Slow start costly as Waterford eliminate Limerick

Limerick exited the Glen Dimplex Camogie Championship following a ten point reverse to Waterford in Thurles. It ends a season where John Lillis’ charges won three group games and were also relegated to Division Two of the League.

In only a second every quarter-final at Senior level, Limerick were second best in a difficult first half, trailing 2-15 to 1-6 at half-time. Rebecca Delee led the Treaty threat, scoring 1-2 in the opening 30 mintues, but the Waterford forwards were sharpest of all.

Niamh Rockett goaled in the 4^th minute while Beth Carton found their second on 23 minutes, ending any feint hope Limerick had of reaching the last four.

The mountain faced by Limerick was made more difficult when Sophie O’Callaghan was dismissed by referee John Dermody in first-half stoppage time, for a high challenge.

Limerick, despite playing a player less, won the second-half and could have been closer to a Waterford team that went off the boil. The Deise were relieved of their win, having lost at this stage in each of the last four seasons.

Scoring just twice in the second-half, Waterford held enough of an advantage that Limerick were never likely to come back. The third Waterford goal came from the reliable Rockett, her strike was high and powerful.

Delee was fouled for a penalty in the closing quarter, but goalkeeper Claire Keating saw her effort rebound off the post and away to safety. The Cappamore native was unlucky, while here clubmate Muireann Creamer was dismissed soon after for two quick-fire yellow cards.

Limerick despite finishing with 13 players, will be some way satisfied with their second half showing.