Limerick were given a huge reception on a bitterly cold evening at Thomond Park yesterday, as they returned to the Premier grade for the first time in 19 seasons in front of the live TV audience. As well as that more than 3,500 spectators were treated to a most exciting but scoreless draw with Limerick having the better of general play for much of the encounter.

Scoring chances were few and far between in the first half with Patrick Nzuzi and Craig Curran going close for the new-look home side while Horgan forced a good save from Limerick goalkeeper Barry Ryan.

And 10 minutes from the end Horgan tested Ryan once again.

The outstanding Dave O'Leary almost grabbed the first goal at the home of rugby but his header from a cross by the equally outstanding Danny Galbraith after 78 minutes was inches over.

But it was Limerick's night and new manager Stuart Taylor could be well pleased and especially with the close inter passing by the newcomers that he has brought to the club with one of them, Axel Bossekota, showing great promise.

Cork City brought in former Limerick player Denis Behan after 62 minutes and he did well when creating a couple of chances for the always prominent Daryl Horgan.

Overall a draw was a fair result to an entertaining scoreless game and Limerick will be hoping for better things to come.