Match Thread - Limerick v Clare All Ireland Hurling Semi Final

Clareman

Semi-Final - Croke Park
Sunday 18th August 2013, 15:30

Clare and Limerick renew their rivallary in the second of the 2013 All Ireland Semi Finals in Croke Park on the 18th of August at 3.30. Both teams have had a diffcult recent history but are showing signs of progress and will see this game as an opportunity to reach an All Ireland Final.

Limerick's recent Munster Final win over Cork has rejuvenated the County's passion for hurling and with their Minor team playing in the curtain raiser they will expect to out number their neighbours. Limerick have not had a competitive match since the Munster final on the 14th of June whereas Clare have recently played Galway and a lot of their team has tasted Under 21 success in Munster.

In recent years Limerick have had the better of Clare in their Championship meetings and will head into the game as slight favourites.

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1: Pa Kelly|1: Nickie Quaid
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2: Dómhnall O'Donovan|2: Stephen Walsh
3: David McInerney|3: Richie McCarthy
4: Cian Dillon|4: Tom Condon
5: Brendan Bugler|5: Paudie O'Brien
6: Patrick Donnellan|6: Wayne McNamara
7: Pat O'Connor|7: Gavin McNamara
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8: Colm Galvin|8: Paul Browne
9: Colin Ryan|9: Donal O'Grady
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10: John Conlon|10: David Breen
11: Tony Kelly|11: James Ryan
12: Conor Ryan|12: Seamus Hickey
13: Podge Collins|13: Graeme Mulcahy
14: Darach Honan|14: Declan Hannon
15: Conor McGrath|15: Seanie Tobin

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16: Donal Tuohy|16: Aaron Murphy
17: Eamonn Glynn|17: Mark Carmody
18: Nicky O'Connell|18: Cathal King
19: James McInerney|19: Alan Dempsey
20: Jonathan Clancy|20: Shane Dowling
21: Brian O'Connell|21: Conor Allis
22: Conor Cooney|22: Niall Moran
23: Liam Markham|23: Kevin Downes
24: Alan O'Neill|24: Paudie Aherne
25: Shane O'Donnell|25: Tommy Quaid
26: Cathal McInerney|26: Thomas Ryan
27: Peter Duggan|
28: Fergal Lynch|
29: Enda Barrett|

Match Odds
From Paddy Power

Match Betting
Limerick 8/11 Draw 9/1 Clare 11/8

Handicap Betting
Limerick (-1.0) 10/11 Handicap Draw (-1.0) 10/1 Clare (+1.0) evens

Ticket Details
Tickets are on sale through Gaa.ie, Ticketmaster, local GAA clubs and Centra.

daisybelle2008

The two early trains to Dublin on 18th are sold out for over a week now, would it not occur to irish rail to put some extras on for the day

spacetrap

daisybelle2008 wrote: »

The two early trains to Dublin on 18th are sold out for over a week now, would it not occur to irish rail to put some extras on for the day

Found this on Irish Rails Twitter page they have a Ennis special seat still available it is not on the normal timetable.
Iarnród Éireann ‏@IrishRail 7 Aug
Extra services operating for Limerick & Clare fans travelling to the Hurling Semi Final @CrokePark Sun 18th August https://seatreservation.irishrail.ie/specialServices.asp …
Expand Reply Retweet Favorite Mor

niallo27

I like the way you put the Clare players names bigger than the limerick boys. Put them back in their place.

Rightwing

When Clare beat Galway, I said 'yes' we have the easy draw.

Now I'm beginning to think we have the hard draw.

niallo27

I think the first ten minutes could be crucial. Both teams will be nervous, a team could find themselves 7 or 8 points down before they know there in a game. I do think there is a lot more pressure on limerick than the Clare side. I think whoever wins we will be shouting for in the final. Lets just hope it's Clare.

InchicoreDude

Is the Brian o'Connell who is on the bench the guy who was midfield for ye a few years ago? How is Jonathon Clancy these days? Ger Loughnane was always raving about him when he came on the scene first.

Rightwing

niallo27 wrote: »

I think the first ten minutes could be crucial. Both teams will be nervous, a team could find themselves 7 or 8 points down before they know there in a game. I do think there is a lot more pressure on limerick than the Clare side. I think whoever wins we will be shouting for in the final. Lets just hope it's Clare.

