Honours even following a remarkable contest that saw four penalties awarded and two Limerick players and their manager sent off.

Drogheda took the lead from the penalty spot after ten minutes when Joe Gamble handled David Cassidy’s shot and Declan O’Brien duly fired home.

Limerick levelled before the break when Shane Tracy sent in a cross which Aaron Brown headed home.

Drogheda were awarded a second soft penalty when O’Brien tumbled in the box under a challenge from Robbie Williams. Aaron Brown was sent off for dissent but O’Brien’s effort was brilliantly stopped by Barry Ryan. Visiting manager Stuart Taylor then received his marching orders for his over-zealous protests over the decision.

Referee Graham Kelly awarded the third penalty of the night, this time to Limerick, and Shane Tracy made no mistake planting the ball in the bottom corner.

Limerick were reduced to nine men on 76 minutes when Axel Bossekota was sent off following a clash with David Cassidy. But there was still time for O’Brien to fire home again from a spot-kick.