Razor-sharp Limerick recorded only their second win in 12 months when inflicting a shock defeat on Leitrim at Kilmallock.

Limerick had a poor start when debutant goalkeeper Michael Buicke collided with the woodwork and had to be replaced by another newcomer, Pat Keogh. However, they overcame their obstacles and trailed by just one point, 0-7 to 0-6, at half-time.

Fired by midfielders Jason Stokes and John Quane in the second half, Limerick got down to business. Points from Michael Reidy (three), Damien Reidy, Neilus Hunt and Stokes put them 0-11 to 0-7 ahead and Colm Hickey confirmed their superiority on 52 minutes when he beat goalkeeper Garrett Phelan.

LIMERICK: M Buicke; M O'Riordan, D Sheehy, Denis Reidy; C Mullane, T McGarry, Damien Reidy (0-1); J Quane (0-1), J Stokes (0-1); N Hunt (0-1), P Aherne (0-1), O Keating; C Hickey (1-2), B Begley, M Reidy (0-4). Subs: P Keogh for Buicke; M Gavin for Keating; B Keyes for Hickey.

LEITRIM: G Phelan; D Kelleher, J McKeown, M McGuinness; O McGuinness, J Phelan, D Reynolds; P Farrell (0-3), P Kieran (0-2); S Kelly, S Canning, G Foley; P Kenny (0-2), M Duignan (0-2), J Guckian. Sub: P McCarthy (0-1) for Foley.

Referee: N Cooney, Offaly.