Cork wiped the floor with Clare. That gives me hope. Limk should try and see how they did it.

InchicoreDude

Rightwing wrote: »

Cork wiped the floor with Clare. That gives me hope. Limk should try and see how they did it.

Not sure that is an accurate description of the match!

niallo27

Rightwing wrote: »

Cork wiped the floor with Clare. That gives me hope. Limk should try and see how they did it.

Cork gave up at least 5 great goal chance against Clare. We seem to be more clinical as the championship goes on. Things just didnt happen for Clare that day.

marco_polo

Rightwing wrote: »

Cork wiped the floor with Clare. That gives me hope. Limk should try and see how they did it.

In that case the Limerick gameplan for the forwards just needs to be stand within 50-60 yard of our goal and wait for one of our defenders to handpass the ball to ye*. :P

* Hopeful we have improved considerably since then.

Rightwing

marco_polo wrote: »

In that case the Limerick gameplan for the forwards just needs to be stand within 50-60 yard of our goal and wait for one of our defenders to handpass the ball to ye*. :P

* Hopeful we have improved considerably since then.

Ya, I watched that match. Clare seemed to have Cork on the ropes, the big lad was doing serious damage, but Clare just fell apart and Cork won pulling up.

Clareman

niallo27 wrote: »

I like the way you put the Clare players names bigger than the limerick boys. Put them back in their place.

Woops, nicely spotted, the pictures are different sizes which is throwing out the table, I'll sort that tomorrow.

grenache

Earlier on in the week, I would have gone for a Clare victory, now i'm coming back towards Limerick, but only a little bit. There's no doubt that the Clare forwards have hit form at the right time of the championship, and the vast spaces of GAA HQ will suit them, probably even more so than Limerick. It goes without saying that Podge Collins, Conor McGrath and Tony Kelly in particular will need watching. It puzzles me as to why they don't make more use of Honan, when he has the beating of most full backs. They seem to be reluctant to hit him with quick direct ball.

Limerick need to start Declan Hannon at the edge of the square. I cannot for the life of me understand why he is being utilised on the 40', when he can do far more damage at 14. I know using him there allows James Ryan to fall back as a third midfielder, but it severely limits our strength further up the field, I think both Tobin and Mulcahy would be far better served with having an orthodox 14 playing beside them. Mulcahy in particular, as he has been a little quiet so far this summer, and really needs a big game.

Clare seem to have the better forwards, overall, but Limerick appear to have the edge in the backs. I can't see Limerick's half or full line giving the Clare forwards the same space that Wexford and Galway gave them. Galvin and Ryan at midfield for Clare have been very impressive thus far, although O'Grady and Browne have been very decent too for Limerick. In fact Paul Browne has been the most improved player for Limerick this past year. I honestly think whoever wins midfield will win the game. At the present time, you'd have to favour Clare, slightly. Ryan has been a revelation since moving back from the forwards.

But as we all know, with Clare's passing game, it's all or nothing. It's going to be a fascinating match and compelling viewing either way.

Fireball07

Poll, Clareman? See which way the boards mood is swinging?

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

I hate this myth of the "wide open spaces in Croke Park". The pitch isn't actually that big, most pitches are 145m x 90m (like Cusack Park, Pearse Stadium and Thurles), Croker is only 144.5m x 188m. It's practically the same, the Gaelic Grounds is the only stadium that I've found that's much smaller than most others, coming in at 137m x 82m. Most pitches are, naturally enough, the same size.

grenache

THFC wrote: »

I hate this myth of the "wide open spaces in Croke Park". The pitch isn't actually that big, most pitches are 145m x 90m (like Cusack Park, Pearse Stadium and Thurles), Croker is only 144.5m x 188m. It's practically the same, the Gaelic Grounds is the only stadium that I've found that's much smaller than most others, coming in at 137m x 82m. Most pitches are, naturally enough, the same size.

Shhhh....you're ruining my clichés

Clareman

THFC wrote: »

I hate this myth of the "wide open spaces in Croke Park". The pitch isn't actually that big, most pitches are 145m x 90m (like Cusack Park, Pearse Stadium and Thurles), Croker is only 144.5m x 188m. It's practically the same, the Gaelic Grounds is the only stadium that I've found that's much smaller than most others, coming in at 137m x 82m. Most pitches are, naturally enough, the same size.

