to 1-3 in front. But Bally’ only had one more score in the game as Kierans slowly chipped away at the lead with John Hayes kicking the winner in injury time to leave Ballylanders pointless.

After losing in the opening round, Galtee Gaels got off the mark with a 2-13 to 1-13 win over Ballysteen. Starting strong, Galtee were 0-3 to 0-0 to the good early on but Ballysteen battled back to leave it 0-7 to 0-6 at the half. A quickfire start to the second saw Galtee move five clear with Alan Condon finding the back of the net. But Ballysteen replied in kind with Danny Neville goaling to bring the sides level for the first time with fifteen to play. Galtee took their chance and a well taken Zach McCarthy goal had them clear once more as they held out for a deserved victory to move into the top three in the table.

The Championship now takes a break until the weekend of August 19-21 with back to back games to follow.

Limerick SFC Round II Results

Group 1

Fr Caseys 1-16 : 1-6 Claughaun

Newcastle West 2-9 : 0-8 Oola

Monaleen 2-13 : 1-10 Galbally

Group 2

Adare 1-13 : 0-13 Kildimo Pallaskenry

Ballylanders 2-8 : 2-9 St Kierans

Galtee Gaels 2-13 : 1-13 Ballysteen