Na Piarsaigh end Kilmallock’s Limerick reign

Na Piarsaigh 2-13 Kilmallock 2-12

Had Na Piarsaigh been denied, however, it would have been a gross injustice as they were the better team throughout.

The sending off in the 53rd minute of Na Piarsaigh county star Kevin Downes for a second yellow card (both of the silly and needless variety) gave Kilmallock a lifeline in a game where they were playing second fiddle to the sharper and hungrier champions of 2011. At that stage Na Piarsaigh were six points in front (2-12 to 1-9) and despite playing with a strong wind at their backs, Kilmallock were in serious trouble.