Hartigan the hero as Limerick win shootout

GOALKEEPER JJ Hartigan emerged the hero, saving two penalties in a tension-packed shootout, as Limerick and District League won the FAI Youths Inter-League final at Belfield Park yesterday.

Hartigan saved Dublin and District Schoolboy League’s final two penalties from Ian Maher and Brian King for a 4-3 shootout victory after the match had ended 1-1.

Dublin controlled most of the game and deservedly went in front through David Tyrell early in the second-half only for the goal to be cancelled out by a Brian Flanagan penalty soon afterwards.

Flanagan missed during the shootout to give the DDSL an early advantage, but strikes from Thomas Clarke, Niall Butterfield, Liam Flynn and David Moloney, coupled with Hartigan’s heroics ensured the trophy headed for Limerick.

LIMERICK AND DISTRICT: Hartigan; Moloney, Flynn, Hammon, Clarke; Lynn, Bourke, Hayes, Daly; Carroll, Flanagan.

DUBLIN AND DISTRICT: Hussey; O'Sullivan, Maher, Tiernan, Murphy; O'Neill, Barber, King, Tyrell; Doyle, Sheppard.

Referee: J Grimes.