SHANNONSIDERS STUN CHAMPIONS KILKENNY

CAMOGIE: Limerick secured the result of the Littlewoods Ireland League so far when they inflicted a first defeat of the campaign on champions Kilkenny in Division 1’s Group 2 in Dunmore, WRITES DARAGH Ó CONCHÚIR.

The Shannonsiders’ 1-14 to 1-9 win keeps their hopes of making the last four alive, but they are locked in a battle with Waterford, who they play next weekend, and Clare for what is likely to be the second qualification berth. Kilkenny look assured of top spot with their remaining tie against a Meath team that has yet to register a point.

Limerick were on top for most of the game thanks to the enduring accuracy of Niamh Mulcahy, who finished with nine points, including seven from frees.

Captain Sarah Carey led from the front with some sterling defensive work as well as two points.

It was 0-9 to 0-7 to the visitors at half-time.

Kilkenny bagged a point and then a goal from an Anne Dalton free to reduce the margin to two with a couple of minutes remaining.

However, the Munster champions removed all doubt thanks to Caoimhe Lyons’ goal.

Meanwhile, an impressive Waterford defeated Dublin by 1-14 to 1-7 in Carriganore. It was a momentous occasion for former Déise ace Zoe O’Donoghue facing her former county, and the full-forward got off to the perfect start with a third-minute goal that gave Dublin the lead.

Waterford got a foothold in the game via Beth Carton, who accumulated a personal tally of 1-9 and had their noses in front at the interval, 0-9 to 1-5.

It got even better for Donal O’Rourke’s outfit when Carton goaled and they never looked back.

Eight points from Chloe Morey propelled Clare to a 0-12 to 0-1 triumph over Meath in Ogonnelloe. This puts them level with Limerick and Waterford on seven points.

In Group 1, Cork beat Tipperary by 3-15 to 0-13 in a cracker while Galway will take on Wexford in a winner-takes-all battle next weekend after a 3-11 to 0-11 win over Offaly at Pearse Stadium.