GAA NHL Division 2 Final - Clare 2-13 Limerick 4-12:Limerick were crowned Allianz Hurling League Division 2 champions after their 4-12 to 2-13 win over Clare in a thrilling game at Cusack Park in Ennis last night.
The win means Donal O’Grady’s are promoted to Division 1 next season. Kevin Downes was in exceptional form and his solo goal in the 66th was a crucial score in the Treaty men’s win.
Darach Honan and Conor McGrath scored second half goals for the Banner County but Limerick responded with 1-04 without reply to get over the line.
Downes brought his tally to 1-02 after a powerful run along was followed up by a fine finish from a tight angle four minutes from time.
Limerick led by 2-06 to 0-08 with Seamus Hickey scoring a fortunate goal which Clare goalkeeper Donal Tuohy will want to forget.
It was further heartache for Ger O'Loughlin's side, who also lost last year’s Division 2 final against Wexford.
Limerick Scorers:S Tobin 1-1, R McCarthy 0-4 (0-3f), K Downes 1-2, P Browne 0-2, S Hickey 1-0, D Hannon 1-1, D O'Grady 0-1, N Moran 0-1.
Clare Scorers:L Markham 0-1, N O'Connell 0-3 (0-2f), C Ryan 0-2 (0-2f), F Lynch 0-2, D Honan 1-1, J Conlon 0-4, C McGrath 1-0.