Munster Express Online

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So near and yet so far! Waterford’s unbeaten run through the National Football League came to a halt in Croke Park last Saturday when they were edged out by Limerick in a gripping encounter which had everyone on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

That the Waterford players left headquarters so disappointed is a reflection on how far this team has come over the last few months as there was a time when coming within two points of Limerick would have been considered an achievement.

Any fears that Waterford would be gripped by nerves on the big day were soon cast to one side as the men in white and blue started very strongly. After several near misses, they eventually opened the scoring when Brian Wall got on the end of a good passing movement to slot over.

After Limerick equalised through a Ger Collins free, Waterford regained the lead when Wayne Hennessy brushed aside the challenge of a Limerick defender to fire over.

However, Limerick then began to dominate around the centre of the field where Jim O’Donovan and John Galvin got their hands on the ball quite a lot. They took the lead when a Ger Collins shot for a point, deceived goalkeeper Tom Wall and dropped into the Waterford net for a fortuitous goal.

That setback temporarily took the wind out of Waterford’s sails and Limerick quickly added on three points, all from the right boot of Ian Ryan, who although picked in the corner, played at wing-forward.

Limerick withdrew full-forward James Ryan into a deep, roving role and the Galbally man exerted a huge influence during the first half. He was probably on the ball more than any other player and kept Limerick moving forward with his clever runs and probing passes.

See The Munster Express newspaper for full match report.