A Darragh Rainsford double gave Limerick FC their first win since returning to the top grade but the victory was marred by an injury sustained by David O’Leary just on half-time in a lively tie at Thomond Park.
Once again Limerick played a pleasing brand of football as they remain unbeaten after three games. They were worthy winners here and would have had a couple of more goals but for two superb saves by UCD goalkeeper Mark McGinley.
In advance many wondered what support Limerick would have and 1,712 turned out on a bitterly cold and damp evening.
Two goals inside as many minutes for the home side made the result a foregone conclusion. Rainsford put Limerick in front after 14 minutes and he was unlucky not to have a second a minute later but his effort was inches wide.
A shot by Dave O’Leary from 28 yards then went under the legs of McGinley for Limerick’s second.
On 31 minutes Rainsford was on hand to tap in after Hugh Douglas had managed to get back to track down a faulty backpass by Samir Belhout.
A superb save by McGinley tipping over a 35 yard drive by substitute Stephen Bradley prevented Limerick making it four and he then spectacularly denied Brian O’Callaghan.
Nineteen minutes from the end UCD were rewarded when Gary Burke beat Barry Ryan following an excellent through ball by David McMillan.
