Late first-half brace of goals sees Limerick overcome London challenge in Tailteann Cup

Jimmy Lee’s men had ended an eternity without a win, 364 days in all competitions when defeating Offaly and just like that the sealed two success in just a fortnight.

After a first Championship win in 11 years, London were unable to build on this against a confident-looking Treaty outfit.

First-half goals from Danny Neville and Paul Maher sent the winners on their way. They held most of the possession and could afford 11 wides to five in reply from the Londoners.

While there was an inevitability about the result in the second period, Limerick still needed to kick some late scores to shake off the Exiles when Danny Neville had been black card.

As well as the goals, four top-class points from Cathal Downes were key in the first half, with Michael Maher’s London replying through Shay Rafter and Michael Carroll.

As soon as Neville volleyed home on 33 minutes, there was daylight that wasn’t ever closed.

The same player burst through again in stoppage time, feeding Emmet Rigter who unselfishly fed Maher who palmed home.

The second-half was an even contest, with Eoin Walsh and Carroll swapping scores with Barry Coleman, who kicked two identical points.

In the end, the Munster side were comfortable, and didn’t need to get out of third gear on a humid afternoon.

London, at the time of writing, are uncertain of their future in the competition, waiting to see if their two points and their minus 13 scoring difference is good enough for a third-place qualifier spot.

Scorers – Limerick: C Downes, P Nash (0-2 frees) 0-4 each; D Neville 1-1; P Maher 1-0; B Coleman 0-2; J Ryan (free), E Rigter, B Aherne 0-1 each. London: M Carroll 0-3; S Rafter (0-2 frees), D Clarke 0-2 each; A McLoughlin, E Walsh, C Diver (free) 0-1 each.

Limerick: J Ryan; C Woulfe, S O’Dea, P Maher; B Coleman, C Fahy, T McCarthy; T Childs, I Corbett; E Rigter, J Naughton, C Downes; D Neville, R Childs, P Nash. Subs: B Nix for Naughton (50); J Liston for Maher (55); T Griffin for T Childs (60); C McSweeney for Fahy (63); Brian Ahern for Rigter (70).

London: A Walsh; D Rooney, C Healy, E Walsh (C); O Kerr, C McKeon, A McLoughlin; J Obahor, M Carroll; S Dornan, D Clare, C Diver; R Rafferty, S Rafter, N McElwaine. Subs: DJ O’Flaherty for Dornan (54); J McGill for Rafter (60); S Tucker for (63); Tighe Barry for McElwaine (67); Michael Miller for McLoughlin (70).

Referee: David Murnane (Cork).