Mungret's march continues with Limerick Intermediate football success
A coming-force in both codes in Limerick, Mungret St. Paul’s made their overdue return to senior football with a comfortable five-point success in the Intermediate championship final over Dromcollogher-Broadford.
A coming-force in both codes in Limerick, Mungret St. Paul’s made their overdue return to senior football with a comfortable five-point success in the Intermediate championship final over Dromcollogher-Broadford.
The winners never trailed and James Killian’s bullet goal after 40 minutes all-but sealed the victory. The silverware will go neatly beside the fourth tier Junior A hurling title secured last weekend, while there has also been promotion between the top tiers of Limerick hurling. Their second string football side play a Junior A football final on Sunday morning.
This victory came against one of the leading lights of Limerick football, as Drom-Broadford are looking to rebuild after relegation from the top table in 2020. Seven-time senior winners since 2000, the westerners have now lost back-to-back finals.
The Askeaton pitch was heavy underfoot so bouncing the ball was near impossible as the rain continued to fall across the country. Mungret led from as early as 14 minutes, when long-serving Brendan Giltenane sliced through the centre and fired over.
There was little to worry a youthful Mungret side as they moved three clear by the 20th minute. Shane Barry and captain John Hutton (free) putting some daylight between the sides.
After a couple of wides, Dromcollogher Broadford opened their tally, courtesy of full-forward Brian Aherne, after 22 minutes. The half-time score was 0-5 to 0-1, with Hutton’s quick-fire pair of frees putting two scored between the sides for the first time.
Mungret had kicked three first half wides, but four from the side behind epitomised their inaccuracy in attack, as they struggled to play with the pace to penetrate a well organised Mungret side. Playing with Garrett Noonan as a sweeper, the losers didn’t push up until the game was in the final quarter.
By that stage, there was a considerable gap between the sides. Jack Pierce cut the gap to three but the influential Brian Barry got the first of his two points on 38 minutes.
The goal arrived soon after as Mungret hit on the counter. Youngster James Killian raced clear, held his composure and rifled to the top corner despite Brian Stack getting a glove to the shot.
Barry’s lofty second, from inside the ‘D’, put eight between the sides – the same margin when they met earlier in the season. There was a goal which threatened an unlikely comeback – Micheál Brosnan setting up Aherne who netted – but they needed another.
Kevin Noonan could have cut the gap further but Jake Foley forced him to rush his shot and the keeper blocked it with his body. From here, Mungret dropped back with John Hutton marshalling the defence and helping them ease over the line.
Munster club championship awaits for the sprawling club, who look ready made to be competitive at Limerick’s top table.
J Hutton (0-3, 2fs); J Killian (1-0); B Giltenane, B Barry (0-2 each); S Barry (0-1).
B Aherne (1-1); J Pierce, M Brosnan (0-1 each).
J Foley; B Treacy, R Hegarty, L Harrington; F Corcoran, J McCarthy, O Moss; B Barry, D O’Hagan; J Killian, J Hutton ©, K Ryan; B Giltenane, S Barry, D Bridgeman.
D Hynes for Bridgeman, O Moss for Treacy (both 35); T Lloyd for Ryan (38); C Deane for Killian (50); E Ryan for Giltenane (59).
B Stack; G Roche, S O’Sullivan, S Brosnan; G Noonan, J Ryan, P Stack; B O’Callaghan, C Fahy; M Brosnan, D Burke, T Ryan; J Pierce, B Aherne, K Lynch.
J Molyneaux for P. Stack, B Noonan for O’Callaghan (both half-time); K Noonan for Burke, S Brosnan for Ryan (inj), M Ryan for G. Noonan (all 40).
Timmy McGrath (Oola).
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
