Limerick SHC: Patrickswell stunned as Na Piarsaigh and Ballybrown win

Limerick SHC wrap: Having lost late on to Kilmallock in their opener, Shane O’Neill’s Na Piarsaigh were laser focused on bagging an important two points

BOUNCING BACK Na Piarsaigh Manager Shane O’Neill. Pic: INPHO/Ben Brady

There was Saturday evening wins for Ballybrown and champions Na Piarsaigh in Group One of the Limerick SHC, while Mungret St. Paul’s preserved their perfect start thanks to a narrow victory over Patrickswell in Group 2.

Having lost late on to Kilmallock in their opener, Shane O’Neill’s Na Piarsaigh were laser focused on bagging an important two points, as they eased beyond Monaleen, 4-25 to 2-18 at a sun-drenched TUS Gaelic Grounds.

Two goals from Eoin Brosnan, Dáithí Dempsey and JJ Carey saw them comfortably over a stunned looking Monaleen. The loss of Darragh Langan certainly hindered the men in red, but in truth, the Caherdavin club were awesome in dispatching of their cross-city rivals.

It took 21 minutes for Na Piarsaigh to register a wide, the only other missed chance prior was a saved shot which ended up in the net for Dáithí Dempsey. He added to the earlier goal from JJ Carey, while Keith Dempsey (0-6; 4f) kept the white flags moving.

By half-time, there was a dozen between the sides, 2-16 to 0-10, with Shane Hassett and Dara Ferland among the scorers for Ken Dunne’s Monaleen.

Second-half goals for Monaleen from subs Mark O’Dwyer and Ben Hayes came in-between a brace of well-taken goals from Eoin Brosnan, a talented youngster for the light blues.

Kevin Downes, Tommie Grims and Limerick panellist Vince Harrington were among those sprung from a strong Na Piarsaigh bench, with Peter Casey, William O’Donoghue and Dáithí Dempsey all called ashore in a routine victory.

Meanwhile, in the opening game at Limerick GAA HQ, Ballybrown rebounded from an opening round loss, when defeating Ahane 0-26 to 0-22. Aidan O’Connor hit 11 his side's total, including five from play. Mikey Gavin also raised five white flags for the winners.

Eight points on the trot between minutes 45 and 55 did the damage against an Ahane side still seeking the results to put them into a first quarter-final since 2019.

Tom Morrissey, also 0-11, was central for Ahane, while Ronan Fox picked off three points in just over two minutes to help Ahane into a 0-12 to 0-9 interval lead. However, they failed to stop the Clarina side, who had scores from Ross Kenny, sub-David Hall and a total of four points from Luke O’Connor.

Both Tom Morrissey and sub-Peter Donohue threatened a late goal but Cian Hedderman and his defence stood firm. Kevin Lally’s Ballybrown will pick up in round three, in the final weekend of August, against early front runners, Kilmallock. Ahane meet Na Piarsaigh, with Monaleen set to meet Doon – who lost out to Kilmallock last Thursday evening.

Meanwhile, a first ever Limerick SHC victory for Mungret St. Paul’s over Patrickswell was witnessed at Claughaun. This tier two group has just two quarter-final spots up for grabs and Mungret will have an eye on one, following a 2-19 to 0-21 triumph over neighbours Patrickswell.

Goals from Liam Lynch (1-7) and Paul O’Brien (1-1), propelled the men in red to a second victory. In reply, Jason Gillane raised a dozen white flags, while John Kirby and Aaron Gillane were also on target.

The Well are not out of the running yet, having defeated Newcastle West in round one, but Declan O’Grady’s side are probably without room for error, with Adare on top alongside Brian Begley’s Mungret St. Paul’s.

Mungret did trail 0-17 to 1-13 at the three-quarter mark but a run of 1-8 to just two points pushed them to victory. Liam Lynch, captain Brian O’Meara and teen Killian Begley were all on target to push the back in charge.

In stoppage time, Lynch batted home the game securing green flag. Fintan Fitzgerald’s tally of three points as well as points from the impressive Barry Duff ensured the greater spread of scorers won out, at a well populated Childers Road venue.

The Limerick championship heads for a fortnight of football action, before round three of five, gets underway in late August.