Clare 3-06 Limerick 1-08

Limerick came out with renewed life in the second period though and had a goal within seconds of the restart and then went two points clear. The Shannonsiders were leading by three points with ten minutes remaining and it looked as if they were going to go on in this fashion as they dominated in many areas. Clare to their credit didn’t give up when many would have and after some pressure Louise Woods brought them back level and Catriona Hennessey added a second goal to put Clare ahead and the girls pushed on and ended up winning by four points.

Limerick were first off the mark but it didn’t take Clare long to lay siege to the Limerick goal and having missed a chance earlier Rachel O’Brien was on hand to sweep a cross in past Trish Keirns in the Limerick goal.

Catherine Danagher and Catriona Hennessey added points for Clare to give them a 1-3 to 0-1 lead. Limerick battled and rallied though and were back to within two points by the break thanks to points from Caroline Scanlon with a free and a ‘45 while Naomi Carroll added her second. Limerick started the second half as they did the first and this time Kristy Carroll had the ball in the Clare net before Catriona Hennessey had a point back for the Banner.

Limerick got the upperhand in the game for the next 20 minutes and dominated in most sectors. Credit then has to be given to the Clare defence as they continued to hold Limerick under severe pressure. Chloe Morey, Maire McGrath and Jessica O’Neill were especially solid and Trish Fawl also helped in steadying the tide back here. Limerick were held to two points from play, through Mairead Ryan and Katie Campbell, in this period of dominance while not let get in near the Clare goal line, Caroline Scanlon also converted a free and a ‘45.

With the game winding down and Limerick on top, somehow, the Clare girls got renewed fight. Catriona Hennessey picked up a ball in midfield and made a 30-yard run forward and shot from the far left wing. The ball sailed in to the Limerick area and over the head of the Limerick goalie into the back of the net. Clare were now a goal in front with only two minutes remaining and from there, Clare didn’t make any mistake and drove from home.

Clare: Marie Bell (St Joseph’s), Jessica O’Neill (Clooney), Maire McGrath (Na Pairsaigh), Mairead Vaughan (Ogonnelloe), Joanne Walsh (Éire Óg), Chloe Morey (Sixmilebridge)(0-1, 1 f), Jennifer Kelly (Newmarket-on-Fergus), Louise Woods (St. Joseph’s) (1-0), Catherine Danagher (Wolfe Tones) (0-1), Patricia Fawl (Sixmilebridge), Niamh Corry (Sixmilebridge), Rachel O’Halloran, Orlaith Duggan, Catriona Hennessey (St. Joseph’s) (1-4), Rachel O’Brien (Wolfe Tones) (1-0)

Subs: Chloe Neylon (Sixmilebridge) for Wlash (inj), Ciara Minogue (Feakle) for O’Halloran

Limerick Trish Kerins, Mary Sheedy, Naimh Power, Aisling Enright, Brid Hannon, Sarah Carey, Niamh Richardson, Caitriona Neville, Mary O’Callaghan, Kerrie Brosnan, Katie Campbell, Emma Quaid, Naomi Carroll, Caroline Scanlon, Kristy Carroll Match Official Rita Cowen (Galway)