Late surge demonstrates depth

A STRONG finish from Limerick in which they scored five points in five minutes saw them snatch victory from Offaly in Division One at St Brendan's Park, Birr, yesterday.

This win was enough to earn Limerick a place in the quarterfinal of the League against Cork in July and deprived Offaly of a place in the knockout stages of the League.

With four minutes to go, when they led by two points, it looked as though it would be Offaly who would be going through. However, Limerick lifted themselves fof a final onslaught and three points from Frankie Carroll, plus one each from Ollie Moran and substitute Mike Galligan, saw them turn that deficit into a three point victory.

On a glorious sunny afternoon, the game lacked the bite one has come to expect in this current league. Part of the reason for that was the fact that both sides fielded under strength teams in view of important Championship matches in the next two weeks. Limerick also had a Munster championship match, against Waterford last Sunday to get over.

Offaly play Laois in the Leinster championship at Croke Park next week while the following Sunday Limerick meet Tipperary in the Munster semifinal in Thurles.

Limerick centre back Ciaran Carey, a substitute who came on last Sunday, had an important 60 minute workout yesterday.

In the absence of the rested players, some of the fringe players in both panels were given a chance to impress and no one took that chance more than Limerick's Frankie Carroll. He worked hard at midfield in the first half and hit four important points after the interval.

Limerick got their crucial goal in the sixth minute of the game. David Hennessey sent in a ball from the left which was doubled on to the crossbar by Shane O'Neill. However, the defence appeared to freeze when the ball dropped into the square and James Moran knocked a loose ball into the net.

Midway through the half, Limerick led by 1-3 to 0-3, but Offaly hit a purple patch and scored six points in eight minutes from different players. At the interval, they lead by the minimum, 0-10 to 1-6.

Limerick equalised on the resumption, but Mike Duignan, Gary Cahill and Billy Dooley put Offaly three points clear again. Limerick responded with points from Ollie Moran, Shane O'Neill, Carroll and Mark Foley to regain the lead.

When Killian Farrell pointed with six minutes to go, Offaly were two points clear, but Limerick's decisive surge followed.