Na Piarsaigh and Kilmallock renew rivalry in Limerick SHC decider

Na Piarsaigh's Peter Casey. ©INPHO/Evan Treacy.

Holders Na Piarsaigh will face familiar foes Kilmallock in the Limerick SHC final.

In yesterday’s semi-final double-header at the TUS Gaelic Grounds, former county star Kevin Downes bagged 1-3 in the second half as Na Piarsaigh got the better of Doon by 2-24 to 3-16 in a repeat of the last two county finals, while Kilmallock edged out Monaleen by 2-17 to 2-15 in what was their 15th consecutive semi-final appearance.

Emmett McEvoy scored the only goal of the first half to help Na Piarsaigh to a 1-11 to 0-10 interval lead. Adam English and Dean Coleman were brilliant for Doon and it looked like the 2024 champions would prevail when Coleman fired two second half goals and Chris Thomas also hit the net.

But Downes’ major edged the city side back in front and that’s where they stayed until the final whistle as they reached their fifth final on the trot.

Appearing in their first-ever semi-final, Monaleen led Kilmallock by 0-9 to 0-7 at half-time. But second half goals from Pierce Connery and Oisin O’Reilly got the south Limerick men home after Eoghan Maher’s late major left just two points in it at the end.