South Limerick survive late fightback by City

South Limerick Colleges2-11

The elements played a significant part in this clash of neighbours, which held the attendance in awe in the final quarter as the city boys tried gallantly, but unsuccessfully, to overhaul a 2-10 to nil interval deficit.

Stephen Garvey set the ball rolling for the winners when he found the net from 45 metres free inside eight minutes.

With Stephen Garvey, Liam Murphy and Owen Ryan knocking over points, Limerick City were left to concentrate on a defensive battle.

Stephen Garvey and James Ryan were the dominant figures for the winners in the middle of the park, and with Jimmy Barry Murphy and Maurice O'Connell making inroads up front, the bulk of the traffic was in the direction of keeper James Hickey.

The South carved out a second goal, drilled to the net by Jimmy Barry Murphy, and they looked more secure after Maurice O'Connell and John Houston combined to give them a 16-point cushion at the break

However, the city boys showed that they had plenty of energy in reserve.

Padraig Nicholas and Niall Mulvihill sounded out a warning that the issue was far from decided when they kicked two early second-half points.

Goals from Brian Sheehan and substitute Anthony Barry set up a grandstand finish.

Brian Argue and Brian McAuley stepped up the tempo from around midfield for the City Colleges.

Excitement was at a fever pitch after Brian Sheehan and Padraig Nicholas put just two between them.

However, time ran out for a gallant City side.

Scorers: South Limerick: JB Murphy, S. Garvey 1-2 each, O. Ryan 0-3, J. Houston, M. O'Connell, D. Moloney, J. Ryan 0-1 each

Limerick City: B. Sheehan 1-1, A. Barry 1-0, L. Costello 0-3, P. Nicholas, N. Mulvihill 0-2 each, P. Kinnerk 0-1,

SOUTH LIMERICK G. Ryan, P. Moloney, T. Hartnett, S. Walsh, D. Moloney, M. Fitzgerald, B. Cotter; S. Garvey, J. Ryan; L. Casey, A. Foley, O. Ryan, JB Murphy, M. O'Connell, J. Houston.

LIMERICK CITY: J. Hickey; O. Nolan, W. McNamara, K. Corr, N. Morrissey, B. McAuley, B. Argue; P. Kinnerk; P. Nicholas, L. Costello, D. Dalton, N. Mulvihill, B. Sheehan, T. Finucane, T. Bennett. Sub. T. Barry for Costello

Referee: Michael Walsh (west Limerick)