Waterford blitz Limerick for rare U20 football victory

The win avenges the losses to the Treaty in the two most recent Munster U20 deciders for the Déise. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Limerick 2-8 (2-2-4) Waterford 4-11 (4-3-5) 

Four second-half goals helped Waterford to an opening round victory as they kickstarted their Munster U20 football campaign with a dominant victory over Limerick on Saturday afternoon.

It is just a third victory at this grade for Waterford, since 2021, while it also avenges the losses to the Treaty in the two most recent Munster U20 deciders.

Goals from Paul Bagnell, Joe Brennan, Corey Lyons and Callum Royle added to the interval lead, as the Deise eventually eased to victory. After a cagey start, the visitors eventually showed their talent with a cohesive team display.

Limerick’s Liam Glynn opened the scoring after seven minutes at a windswept Mick Neville Park.

Andrew Lyons quickly doubled the tally, scoring from close range after good play from previous minor captains Conor Ó Longaigh and Evan Curry. However, Waterford hit back through Paddy McCarthy who used that breeze to raise an orange flag from play.

The next score, was a two-pointer at the other end. Andrew Kearney drilling over a stunning free-kick – which Waterford immediately cancelled out.

Joe Brennan arrowed over from the hands for two and from the next play the Tramore native was marginally off target from repeating the feat with another free.

Waterford looked the work the openings on the arc and they moved ahead for the first time when Tramore’s Daithí Colleran was next to score beyond the arc. They finally registered a first white flag, to level 0-7 to 0-4 when Brennan scythe through the cover and blasted over.

They simply didn’t want the first half to finish, as they dominated the closing stages and kicked three more scores. Ben Qualter, Brennan and then David Nyhan all scoring. Half-time couldn’t come fast enough for John O’Grady’s men, who as well as losing kickout battle, spilled a lot of ball when they did get first to it.

Paul Power’s youngsters were hoping to match the heroics away to Clare in the corresponding opening round tie last year, and heading for the dressing room six up, they certainly felt that was a real possibility.

After a fragmented first 10 minutes of the second half, Limerick got a lifeline, with the only goal of the game. Callum Kiely’s ‘45’ was spilled in the Waterford square, allowing the towering Aidan O’Shea the simple task of punching the ball to the net.

If that was a gift, then this was returned at the other end by Limerick. Paul Bagnell’s dropping shot was spilled to the net by Limerick keeper, Cian Purcell to re-open the six point buffer.

A red card for Owen Dee on fifty-one minutes all-but killed any hopes of a Limerick revival. A second yellow for a high challenge meant the task got even greater for Limerick.

A late penalty from the hugely impressive Brennan was slotted into the top corner to put nine between the sides.

Limerick, however, didn’t give up. A breakaway saw Callum Kiely find the net, while Padraig Phelan kicked a two-pointer to put just four between them.

However, two runaway goals form Corey Lyons and sub Callum Royle sealed the two points and boosted their scoring stakes.

In round two, next Saturday, Waterford host Clare, while New Inn will see Tipperary entertain Limerick.

Scorers for Limerick: A O’Shea, C Kiely 1-0; A Kearney 0-2 (1tpf); P Phelan 0-2 (1tp); L Glynn, A Lyons, C Ó Longaigh 0-1 each.

Scorers for Waterford: J Brennan 1-5 (1-0 pen, 1tpf, 0-2f); P Bagnell, C Lyons, C Royle 1-0; P McCarthy 0-2 (1tp); D Colleran 0-2 (1tp); B Qualter, D Nyhan 0-1.

Limerick: C Purcell (Kildimo/Pallaskenry); O Dee (Cappagh), M O’Connor (Fr. Casey’s), D McCarthy (Fr. Casey’s); S Colgan (Askeaton/Ballysteen/Kilcornan), A Kearney (Monaleen), S Kearney (St. Senan’s); A O’Shea (Cappagh), E Curry (Athea); C Ó Longaigh (Mungret/St. Paul’s), L Glynn (Ahane), C Costelloe (Cappagh); A Lyons (Newcastle West), P Phelan (Capt) (Pallasgreen), S O’Grady (Oola).

Subs: B Griffin (Monaleen) for Costelloe, C Kiely (Claughaun) for Lyons (both half-time); P Hennessey (Camogue Rovers) for Colgan (38); C Mangan (Mungret St. Paul’s) for O’Connor, M Mulcahy (St. Senan’s) for S Kearney (both 50).

Waterford: C Drohan (Rathgormack); N Fahey (Rathgormack), B Boland (St. Saviours), C Lyons (Dungarvan); D Nyhan (Brickey Rangers), F O’Brien (Gaultier), D Jacob (J-Capt) (St. Saviours); D Mackle (Ballinacourty), D Colleran (Brickey Rangers); B Qualter (An Rinn), J Foley (Affane/Cappoquin/Tourin), A Curran (Stradbally); J Brennan (Tramore), P McCarthy (J-Capt)(Brickey Rangers), P Bagnell (Tramore).

Subs: C Royle (Brickey Rangers) for Foley (47); S Prunty (Ballinacourty) for Mackle, J Hickey for Qualter (both 59); C Power (Rathgormack) for Brennan (60+1).

Referee: S Joy (Kerry)