Limerick unable to overcome a strong Tipperary side.

The Limerick ladies will have to go into the qualifiers in the All Ireland Intermediate Championship after losing to Limerick in their Munster Semi-final by 8-16 to 1-03.

Both teams had contrasting league seasons with Tipperary getting promoted from division 3 while Limerick went back down to division 4.

In fairness the difference between the two sides was in evidence from early on wth Tipperary taking control of the game in the early stages and not letting up.

For their part, Limerick struggled to stay competitive and will now face the qualifiers.

The Tipperary goals came courtesy of Evrena Everard, Sarah Everard, Mairead Morrissey and Roisin Howard.

Limerick managed to get points through Stephanie Nunan and Kristine Reidy. Aine McGrath scored their only goal on the day.

Despite the loss, some of Limerick’s league performances especially against Meath and Down will certainly give them hope that they can make an impression on the qualifiers.

Tipperary: Patricia Hickey (Brian Ború’s), Rachel O’Donnell (Cahir), Siobhán Condon (Aherlow), Elaine Kelly (Cappawhite), Bríd Condon (Aherlow, 0-1), Samantha Lambert (Ardfinnan, captain), Laura Dillon (Ardfinnan, 0-1), Niamh Lonergan (Moyle Rovers), Jennifer Grant (Brian Ború’s), Sarah Everard (Moyle Rovers, 1-2), Catherina Walsh (Moycarkey-Borris, 1-4, 0-1 frees), Evrena Everard (Moyle Rovers, 1-0), Aoibhe O’Shea (Mullinahone, 0-3), Mairéad Morrissey (Brian Ború’s, 1-3), Róisín Howard (Cahir, 4-2). Subs: (HT) Áine Fitzgerald (Moyle Rovers) for Evrena Everard, (HT) Anna Carey (Clonmel Commercials) for Aoibhe O’Shea, (40th) Emma Buckley (Cahir) for Samantha Lambert, (41st) Alison Lonergan (Galtee Rovers) for Jennifer Grant, (47th) Aoife Corcoran (Cahir) for Elaine Kelly.

Limerick: Meabh McCarthy, Emma McGuire, Olivia Giltinane, Sarah Ryan, Stephanie Nunan (0-1), Áine McGrath (1-0), Siobhán Moloney, Cathy Mee, Loretta Hanley, Caroline Hickey, Kristine Reidy (0-2), Jenni O’Malley, Niamh Holland, Ingrid Laffan, Cliodhna Ní Chellaigh. Subs: (25th) Kate Kennedy for Jenni O’Malley, (47th) Shelly Walsh for Sarah Ryan, (47th) Kate Ryan for Siobhán Moloney, (56th) Ashley Creamer for Cliodhna Ní Chellaigh.

Referee: AJ Cronin (Cork).