Limerick get back in promotion race as they add to Wicklow’s woes

Josh Ryan scores 1-4 as Limerick finish game with 14 men in Aughrim

Wicklow goalkeeper Mark Jackson scored three frees in the defeat to Limerick in Aughrim. Photograph: Tom Maher/Inpho

Wicklow 1-9 Limerick 1-13

Limerick came away from their battle against Wicklow in Aughrim with a huge victory in the context of their league season. In a game littered with yellow, black and red cards, Billy Lee’s side showed real grit in the face of a strong second half Wicklow comeback.

It was actually Wicklow who flew out of the blocks though. Two Mark Jackson frees helping his side into an early three point lead. Limerick responded well hitting 1-6 without reply; Josh Ryan with the goal after a Limerick move that swept the length of the field.

Wicklow were then awarded a penalty which was expertly dispatched by Eoin Darcy. Both teams were looking dangerous in attack, but Limerick finished the half stronger with scores from Hugh Bourke and a Ryan free.

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Wicklow controlled the early stages of the second half - with Mark Kenny prominent- but some errant shooting meant Limerick still lead by three heading into the final quarter. Limerick themselves were profligate in front of goal but found scores at vital times from James Naughton and Bourke to see the Treaty County return to winning ways.

Limerick: D O'Sullivan; J Liston, S O'Dea, P Maher; K Ryan, I Corbett, G Brown; D Treacy, C Fahy; A Enright (0-1), B Donovan (0-1), J Naughton (0-1); P Nash (0-1), J Ryan (1-4, 0-4 frees), H Bourke (0-4).

Subs: R Childs for Brown (26 mins), L Murphy for O’Dea (49 mins), D Kelly (0-1) for Nash and M Donovan for Liston (60 mins), P De Brun for Enright (70 mins).

Wicklow: M Jackson (0-3 frees); P O'Keane, J Snell, M Stone; Z Cullen, N Donnelly, E Murtagh, D Healy (0-1), P O'Toole; A Maher (0-1), M Kenny (0-3, 0-2 frees), D Fitzgerald; O McGraynor, K Quinn (0-1), E Darcy (1-0 pen).

Subs: N Devereux for Donnelly (16 mins), T Moran for Stone (48 mins), R Stokes for A Maher and C O’Brien for McGraynor (55 mins), S Doyle for Snell (70mins).

Referee: Seamus Mulhare (Laois).