The "old" Croke Park was a lot smaller than most other pitches, that's 1 of the reasons why it was deemed a disadvantage for teams that weren't used to playing there, now however it's almost at the maximum size which is 145m x 90m. Most county grounds will also have the opportunity to go to a big size but they'll often take it back in to make more space on the sideline.

InchicoreDude

THFC wrote: »

I hate this myth of the "wide open spaces in Croke Park". The pitch isn't actually that big, most pitches are 145m x 90m (like Cusack Park, Pearse Stadium and Thurles), Croker is only 144.5m x 188m. It's practically the same, the Gaelic Grounds is the only stadium that I've found that's much smaller than most others, coming in at 137m x 82m. Most pitches are, naturally enough, the same size.

Darragh O'Se was explaining this on TV3 a few weeks back. It is more a trick of the eye than anything. I cant remember his logic exactly so I wont try to explain it, but he did have a good explanation!

Rightwing

THFC wrote: »

I hate this myth of the "wide open spaces in Croke Park". The pitch isn't actually that big, most pitches are 145m x 90m (like Cusack Park, Pearse Stadium and Thurles), Croker is only 144.5m x 188m. It's practically the same, the Gaelic Grounds is the only stadium that I've found that's much smaller than most others, coming in at 137m x 82m. Most pitches are, naturally enough, the same size.

A lot of it is to do with the stands,,,,they are a back a bit, whereas a venue like Clones feels claustrophic.

mickmackey1

THFC wrote: »

Croker is only 144.5m x 188m.

That's fairly wide all the same :pac:

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

mickmackey1 wrote: »

That's fairly wide all the same :pac:

Ya, Christ, maybe that's where all the wide open spaces are!!

Clareman

Poll added and crests made the same size.

Rightwing

I went for Limk, but really it's a coin toss.

Is that 3 lions I see on the clare crest ?!

Moneymaker

I'd favour Limerick, I think they have slightly more quality all over the field and their bench is a strong ace John Allen has up his sleeve.

Would not at all be surprised to see Clare win mind. I have it at around 55-45 in favour of Limerick, maybe 60-40.

Clareman

Rightwing wrote: »

I went for Limk, but really it's a coin toss.

Is that 3 lions I see on the clare crest ?!

Yup, it comes from the O'Brien's family coat of arms and can be dated back to Brian Boru. The Clare crest was the first crest specifically designed for a GAA team as they wanted it for tickets and stuff. The motto is Latin for "First into battle and the last out of it"

Rightwing

Clareman wrote: »

Yup, it comes from the O'Brien's family coat of arms and can be dated back to Brian Boru. The Clare crest was the first crest specifically designed for a GAA team as they wanted it for tickets and stuff. The motto is Latin for "First into battle and the last out of it"

A little bit of history there for us, thank you. Interesting.

Bet not too many would answer that question at a pub quiz...'3 lions on which GAA crest'.

Evil_Clown

Clareman wrote: »

Yup, it comes from the O'Brien's family coat of arms and can be dated back to Brian Boru. The Clare crest was the first crest specifically designed for a GAA team as they wanted it for tickets and stuff. The motto is Latin for "First into battle and the last out of it"

Cheers for the info, but isn't the motto in Irish ? That being said Latin wouldn't be my strong point

Clareman

Evil_Clown wrote: »

Cheers for the info, but isn't the motto in Irish ? That being said Latin wouldn't be my strong point

Very good point well made, yup it's Irish of course

Mountainlad

THFC wrote: »

I hate this myth of the "wide open spaces in Croke Park". The pitch isn't actually that big, most pitches are 145m x 90m (like Cusack Park, Pearse Stadium and Thurles), Croker is only 144.5m x 188m. It's practically the same, the Gaelic Grounds is the only stadium that I've found that's much smaller than most others, coming in at 137m x 82m. Most pitches are, naturally enough, the same size.

Well if the Gaelic Grounds is much tighter it's highly relevant, asLimerick have won two games playing negatively.

It's all about the pressure on the Clare backs really, the only way Limerick will score a goal is by Clare making a mistake back there as they're not setup to create goal chances.

