Limerick advanced to the semi-finals of the eircom League Cup following a narrow 1-0 last eight victory over Shamrock Rovers at Hogan Park.
Midfielder John Lester provided the only goal of the game drilling home a 20 yard 44th minute free kick which deceived Hoops keeper Barry Murphy after taking a deflection off the wall.
The visitors almost levelled after the break with Padraig Amond, Ian Ryan and Tadhg Purcell all going close. But Limerick held out to ensure that they are just 180 minutes away from repeating their League Cup success of 2002.
Limerick dominated the first half in terms of chances created with the hard working Robbie Kelleher bringing two good saves from Murphy.
Lester also went close with a well struck volley which had Murphy scrambling across his line following an unconvincing headed clearance from the Hoops defence.
Rovers introduced Amond just under the hour mark and the right side midfielder almost levelled affairs after leaving the Blues defence for dead on the right only to see his low shot deflected wide.
David Cassidy was next to go close but was denied by Noel Mooney and then Ryan sent a dipping free-kick from the right just outside the near post.
Cassidy was again involved 15 minutes from time sending over a sweeping cross for the unmarked Purcell who headed over from inside the box.
Limerick finally lifted the siege with six minutes remaining with the impressive Kelleher linking up with Tommy Barrett and Paul Rose only to be denied by some last ditch defending on the edge of the area.
Deep into injury time Lester almost put the icing on the cake with another free kick from the left which flew narrowly outside the far post.
Both of these side clash again at Hogan Park again this Friday night and a repeat of this win will see Limerick open up a four point lead at the top of the First Division table.
