Limerick's history-makers
Because of the one-sided nature of the second of the Allianz Division 2 semi-finals in Portlaoise yesterday, this result was as good as guaranteed at half-time. After controlling the half, benefiting from an extra man in the 28th minute and a late goal from Brian Begley, they were never going to be caught by an unimpressive Wexford team which only returned from a continental holiday the day before.
Not unexpectedly, manager Liam Kerins would have preferred a more testing contest: "I was happy enough, but maybe disappointed with the second half really.
"I thought the game fizzled out and we played poorly enough considering we had an extra man. We emphasised in the dressing room to keep going and to keep playing, but the game lost a lot of its credibility after the player went off. We were in second gear for most of that half and I don't think Wexford were at their best."
Overall, he is delighted that his team has won the chance to play in Croke Park: "We have a National League final on one Sunday and Cork the following Sunday. We are building towards the Cork match all year, but this is what you train for, big games."
For his part, Wexford manager Dom Twomey readily admitted it had been a depressing defeat. While he felt that coming back from their trip to Spain on Saturday 'obviously impinged' on their display, he wasn't using it as the reason for their collapse.
Twomey, a Dublin selector under Tommy Carr, is upbeat about their upcoming championship clash with Division 1 finalists Laois, commenting: "every time Mick O'Dwyer opened his mouth in the last few weeks he was talking about Wexford. Let him keep at it. They are flying at the minute, but we'll re-group. We'll put it up to them. Let's see in a few weeks time when the dust settles."
Not for the first time, Limerick's ability to win quality ball around midfield on a regular basis was a significant factor in their early dominance. John Galvin was contributing from the opening minutes and he maintained an imposing presence from start to finish and being rewarded with a goal late in the game. Once he settled, John Quane was very influential, as were Jason Stokes and Damien Reidy in the half-back line and Stephen Kelly on the right wing. More importantly, corner-forwards Conor Fitzgerald and Micheal Reidy looked very sharp.
It was 0-8 to 0-1 after 25 minutes and Wexford were struggling to get ball forward. However, chances were limited because of the control exerted by Galvin and Quane. Wexford's situation deteriorated after corner-back Colm Morris was red-carded. Morris was hurt in an effort to block a shot by Micheal Reidy and it seemed that, when the Limerick man showed an interest in his condition, Morris struck out. On reflection, a yellow card would have sufficed.
The game was in injury time when Brian Begley goaled to put Limerick 1-9 to 0-3 in front and their supporters gave them an ovation as they walked off the field.
The second half was competitive but of no real consequence. Limerick were never under real pressure. They used their extra man in the full-back line where Stephen Lucey was introduced on the resumption and, while the forwards created plenty of opportunities, some of their finishing was poor.
Galvin got his goal nine minutes from the end scoring at the second attempt after goalkeeper John Cooper stopped a pile-driver from him.
*Tyrone referee Michael Hughes handled the game impressively.
Scorers for Limerick J. Galvin 1-2; M. Gavin 0-5 (0-3 frees); B. Begley 1-0; C. Fitzgerald and S. Lavin 0-2 each; S. Kelly and M. Reidy 0-1 each.
Wexford: M. Forde 0-5 (0-2 frees); D. Fogarty 0-2.
LIMERICK: S. O'Donnell; M. Riordan, D. Sheehy, T. Stack; C. Mullane, J. Stokes, D. Reidy; J. Quane, J. Galvin; S. Kelly, M. Gavin (capt.), S. Lavin; C. Fitzgerald, B. Begley, M. Reidy.
Subs: S. Lucey for Stack (second half); C. Hickey for M. Reidy (45th minute); P. Ahern for Kelly (48th); J. Murphy for Gavin (59th); P. Browne for Mullane (65th).
WEXFORD: J. Cooper; C. Morris, P. Wallace, N. Murphy; T. Wall, D. Murphy, L. O'Brien; R. Hassey, W. Carley; P. Carley, R. Stafford, D. Breen; C. Deeley, D. Fogarty, M. Forde.
Subs: R. Mallon for Deeley (23rd minute); P. Curtis for Wall (26th); J. Hegarty for Stafford (40th); P. Colfer for O'Brien (45th); T. Mahon for P. Carley (63rd).
Referee: M. Hughes (Tyrone).