Clare themselves have pretty telegraphed tactics, but it'd still be hard to keep a handle on Honan and McGrath, and the likes of Kelly and Collins running from deep.

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

Mountainlad wrote: »

Well if the Gaelic Grounds is much tighter it's highly relevant, asLimerick have won two games playing negatively.

It's all about the pressure on the Clare backs really, the only way Limerick will score a goal is by Clare making a mistake back there as they're not setup to create goal chances.

Clare themselves have pretty telegraphed tactics, but it'd still be hard to keep a handle on Honan and McGrath, and the likes of Kelly and Collins running from deep.

I was only referring to the myth of the wide open spaces in Croker, nothing else. It's the same as most pitches, including the GG, the difference is size between the GG and CP is minimal when you're talking about a pitch nearly 200m long.

Fireball07

Mountainlad wrote: »

Well if the Gaelic Grounds is much tighter it's highly relevant, asLimerick have won two games playing negatively.

It's all about the pressure on the Clare backs really, the only way Limerick will score a goal is by Clare making a mistake back there as they're not setup to create goal chances.

Clare themselves have pretty telegraphed tactics, but it'd still be hard to keep a handle on Honan and McGrath, and the likes of Kelly and Collins running from deep.

One thing is though that Clare have conceded goals from defensive mistakes already this year...twice, I think? Limerick will play a very high pressure game in the forwards, which is the best way to take them on, I think.

And we haven't created many goal chances (Hannon fresh-aired a chance against Tipp, and James Ryan missed a great chance) but if we keep tapping over the points we should be okay. I still think the likes of Mulcahy and Hannon are well capable of getting goals if they are on form...and Tobin is known for getting goals, so hopefully he's fit.

Mountainlad

THFC wrote: »

I was only referring to the myth of the wide open spaces in Croker, nothing else. It's the same as most pitches, including the GG, the difference is size between the GG and CP is minimal when you're talking about a pitch nearly 200m long.

I'd say it's more width that'd be important anyway, in terms of players looking for space.

Fireball07 wrote: »

One thing is though that Clare have conceded goals from defensive mistakes already this year...twice, I think? Limerick will play a very high pressure game in the forwards, which is the best way to take them on, I think.

And we haven't created many goal chances (Hannon fresh-aired a chance against Tipp, and James Ryan missed a great chance) but if we keep tapping over the points we should be okay. I still think the likes of Mulcahy and Hannon are well capable of getting goals if they are on form...and Tobin is known for getting goals, so hopefully he's fit.

They can get goals, I'd say they are clinical enough but you can't score a goal if you don't get a chance! Clare are prone to making mistakes and ye do seem to play that high pressing game that could see them in trouble. At the same time if it;s a shootout I think Clare will win. Limerick have been exceptionally accurate so far in the championship, being at home and on a smaller field have to have played some part in that.

Fireball07

Mountainlad wrote: »

They can get goals, I'd say they are clinical enough but you can't score a goal if you don't get a chance! Clare are prone to making mistakes and ye do seem to play that high pressing game that could see them in trouble. At the same time if it;s a shootout I think Clare will win. Limerick have been exceptionally accurate so far in the championship, being at home and on a smaller field have to have played some part in that.

Well yeah, if it comes down to a shootout, the Clare lads do seem to have more natural firepower. Although they have been guilty of some wayward shooting at times...

Limerick's starting forward line isn't their to score much, it's there to hassle and harry, run themselves into the ground. In fairness, Jim-Bob scored a good few points the last day and we do tend to pick up frees. I'm assuming we're not going to let Clare have the space they'll look for, Collins and Kelly are the key men to watch, as has been said before.

Fafa

I need advice I'm travelling to slane next Sat for eminem and staying overnight and going to croke park Sun. Where is the best place to park considering I'll be heading towards Limerick afterwards?

grenache

Fafa wrote: »

I need advice I'm travelling to slane next Sat for eminem and staying overnight and going to croke park Sun. Where is the best place to park considering I'll be heading towards Limerick afterwards?

Hi Fafa,

I took the following parking information from the 'Croke Park on match days' thread:


"The Red Cow park and ride is 4 euro for 24 hours, then get the Luas to Bus Áras/Connolly/Abbey Street.

