Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) 3-11

Sixmilebridge (Clare) 1-15

Na Piarsaigh recovered from a nine-point interval deficit to repeat their 2013 provincial final victory over Sixmilebridge in an exciting Munster club SHC quarter-final in Sixmilebridge.

The Limerick champions looked down and out when they trailed by 1-3 to 1-12 at the short whistle, but third quarter goals from Kevin Downes and Peter Casey proved the catalyst for a remarkable comeback, which ended the home side's unbeaten run in all competitions this year.

After Brian Corry and Niall Gilligan had posted early points for the 'Bridge, an Adrian Breen goal helped Na Piarsaigh to regain parity at the end of the opening quarter, 1-1 to 0-4. But the Clare kingpins dominated the second quarter with Cathal Malone's goal helping them to a seemingly unassailable half-time advantage.

However, it was game on when Kevin Downes bagged a quick 1-1 for the Limerick city side within two minutes of the restart. Gilligan steadied the 'Bridge with his fifth and sixth points, but the momentum remained with the visitors as Casey's goal and points from Shane Dowling and Breen left the minimum in it with 15 minutes to go.

Gilligan and Kevin Ryan traded scores before efforts from Ronan Lynch and Breen gave Na Piarsaigh the lead for the first time. Dowling put two between the sides before Gilligan's late goal attempt from a 20-metre free was blocked on the line, and the visitors could celebrate.

Na Piarsaigh - P Kennedy; M Casey, K Breen, K Kennedy; C King, R Lynch (0-1f), M Foley; A Dempsey, W O'Donoghue; K Ryan (0-1), D Dempsey (0-1), A Breen (1-2); S Dowling (0-5, 3f, 1'65), K Downes (1-1), P Casey (1-0). Sub: P Gleeson for K Ryan.

Sixmilebridge - D Fahy; B Fitzpatrick, A Quilligan, S Morey; N Purcell, C Morey, P Fitzpatrick; J Shanahan, C Deasy (0-1); C Malone (1-1), N Gilligan (0-7, 5f), B Carey (0-1); B Corry (0-2), S Golden (0-1), A Morey (0-2). Subs: A Mulready for B Corry, D Morey for A Morey, P Sheehan for C Deasy, K Lynch for C Malone, T Keogh for N Purcell.

Referee - C Egan.

Tweet

Most Read Stories