Limerick SHC Final

Na Piarsaigh 1-20 Patrickswell 0-19

By Tom Clancy at TUS Gaelic Grounds

Na Piarsaigh secured their eight Limerick SHC title since 2011, after a hard-fought victory over record holders Na Piarsaigh.

A first half goal from Peter Casey proved pivotal in retaining their crown. This victory was helped by eight points from Ronan Lynch, who continued in the forwards with William O’Donoghue returning to the team.

With O’Donoghue involved, it meant that Kevin Downes returned to wing forward – and to some effect. He scored 0-4 from play as Na Piarsaigh held the advantage from 21st minute to the finish.

It was a 30th final for Patrickswell, who remain top of the roll of honour, having won 20 titles. They didn’t bring their best and had a few players well shackled by an organised Na Piarsaigh defence.

True to form, Aaron Gillane started this game by getting the first two points. There was a quick-fire brace from him, but he was tightly marked by opposing captain, Mike Casey.

The breakthrough goal from Casey was a typical score from the Limerick star.

Collecting a long delivery, Casey still had a lot to do for the games opening goal. He cut in from a wide angle and somehow, despite being followed by four Well defenders, the ball trickled over the line after he connected with his left foot.

Na Piarsaigh held the half-time lead, 1-8 to 0-7. Both sides had left a string of chances after them with the wide count seven to five, Patrickswell more inaccurate. Downes clipped over to close the half.

The city side were able to pull five clear early in the second half, first Mike Foley and then Ronan Lynch (free) on target.

Eamonn Kelly’s side would never get closer than two points and when they did, after Kevin O’Brien clipped over a point, Na Piarsaigh had answers.

Shane O’Neill’s men had points again from Downes and Lynch and Patrickswell hunted a goal which just never game. Late points from a brace of Lynch frees pulled them clear.

They will enter the Munster club championship, which they’ve won four times, next month.

Scorers for Patrickswell: Aaron Gillane 0-7 (5fs), Jack Kelleher 0-4 (1 sideline), Diarmaid Byrnes 0-2 (2fs), Kevin O’Brien 0-2, Evan Fitzgerald, Mark Carmody, Calvin Caroll, John Flynn 0-1 each.

Scorers for Na Piarsaigh: Ronan Lynch 0-8 (7fs), Peter Casey 1-1, Kevin Downes 0-4, David Dempsey, Conor Boylan 0-2 each, Mike Foley, JJ Carey, Will Henn 0-1 each.

Na Piarsaigh: Shane Dowling; Emmet McEvoy, Mike Casey (C), Cathal King; Mike Foley, Will O’Donoghue, Vince Harington; Ronan Lynch, Conor Boylan; Kevin Downes, Will Henn, JJ Carey; Peter Casey, Adrian Breen, David Dempsey.

Subs: Keith Dempsey for Breen (57 mins), John Fitzgerald for Henn (62 mins).

Patrickswell: Jason Gillane; Kelvin Lynch, Mark Carmody, John Flynn; Evan Fitzgearld, Diarmaid Byrnes, Cian Fitzgearld; Jack Kelleher, Josh Considine; Kevin O’Brien, Cian Lynch, Jordan Higgins; Tom O’Brien, Aaron Gillane (C), John Kirby.

Subs: Patrick Kirby for T O’Brien (half-time), Tom Nolan for Evan Fitzgerald (temp – 36 – 40 mins), Calvin Carroll for Considine (44 mins), Nigel Foley for J Kirby (48 mins), Tom Nolan for Higgins (59 mins).

Referee: Michael Sexton (Bruree).