Walking from Connolly Station (or Abbey Street if you're on the Luas) takes about 10 minutes. Again, looking at Google Maps will give you directions.

It's €6 for parking in Cleary's multi story in Marlborough St. (up until 7pm). You must tell the parking attendant you are going to the game however. About 15 minutes walk from Croker.

Parkrite in Parnell Street is €4 on Sundays. Next to no traffic going in at around 12pm. 15 min walk to Croker."


I would say go with the Red Cow park & ride. That way you're avoiding any heavy city centre traffic before & after the game. The LUAS is a handy way to travel. And you're parked just off the M7, all ready to hit the road to Limmers after the match.

Browney7

grenache wrote: »

Hi Fafa,

I took the following parking information from the 'Croke Park on match days' thread:


"The Red Cow park and ride is 4 euro for 24 hours, then get the Luas to Bus Áras/Connolly/Abbey Street.

Walking from Connolly Station (or Abbey Street if you're on the Luas) takes about 10 minutes. Again, looking at Google Maps will give you directions.

It's €6 for parking in Cleary's multi story in Marlborough St. (up until 7pm). You must tell the parking attendant you are going to the game however. About 15 minutes walk from Croker.

Parkrite in Parnell Street is €4 on Sundays. Next to no traffic going in at around 12pm. 15 min walk to Croker."


I would say go with the Red Cow park & ride. That way you're avoiding any heavy city centre traffic before & after the game. The LUAS is a handy way to travel. And you're parked just off the M7, all ready to hit the road to Limmers after the match.

The only thing is that half Limerick will have the same idea and cram onto the luas. A better bet could be the Navan road parkway. Can park the car and get the commuter train into Drumcondra

drmactastic

daisybelle2008 wrote: »

The two early trains to Dublin on 18th are sold out for over a week now, would it not occur to irish rail to put some extras on for the day

I bought a train ticket last week for Sunday (18th of Aug) that I am now not using. Its going from Charleville at 8.40am to Heuston and returning at 7:20pm from Heuston that afternoon after the match.

It cost e50 but I would sell it for e35 if interested.

Browney7

drmactastic wrote: »

I bought a train ticket last week for Sunday (18th of Aug) that I am now not using. Its going from Charleville at 8.40am to Heuston and returning at 5:20pm from Heuston that afternoon after the match.

It cost e50 but I would sell it for e35 if interested.

Not leaving much time with a 5:20 train to be fair

slegs

Browney7 wrote: »

Not leaving much time with a 5:20 train to be fair

Not a hope of making that train unless he leaves at half time

cabledude

grenache wrote: »

Hi Fafa,

I took the following parking information from the 'Croke Park on match days' thread:


"The Red Cow park and ride is 4 euro for 24 hours, then get the Luas to Bus Áras/Connolly/Abbey Street.

Walking from Connolly Station (or Abbey Street if you're on the Luas) takes about 10 minutes. Again, looking at Google Maps will give you directions.

It's €6 for parking in Cleary's multi story in Marlborough St. (up until 7pm). You must tell the parking attendant you are going to the game however. About 15 minutes walk from Croker.

Parkrite in Parnell Street is €4 on Sundays. Next to no traffic going in at around 12pm. 15 min walk to Croker."


I would say go with the Red Cow park & ride. That way you're avoiding any heavy city centre traffic before & after the game. The LUAS is a handy way to travel. And you're parked just off the M7, all ready to hit the road to Limmers after the match.

Is Clerys car park not closed now due to storm damage a couple weeks ago. Or is it just the stores?

Amprodude

Heart says Limerick. Head says Clare.

angelfire9

Amprodude wrote: »

Heart says Limerick. Head says Clare.

Heart says Clare head doesn't know :cool:, I think we have the ability, I don't think the venue will make a difference to our lads who have had success in croker at minor and u21 level
I know there will be far more limerick support than Clare at the game
I think it will be a close one

Thinkstoomuch

Amprodude wrote: »

Heart says Limerick. Head says Clare.

Im the same,id love limerick to win,but i think clare have more going for them.

Limerick arent used to croke park,like the clare lads,can't rely on the crowd factor of the gaelic grounds again or the bench to bring them home.

