Limerick punish wasteful 14-man Dublin

It did not go unnoticed by Limerick supporters that when the county last won the All-Ireland all of 40 years ago that the side scored 1-21 which they managed when beating Dublin for a rare win at Croke Park.

Boss John Allen was immensely pleased with the performance.

“I said in previous weeks that all was going well on the training pitch. That was not transferred onto the pitch in the games against Antrim and Carlow. But this time it was and we hope to improve even more,” he said.

This was a crucial fixture for both teams and Dublin will regret squandering a host of chances in the first half, including four clear goal chances, as they dominated possession.

Highlight of the opening half was a fantastic pointed free from 90 metres by Dublin goalkeeper Adam Nolan who travelled upfield for a second -half 21-yard free which he also pointed though a goal was really required at that stage.

Dublin had four points on the board before Limerick had their first score and they led 0-8 to 0-2 before five late points by Limerick made it 0-8 to0-7 at the interval.

The second half was a far more interesting affair and when Conor McCormack had a Dublin goal after four minutes in it seemed that Anthony Daly’s men would prevail.

But his side suffered a serious blow with 21 minutes remaining when forward Paul Ryan was shown a straight red card for a foul on Tom Condon. Dublin at that stage were leading 1-12 to 0-13.

Once a David Breen pass put Graeme Mulcahy through for a Limerick goal to have his side in front for the first time John Allen’s men drove on. They were two points in front when Shane Dillon was fouled just on the edge of the square. Nolan’s drive brought only a point it was evident that Limerick would go on to win.

Declan Hannon top-scored for Limerick but Kevin Downes returned to top form with four superb points from play. Dublin were disrupted by the sending off but Liam Rushe and Simon Lambert never wilted in an overworked second -half defence. Conal Keaney, Danny Sutcliffe and Joey Boland also impressed.

Limerick’s defence was tighter in the second half with Richie McCarthy, Tom Condon and Paudie O’Brien doing best while Hannon and Downes always a threat up front.

“ We have six points in the bag and we will be confident going to Tullamore next week to face Offaly,” said Allen.