Moment of magic from Xavier Neligan helps Limerick to All-Ireland minor hurling final:
By Joel Slattery Limerick Leader Sport
Limerick were big winners over Galway to earn an All-Irealand minor hurling final date with Tipp
LIMERICK are in the All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship for the first time since 2016, defeating Galway 1-26 to 1-15 in Saturday evening’s semi-final at Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg, Ennis.
Having lost the Munster final last month, Diarmuid Mullins’ side have recovered admirably, scoring wins over Clare and now the Leinster champions to book an All-Ireland final date with Tipperary.
The final – Limerick’s first at the grade since 2016 – is expected to be played on the weekend on June 27/28.
The goal typified a stunning opening 30 minutes for Limerick who have been consistently improving game on game this season.
Mullins made one change from the quarter-final win – Ryan Foley recovering from injury and available to retake the number 11 jersey, leading the attack.
In an even opening exchanges, the Limerick defence held firm when called upon with Rowan Collins and Sam Mitchell both coming out with early ball.
Captain Shane Waters got Limerick off the mark in the sixth minute with a super score from the wing, cancelling out Anthony Poniard’s opener for the Tribesmen.
Corner forwards Eamon O’Sullivan and Rian Horgan looked lively with Adare man O’Sullivan showing great strength and perseverance to knock Limerick into their first lead.
Then the moment of magic. Neligan gained possession from a puckout, running over 60 meters with the ball before blasting the ball past Mark Walsh for a super goal.
Waters knocked over four more in the opening quarter – two from play, two frees – as Mullins’ side enjoyed a deserved 1-6 to 0-3 lead midway through the opening period.
Points from Eoghan McClearn and Anthony Poniard settled Galway but a fine effort from Zach Bennis retained the Shannonsiders’ cushion.
The frees of Michael Coen kept the scoreboard ticking for the Leinster champions while a fine effort from Ryan Foley was the last score of the first half as Limerick took a 1-12 to 0-9 lead into the break.
The Treaty were also first on the board in the second half, John O’Riordan from a tight angle pushing the lead to seven.
A Waters free extended the lead – but Galway hit three wides in between these two Limerick points.
Coen then hit over a pair of frees before Bennis’ second of the evening settled Mullins’ side.
Frees from Waters and strikes from Neligan and Foley had Limerick 10 ahead in the final quarter.
Further scores from O’Sullivan, Horgan and Diarmuid Crowe ensured Limerick would not let the lead slip.
A late goal from Galway captain Gus Lohan was a mere consolation as both sides emptied their benches in the closing minutes.
Tipperary await in the All-Ireland final.
SCORERS:
Limerick: Shane Waters 0-9 (6f); Xavier Neligan 1-2; Rian Horgan 0-5; Eamon O’Sullivan 0-3; Zach Bennis and Ryan Foley 0-2 each; John O’Riordan, Diarmuid Crowe and John Ross O’Reilly 0-1 each.
Galway: Michael Coen 0-5 (5f); Gus Lohan 1-1; Anthony Poniard and Tadhg Mac Carthaigh 0-3 each; Eoghan McClearn 0-2; Kayn Boyle 0-1.
LIMERICK: Sam Collins (Crecora-Manister); Rowan Collins (Adare), William Ryan (Murroe-Boher), Sam Mitchell (Knockainey); John O’Riordan (Bruff), Conor Ryan (Monaleen), Eoin Hennessy (Patrickswell); Xavier Nelligan (Kilmallock), Jack Roche (Blackrock); Diarmuid Crowe (Doon), Ryan Foley (Patrickswell), Shane Waters (Na Piarsaigh); Eamon O’Sullivan (Adare), Zach Bennis (Kildimo-Pallaskenry), Rian Horgan (Murroe-Boher).
Subs: Paul Collins (Tournafulla) for Roche (45 mins); Gavin O’Brien (Kilmallock) for Bennis (55 mins); John Ross O’Reilly (Ballybrown) for Foley (55 mins); Donagh Horgan (Murroe-Boher) for Ryan (56 mins) Cian Hickey (Crecora-Manister) for Neligan (56 mins).
GALWAY: Mark Walsh; Jack Cahill, Dillon O’Shaughnessy, Ethan Whyte; Cathal Donoghue, Conor Lynskey, Ultan Leen; Gus Lohan, Jamie Egan; Eoghan McClearn, Tadhg Mac Carthaigh, Tom McAdam; Michael Coen, Eli Huban, Anthony Poniard.
Subs: Conor O’Neill for Lynskey (24 mins); Cillian Power for Huban (37 mins); Daithi Dillon for Egan (42 mins); Cathal Larkin for Coen (46 mins); Joey McMahon for Leen (55 mins); Kayn Boyle for McAdam (55 mins).
REFEREE: Peter Owens (Down).