Two early goals see Limerick footballers past Antrim

Cian Sheehan and Peter Nash’s goals prove crucial in Division Three encounter

Limerick enjoyed a four point win over hosts Antrim at Corrigan Park on Saturday. Photograph: Cathal McOscar/Inpho
Limerick enjoyed a four point win over hosts Antrim at Corrigan Park on Saturday. Photograph: Cathal McOscar/Inpho

Antrim 0-11 Limerick 2-9

Two early goals proved crucial as Limerick made it two wins from two in Division Three of the Allianz Football League with victory over Antrim at Corrigan Park on Saturday.

Cian Sheehan palmed to the net after just two minutes and then quick thinking from Hugh Bourke saw him find Peter Nash free inside to steer home, leaving the score at 2-1 to 0-0 after 10 minutes.

Limerick led 2-4 to 0-2 before Antrim had their first from play through Jamie Gribbin, before another came via Ricky Johnston.

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Bourke would point for Limerick, while at the other end, Donal O’Sullivan made a stunning save from Paddy McAleer. His save resulted in a 45 that was converted by Ruairi McCann to leave the visitors 2-5 to 0-5 up at the half.

Antrim ate into the lead in the third quarter with Ryan Murray kicking four-in-row, but their momentum was halted as Josh Ryan kicked Limerick’s first of the second period from a free on 62 minutes.

This would spur the visitors on as they limited Antrim to just two further scores through frees as Limerick finished strong to secure a deserved win.

ANTRIM: O Kerr; E McCabe, R Johnston (0-1), J McAuley; P Healy, J Laverty, D McAleese; M McCann, K Small; R Murray (0-5, 0-3 frees), J Gribbin (0-1), P McAleer; T McCann (0-1 free), R McCann (0-2, 0-1 '45 and 0-1 free), O Eastwood (0-1 mark).

Subs: M Jordan for P Healy (48 mins), C Murray for D McAleese (56 mins), P McBride for O Eastwood (59 mins), S McGarry for T McCann (66 mins), P McCormick for P McAleer (66 mins).

LIMERICK: D Ó Sullivan; J Liston-Gerrald, S O'Dea, P Maher; C Sheehan (1-0), I Corbett, C McSweeney; D Treacy, A Enright (0-2); T Griffin, J Ryan (0-2, 1 '45 free), P Nash (1-2); B Donovan, H Bourke (0-1), J Naughton (0-1).

Subs: K Ryan-Mungret (0-1) for T Griffin, G Brown for C McSweeney (both 48 mins), T McCarthy for C Sheehan (52 mins), E Cregan for P Maher (53 mins), D Kelly for J Naughton (73 mins).

Referee: Paul Faloon (Armagh).