Limerick 1 UCD 3
UCD badly need points at this stage of the season and they were by far the hungrier side in the most disappointing Limerick performance of the season at Thomond Park.
Limerick could not have had a better start when Craig Curran scored from a penalty after only two minutes.
The visitors were on terms after 25 minutes when Seán Russell made a break through the middle and linked with Dean Clarke, whose effort just made it over the goal line.
Limerick had a chance after 33 minutes when Shane Bradley burst through the middle with Curran to his left and Danny Galbraith to his right. He opted for the latter and the chance was wasted.
UCD went in at the break 2-1 in front thanks to a somewhat fortunate goal by David O’Connor.
The most controversial moment came in the 68th minute when an attempted back header by Michael Leahy fell short and Galbraith raced in but was flagged for offside.
A good save by Barry Ryan saved Limerick after 71 minutes when he denied Craig Walsh but there was nothing he could do to stop a 20-yard cracker by substitute Colin Morrisson after 87 minutes.
Just at the end Limerick's night of woe was made worse when Shaun Kelly was shown a straight red.
LIMERICK: Ryan, Nzuzi, Kelly, Folan, Costelloe, O'Leary, Gamble (Gaffney 71 mins), Bradley, Galbraith, Curran, Bossekota (Rainsford 77 mins).
UCD: Barron, Russell, Matthews (Kelly 79 mins), Leahy, Boyle, O'Connor, Creevy, Clarke, Walsh, Benson, Belhout (Morrisson 74 mins)
Referee: R Rogers (Dublin).
Attendance: 847