Im not sure under Allen they will bring anything new to the table.

Clare will meet them head on with the physicality and relish it.

Honan wont dominate but will keep rich mac busy.

Clare have the possesion game and the long game if needed.Limerick have only one style,go direct and use the bench with 15 to go.

Clare have a bench,but a manager who wont wait all day to make changes.

Limericks six week lay off is bound to tell.Clare got their bad game out of their system and improved in every game.
I hope limerick win,as it be great for them to get to the final,and cork would rather them than clare.

mickmackey1

Thinkstoomuch wrote: »

cork would rather them than clare.

Of course, Cork only beat Clare by 8 points and lost to Limk by 9, so that makes perfect sense :rolleyes: Back to your playskool

Thinkstoomuch

mickmackey1 wrote: »

Of course, Cork only beat Clare by 8 points and lost to Limk by 9, so that makes perfect sense :rolleyes: Back to your playskool

In fairness cork were much the better team in the first 35, minutes before horgan went.

How would ye played wiuhout hannon etc.

Horgan as proven is a huge player for cork.It be crazy to say cork had any chance of winning without him.

We are a much better and stronger team and panel since year fully strength panel at Home,made hard work of for a full hour to beat us.

If you think Cork fear limerick in croke park your mistaken,and wide of the mark.
That 8 point margin,was not a true reflection of the game.

But you believe that,it suits this team to be the underdog.

Ye will have it all to do to beat clare sunday.Best of luck,i hope ye do.

Dublin were Leinster champions and by most people,too good for Cork.

Each game has its own life.

Cork will be much stronger,with a fully fit squad for the final.

Rightwing

Thinkstoomuch wrote: »

Im the same,id love limerick to win,but i think clare have more going for them.

Limerick arent used to croke park,like the clare lads,can't rely on the crowd factor of the gaelic grounds again or the bench to bring them home.

Im not sure under Allen they will bring anything new to the table.

Clare will meet them head on with the physicality and relish it.

Honan wont dominate but will keep rich mac busy.

Clare have the possesion game and the long game if needed.Limerick have only one style,go direct and use the bench with 15 to go.

Clare have a bench,but a manager who wont wait all day to make changes.

Limericks six week lay off is bound to tell.Clare got their bad game out of their system and improved in every game.
I hope limerick win,as it be great for them to get to the final,and cork would rather them than clare.

Over 30,000 tickets sold in limk already

Amprodude

Thinkstoomuch wrote: »

In fairness cork were much the better team in the first 35, minutes before horgan went.

How would ye played wiuhout hannon etc.

Horgan as proven is a huge player for cork.It be crazy to say cork had any chance of winning without him.

We are a much better and stronger team and panel since year fully strength panel at Home,made hard work of for a full hour to beat us.

If you think Cork fear limerick in croke park your mistaken,and wide of the mark.
That 8 point margin,was not a true reflection of the game.

But you believe that,it suits this team to be the underdog.

Ye will have it all to do to beat clare sunday.Best of luck,i hope ye do.

Cork have beaten Clare , were well on top of Limerick until Horgan was sent off, beat Kilkenny by more than a score and Dublin too. We shouldnt fear anyone. We are more than capable of winning All Ireland whoever we get once we perform to the best of our potential.

Rightwing

Amprodude wrote: »

Cork have beaten Clare , were well on top of Limerick until Horgan was sent off, beat Kilkenny by more than a score and Dublin too. We shouldnt fear anyone. We are more than capable of winning All Ireland whoever we get once we perform to the best of our potential.

Unless my memory from the match is failing me,,,but i thought we were level at the time ? :rolleyes:

None of the semi-finalists fear anyone left, that's why it's so open.

Thinkstoomuch

Rightwing wrote: »

Over 30,000 tickets sold in limk already

They will be just as many clare fans.
Ye were familar with the gaelic grounds,a lot of yere guys wont be in croke park,compared to clare.

Amprodude

Rightwing wrote: »

Unless my memory from the match is failing me,,,but i thought we were level at the time ? :rolleyes:

None of the semi-finalists fear anyone left, that's why it's so open.

Corks poor shooting and wides kept Limerick in the match. When Horgan got sent off Limerick started to get on top and really only pulled away last 10 mins in match in their home ground.