09 July 2011
From Sportsnewsireland.com
Limerick set up a All Ireland qualifying clash with Dublin thanks to a 19 point win over Antrim in Parnell Park this evening (Saturday).
Antrim were quickest off the blocks in an even first half however a goal by Niall Moran and the sending off Karl Stewart handed the momentum to Limerick and they went in at half time 1-10 to 0-08 in front.
Like in the first half Antrim were quickest off the blocks again and reduced the deficit to a goal in the opening 10 minutes of the second half with Neil McManus proving accurate with the hurl.
Similar to the sending off in the first, the decisive moment for Limerick came in the 50th minute when firstly Hannon Declan Hannon had a shot saved with Moran hitting the post and crossbar with the follow up. The end result was a 65 which Brian Geary drifted over and Limerick’s nerves settled.
From then on Limerick took control and 2 minutes later David Breen scored with a brilliant solo effort, smashing the ball home with Donal O’Grady’s side adding a third on 57 minutes to all but wrap up the game.
Hannon and his fellow forward were not getting the freedom of Parnell Park and were scoring points at will while for Antrim the scores dried up with 18 minutes lapsing between the 3rd and 4th point of the second half.
That 62nd minute point was Antrim’s last of the evening with Tom Condon scoring his first of the Championship along with scores from James Ryan (2), Sean Tobin and Mark O’Riordan sealing a 3-22 to 0-12 win and a clash with Dublin.
Antrim’s Championship campaign is over but for Limerick is onwards and upwards.
From BBC:
Antrim lost to Limerick by 19 points in their All-Ireland Hurling qualifier at Parnell Park on Saturday night.
Antrim were well in contention for most of the first half but Karl Stewart was sent-off and Limerick found the net to leave it 1-10 to 0-8 at half-time.
Limerick pulled away in the second half, scoring two further goals in the process, as the Saffrons could only muster four points after the break.
Limerick will take their place in the All-Ireland quarter-final draw.
Early points from Eddie McCloskey and Neil McManus gave Antrim cause for optimism and although Limerick levelled, the Saffrons took a 0-7 to 0-4 lead.
Limerick nudged ahead with 19-year-old wing forward Declan Hannon their star performer.
Stewart saw a red card for a dangerous tackle on Brian Geary.
Antrim trailed by five points at the interval despite McManus accumulating six first-half points.
Dinny Cahill's side closed to within three points at 1-11 to 0-11 but Limerick responded with three unanswered points and a David Breen goal.
Limerick went on to dominate further and increased their margin of victory substantially.
