Fr Casey's reach first Limerick decider in 15 years after narrow Mungret win

Adrian Enright kicked 0-2. Pic: James Crombie

Limerick SFC semi-final: Fr. Casey’s 0-9 Mungret St. Paul’s 0-8 

Abbeyfeale side Fr. Casey’s qualified for a first Limerick SFC final since 2009, after just about squeezing beyond newcomers Mungret St. Paul’s, played in horrendous conditions in Newcastle West.

Played in a never relenting wind, which blew from end-to-end, the result sets up an exciting clash of with Adare in two weeks time.

The opening score arrived from Martin Scannell’s free. Mungret appeared hesitant in the early stages but after Darragh Bridgeman kicked a wide he made up for it with a quality curling effort from 30 meters.

The city side found a simple formula for the second score. A punt from keeper Ronan McElligott was fielded by John Hutton centre field, he quickly delivered into Shane Barry who, after a great catch, clipped over from close range. Hutton soon added a free for their first lead.

The same player added two more by the 18th minute, for a three-point lead.

Adrian Enright had a shot deflected narrowly wide. They cut the gap after the tireless Mike Kilbridge finished off a patient move.

Bridgeman looked to bury a Brendan Giltenane pass but Enright was back on the cover to scramble the ball clear. Two missed 45’s in stoppage time mean it was 0-6 to 0-3 at half-time. Five wides proving costly also, with the sense that Mungret had it all to do against the elements.

However, Hutton landed the a wonderful score immediately from the restart – arrowing over into the wind, but this was quickly cancelled out by Martin Scannell. Enright cut the gap further for Casey’s as Mungret struggled under their own kickout.

It was level when Scannell kicked over an easy free, before Mark McCarthy was on had to give the westerners the lead.

Eoin Joy’s side looked likely winners from here, but in the final 20 plus minutes of action, the only scored once.

Enright looked nailed on to rattle the net but somehow, after a swift counter-attack. He was played in by Scannell and despite firing past Ronan McElligott, Cork native Robert Hegarty somehow cleared the ball off the line.

The gap was to two when Eliah Riordan landed an incredible free off the ground. With the ball touching the sideline, his accuracy and poise was exactly what was needed. The gap at what seemed like a huge two points.

Diarmuid Hynes set up a nervy finish by reducing the gap to the minimum in stoppage time.

Shane Barry snatched at a late effort which would have sent the tie the extra-time, but to the relief of the Fealsiders, the clock was their friend.

Fr. Casey’s will contest a record equalling 25th Limerick Senior Football final, hoping to win an ninth. Adare are appearing in a seventh final in eight seasons, looking to win a fourth after making the breakthrough in 2017.

Scorers for Fr. Casey’s: M Scannell 0-4 (0-3 frees); A Enright 0-2; M Kilbridge, M McCarthy, E Riordan 0-1 (free) 0-1 each.

Scorers for Mungret St. Paul’s: J Hutton (0-3 frees) 0-4; S Barry 0-2; D Bridgeman, D Hynes 0-1 each.

Fr. Casey’s: S O’Connell; M Kilbridge, F Cotter, S Kilbridge; C Quigley, M McCarthy, D Buckley; R O’Brien, S Quigley; D Daly (C), D Quirke, M Scannell; E Riordan, D Ward, A Enright.

Subs: C Roche for Daly (blood, 46 – 49); D Kelly for Ward (49); C Roche for Quirke (49) 

Mungret St. Paul’s: R McElligott; J Hassett, R Hegarty, C Uwatse; F Corcoran, K Ryan, J McCarthy; D O’Hagan, B Barry; O Moss, J Hutton (C), J Killian; B Giltenane, S Barry, D Bridgeman.

Subs: Diarmaid Hynes for Giltenane (half-time); L Harrington for Uwatse, J Garvey for Corcoran (both 40); T Lloyd for Moss (46); J Somers for Killian (47); C McAliden for Bridgeman (60).

Referee: T McGrath (Oola).