Limerick's class, power and athleticism all bubbled to the surface in Netwatch Cullen Park this afternoon as the Treaty County continued their rehabilitation after a poor League campaign with a comprehensive win over Carlow.
Mark Fitzgerald’s men notched 1-19 against their hosts, matching their tally of 2-16 that they posted against Longford last week.
Notably, there was also a much-improved defensive showing from the Munster county, who conceded five points in a row in a 12-minute burst before half-time, and four points from the 66th minute onwards when there was no doubt about the result.
Outside of that they put Carlow on lockdown, with the full-back line of Seán O’Dea, Mike Donovan and in particular Brian Fanning, all very impressive.
Limerick did take their time getting into the game, conceding the first two points before Jim Liston got them off the mark from close range in the sixth minute.
Carlow, unsurprisingly after their late smash and grab win over Wicklow, were in high spirits and a wonderful move off the throw in that resulted in Jordan Morrissey splitting the posts from the right wing, suggested that they were ready and fired up to build on that excellent victory in Aughrim.
However once Liston got Limerick off the mark, for the next 20 minutes they dominated the game, controlling possession and enabling James Naughton and Brian Donovan to kick the scores that put them in complete control.
Carlow's resurgence before half-time, featuring some excellent points from Ross Dunphy and Conor Crowley among others, hinted at a tight contest from then on.
Limerick however used the break well, introducing some steady hands in the form of Iain Corbett and Hugh Bourke, with Bourke playing a key role in Paul Maher’s goal that opened the scoring in the second half.
There was a subtle change in emphasis from direct kicking to direct running with the ball, as seen for the Adare man’s goal, and by the time Carlow scored again with 47 minutes gone, the Treaty men had tacked on five in a row to push the lead out to eight and make certain of their second consecutive win.
Peter Nash filled his boots with four second half points, adding the finishing touch to a number of slick passing moves from Mark Fitzgerald’s side, but it was on the defensive side that Limerick were utterly dominant, aided by some fine catches at midfield from players like Cathal Downes and Colm McSweeney to keep the Treaty men on the front foot.
Carlow added just two points to their half-time tally before the last five minutes, where both sides lost their shape.
This allowed four points to be added at both ends of the field, but all in a time when both teams had clearly shifted their focus towards the final round of games, with Carlow facing a vital all-Leinster battle with Longford, and Limerick looking good to top the group if they can finish strongly against Wicklow.
Limerick: Donal O’Sullivan; Seán O’Dea, Mike Donovan, Brian Fanning; Barry Coleman, Jim Liston (0-01), Paul Maher (1-00); Cathal Downes (0-01 mark), Cillian Fahy (0-01); Adrian Enright, Cian Sheehan, Colm McSweeney; Peter Nash (0-05), Brian Donovan (0-02), James Naughton (0-07, 0-02 frees).
Subs: Hugh Bourke (0-01f) for Enright (half-time), Iain Corbett for Liston (half-time), Robbie Bourke (0-01) for Naughton (56), Tony McCarthy for Downes (60), Cormac Woulfe for McSweeney (69).
Carlow: Johnny Furey; Seánie Bambrick, Mikey Bambrick, Shane Buggy; Niall Hickey (0-01), Mark Furey, Jamie Clarke; Conor Doyle, Jordan Morrissey (0-03); Ciarán Moran, Shane Clarke, Ross Dunphy (0-02); Colm Hulton (0-01), Conor Crowley (0-01), Darragh Foley (0-05, frees).
Subs: Jonah Dunne for J Clarke (26), Aaron Amond (0-01) for Hickey (55), Josh Moore for M Bambrick (63), Eric Molloy for Dunphy (63), Finbarr Kavanagh for Doyle (68).
Referee: Anthony Nolan (Wicklow)
