Limerick champions Newcastlewest survived a late, late scare to hold off The Nire on a 0-8 to 0-6 scoreline and advance to the Munster club SFC semi-finals.

Goalkeeper Andrew Ruddle pulled off a fine save in the ninth minute of stoppage-time to deny The Nire what would have been almost certain victory after a hard-fought battle in poor conditions at Newcastlewest.

However, despite losing key forward Seamus Hurley to a shoulder injury in the 49th minute, the hosts hung on for dear life at the end. Three successive points from Hurley, AJ O'Connor and Diarmuid O'Kelly were enough to see Jimmy Lee's charges secure a penultimate stage berth against either Austin Stacks or Kerins O'Rahillys on 18/19 December.

Managed by former Waterford and Westmeath hurling surpemo Michael Ryan, The Nire made most of the early running to lead by 0-3 to 0-1 at the first water-break after Dylan Guiry opened the scoring for the visitors. The sides were deadlocked on 0-4 apiece at half-time but Newcastle made better use of the wind advantage in the second period.

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