Limerick hurlers stage comeback to win against Down

Down 2-11 Limerick 1-25, Portaferry

The Limerick hurlers extended their winning streak in Division 2 to three matches as they came from behind to beat Down at Portaferry.

Two first half goals from Scott Nicholson (12 minutes) and Aidan Clarke (25) gave Down a four-point advantage coming up to half-time.

The Mourne men had the wind at the backs in the opening half and edged ahead thanks to points from James Coyle and Nicholson’s goal, which came after a mistake from David Moloney.

The hosts had their tactics right and Brendan Ennis pointed twice before Limerick goalkeeper Brian Murray was caught out under a high ball and Clarke nipped in to net for a 2-06 to 0-08 lead.

The Shannonsiders closed the gap to 2-08 to 0-11 for the break, and were able to take over in the closing stages of the second half.

Pat Tobin’s 58th-minute goal put Limerick ahead of the first time and they never looked back, with midfielder Donal O’Grady and centre-forward James Ryan scoring 0-03 apiece.

Coyle top-scored with 0-06 for Down but was sent off for his second bookable offence, two minutes from time.

Limerick ran out comfortable winners in the end with Richie McCarthy and Sean Tobin finishing with 0-04 each.

Donal O’Grady’s side remain top of the table ahead of next weekend’s visit of Laois to the Gaelic Grounds.