Wasteful Limerick suffer Clare defeat in NHL

In a fascinating encounter at the TUS Gaelic Grounds, Clare secured their first win of the 2025 season, edging out Limerick thanks to a crucial goal from David Reidy. This victory came after a difficult start to the campaign, with Clare previously winless in their first three matches. Brian Lohan’s side showed resilience, providing hope for their survival in Division 1A.

The match marked the first meeting between the counties since the 2024 Munster final, where Limerick had dominated, winning all three major titles last season. Clare’s third-quarter goal from Reidy gave them a lead they would hold onto, even as Limerick’s Diarmaid Byrnes was sent off late with a straight red card from referee Thomas Walsh.

For Limerick, this was their first defeat of the season, leaving them with three points from three games. The match began with both teams exchanging early points, with David Reidy, Shane O’Brien, and Aaron Gillane scoring for Clare, while Sean Rynne and Aidan McCarthy contributed from the free-taking spot. Limerick also had a couple of near-goals, including a striking effort from Gillane that hit the crossbar.

Clare’s Jack O’Neill and Tony Kelly added important scores, while Limerick’s Gillane remained a constant threat. The sides were level at 0-7 each before Clare found their stride, with David Fitzgerald scoring twice in quick succession. By halftime, Clare led 0-12 to 0-9, with Aidan O’Connor scoring just before the break.

In the second half, Limerick made a push to level the game, but Reidy’s low finish to the corner put Clare back in front. Limerick fought back through Barry Nash and Cian Lynch, but Clare’s points from Cathal Malone and Cian Galvin kept them ahead. A key moment came when Darragh Lohan blocked Gillane’s goal attempt.

Despite a late rally from Limerick, Clare held on for a vital victory. Limerick will host Galway next, while Clare face Cork at home.


SCORERS FOR LIMERICK: Aaron Gillane 0-8 (0-6 frees);David Reidy; Shane O’Brien; Aidan O’Connor; Barry Nash; Diarmaid Byrnes (0-1 ‘65); Jason Gillane (0-2 frees) each; Cian Lynch 0-1.

SCORERS FOR CLARE: Aidan McCarthy 0-7 (0-6 frees); Sean Rynne, Jack O’Neill, Tony Kelly 0-3 each; David Reidy 1-0; David Fitzgerald 0-2; Cathal Malone, Cian Galvin, Mark Rodgers 0-1 each.

LIMERICK: Jason Gillane; Barry Murphy, Mike Casey, Barry Nash; Diarmaid Byrnes, Ethan Hurley, Colin Coughlan; Adam English, Cian Lynch; Eddie Stokes, David Reidy, Cathal O’Neill; Aaron Gillane, Shane O’Brien, Seamus Flanagan.

SUBS: Aidan O’Connor for English (blood 34 – ht); Aidan O’Connor for Stokes (ht); Patrick O’Donovan for Flanagan (51); Tom Morrissey for O’Neill (59); Donnacha Ó Dálaigh for O’Biren (66); Vince Harrington for Nash (66);

CLARE: Eibhear Quilligan; Adam Hogan, Darragh Lohan, Conor Leen; Cian Galvin, John Conlon,  Cathal Malone; Tony Kelly, Ryan Taylor; Jack O’Neill, David Fitzgerald, Sean Rynne; Aidan McCarthy, David Reidy, Mark Rodgers.

SUBS: Shane Meehan for Reidy (56); Paddy Donnellan for McCarthy (68); Aron Shanagher for Fitzgerald (70).

REFEREE: Thomas Walsh (Waterford).