Limerick SFC: Mungret St. Paul’s and Fr. Casey’s reach last four

2024 champions Adare’s knockout hopes hang by a thread.

Champions Mungret St. Paul’s and 2024 runners-up, Fr. Casey’s, are both assured of semi-final spots after the penultimate round of games in the Limerick SFC. 

Meanwhile, 2024 champions Adare’s knockout hopes hang by a thread.

On Friday evening, Mungret made it four wins from four, when defeating Kildimo Pallaskenry. They were a point in arrears at the break but goals from Shane Barry, Darragh O’Sullivan and Jack Dervan saw dominate the second half, 3-6 to 0-2, to win out 3-13 to 0-10.

Adare were held to an N21 derby gridlock with Rathkeale. It finished 1-13 each with both sides missing a goal chance in stoppage time. A draw or win for Rathkeale will be enough for a last six spot, while Adare will need a win and at least one favourable result to sneak into the top three. Hugh Bourke and Josh O’Connor traded late points.

Adare are not guaranteed a quarter-final spot if they win in the final round, with an improved scoring difference among their routes back on course – though qualification isn’t entirely in their own hands.

Kildimo Pallaskenry (3rd) can qualify also if they defeat Ballylanders in the final round, but, like four of the six in this group, they are not clear from the bottom two either, a defeat could send them into those semi-finals.

Ballylanders bid to avoid another relegation play-off received a huge boost with a 1-14 to 0-16 success over Askeaton-Ballysteen-Kilcornan. The 2020 finalists had a goal from team captain Danny Frewen, who played through injury to grab a vital two points. Danny Neville (0-6) top scored for ABK who are in danger of an immediate return to the second tier.

Meanwhile in Group 1, on Thursday, Fr. Casey’s, coached by former Clare and Limerick manager Mark Fitzgerald, maintained their 100% record when defeating west rivals St. Kieran’s 3-17 to 1-10. Eliah Riordan’s seven points as well as goals from Culann Quigley, John Riordan and Danny McCarthy eased them to a fourth win. Kieran’s are in relegation trouble with just two draws to date.

The winner of the final round tie between Kieran’s and Galtee Gaels could be safe, with the loser certain for a relegation battle. Oola are also embroiled in this trio, hoping to avoid a third defeat after two earlier draws.

Newcastle West are guaranteed a quarter-final spot from this group, following a third win from four, and they’ll be joined by Monaleen.

Champions in 2021 – 2023, the Magpies had a brace of Mike McMahon green flags as well as 1-3 from Thomas Qulligan on their way to a 3-14 to 0-18 win over Galtee Gaels. The Gaels are to be without Tommie Childs, who requires surgery on a persistent back issue.

Monaleen raised five green flags to breeze beyond Oola, 5-13 to 0-20. Darragh Murray top scored with 1-7, while Mark Torpey (2), Shane Dolan and Barry Griffin also bagged majors. Their five points secures third spot with Monaleen and Newcastle West’s clash to decide second and third spot.

Round five takes place in mid-September, with a brace of hurling rounds now back in focus on Shannonside.