An impressive fightback and a nine-point turnaround in the second half wasn't enough as Limerick were relegated to back down to Division 4 despite a one-point victory over already-relegated Fermanagh in Mick Neville Park.
Played in near-perfect, but windy conditions in a warm Rathkeale on Sunday afternoon, Fermanagh, boosted by a strong breeze in the opening half, led by eight at half-time – 0-14 to 1-03, before a remarkable comeback saw Limerick outscore their Ulster counterparts by 1-12 to 0-06 in the second half to secure victory.
The win, however, ultimately meant nothing to Limerick’s hopes of avoiding a quick return to Division 4 as Sligo defeated Clare in Markievicz Park.
Limerick were set to play the game in maroon jersey with black sleeves but reverted back to their more familiar green tops after referee James Molloy voiced his concerns over a potential colour clash with Fermanagh’s all back kit.
It was Fermanagh, already facing life in Division 4 next season, who started the brightest with early points from Oisín Kelm, Ronan McCafferty, and Garvan Jones each scoring without response to put the Ernesiders three points up inside the opening six minutes.
Limerick, playing with great patience early on, got off the mark just shy of the 11th minute thanks to a close-range free from James Naughton.
Fermanagh responded well, however, and four points with no reply from Limerick – two quick-fire efforts from Conor Love, a well-taken Declan McCusker point, and a point off the post from Gavan Jones – put six between the sides, 0-07 to 0-01, by the 20-minute mark.
It could have been all but over for Limerick moments later, but Adare netminder Jeffery Alfred denied Belnaleck Art McMurroughs sharpshooter Darragh McGurn a certain goal.
Fermanagh goalkeeper Sean McNally kicked over the resulting 45’ to put seven between the sides.
By the 25th minute Fermanagh had scored eight in-a-row, including two two-pointers by Darragh McGurn, to open up a 11-point lead – 0-12 to 0-01 – with Limerick yet to score from play at this stage.
Limerick got their first point from play a minute later as Shane Cross handpassed effort gave Jimmy Lee’s men a much-needed lift.
Just shy of the half time break, Limerick gave themselves a lifeline heading into the final 35 minutes as James Naughton’s fortunate effort crossed the line, despite the best efforts of Sean McNally, narrowing the deficit to eight by the break.
Naughton had found himself in plenty of space thanks to a superb kickpass from Elliah Riordan spilt the Fermanagh defence. 0-14 to 1-03 in favour of the visitors at the interval.
Just after the restart, Limerick scored their third score in-a-row, two in the second half, as a Naughton (free), and a superb curling Danny Neville point gave Limerick an early second half confidence lift.
By the 40th minute, all six Fermanagh forwards had got on the scoreboard as Ciaran Corrigan slotted over to again make it a seven-point game – 0-15 to 1-05.
Limerick were starting to win Fermanagh’s kickouts at this stage and responded to Corrigan’s score in impressive fashion with Eliah Riordan scoring five points in-a-row, including two two-pointers, to make it a two-point game.
Just after the hour mark, Limerick miraculously managed to draw back level as Tony McCarthy’s soccer-style finish sent the vocal home crowd into raptures.
Limerick took the lead for the first time six minutes from time as Danny Neville pointed as the Treaty County faithful nervously kept an eye on proceedings in Sligo.
Sean Cassidy levelled it late on for Fermanagh, before a free from the Ederney St Joseph’s man put the Ernesiders a point ahead.
However, a stoppage time Rory O’Brien two-pointer gave Limerick a win as the crowd in Rathkeale awaited the result between Sligo and Clare in Markievicz Park.
Despite the dramatic win, news filtering through of a Sligo win against the Banner quickly dampened the mood in a now sun-drenched Mick Neville Park.
Limerick: Jeffery Alfred; Sean Kilbridge, Colm McSweeny, Diarmuid Buckley; Cormac Woulfe, Killian Ryan, Mark McCarthy; Eliah Riordan (0-05, 2tp), Barry Coleman; Paul Maher, Danny Nevile (0-02), Cillian Fahy (capt); Shane Ross (0-01), James Naughton (1-02, 0-02fs), Peter Nash (0-03, 1tp, 0-01f)
Subs: Robbie Childs for Cross (half time), Tony McCarthy (1-00) for Woulfe (51 minutes), Rory O’Brien (0-02, 1tp) for Fahy (58), Jack McCarthy for Naughton (63)
Fermanagh; Sean McNally (0-01, 0-01 ’45); Oisin Smyth, Luke Flanagan; Shane McGullion, Ronan McCaffrey (0-01), Josh Largo Elis; Conor McGee, Stephen McGullion (0-01); Declan McCusker (0-01), Darragh McGurn (0-04, 2tp), Ciaran Corrigan (0-02); Conor Love (0-04, 0-01f), Garvan Jones (0-03), Oisín Kelm (0-01).
Subs: Jack Largo Elis for Kelm (45 minutes), Sean Cassidy (0-02, 0-01f) for Jones (53), Aogan Kelm for McGee (58), Cian O’Brien for Love (68)
Referee: James Molloy (Galway)
