Limerick 2 - 1 Finn Harps

Limerick overcame a very spirited Finn Harps display in order to gain their first win on an opening day of the season since 2007. Goals from Paudie Quinn and Rory Gaffney made sure Adam Clarke’s long range strike was merely academic.

Finn Harps lined out in what seemed a very brave 4-4-2 formation in order to show their attacking prowess. Limerick countered with a 4-2-3-1 shape in order to show more attacking options when going forward.

Thomas McBride had the earliest opportunity as Finn Harps really should have taken the lead. The midfielder was the constant threat to Limerick throughout and his shot from just outside the area after just two minutes went over Barry Ryan’s crossbar when really, the visitors should have been a goal to the good.

Limerick turned on the style soon after thanks to a footballing masterpiece. A well aimed long ball up to Denis Behan found its target. Behan nodded backwards for Quinn who met the dropping ball with a thunderous volley that stunned the Jackman Park faithful. Ciaran Gallagher was helpless in the Harps goal as the effort flew over his head.

Little more than ten minutes later, the advantage was doubled. A Sean Brosnan cross from the left looked an easy task for Ciaran Greene but the defender sliced his clearance and Rory Gaffney capitalised with a well placed strike from an acute angle.

Harps could have easily pulled one back before the break as a fantastic move from the Ballybofey outfit gifted a golden opportunity to McBride once more. A James Doherty cross to the back post found the awaiting Kevin McHugh to nod across goal. His measured nod found McBride; his volley forcing Barry Ryan to save with his legs to deny Harps a way back into the game.

The second half saw a dip in the performance levels from Limerick. Harps started to gain more possession in the centre of the park and looked a threat.

Just after the hour mark, they found a way back into the tie. A free kick from the left was well cleared by Limerick, or so it seemed. Adam Clarke met the clearance with a powerful strike from the edge of the area. His drive deflected off a number of bodies before beating Barry Ryan in the Limerick goal.

Harps continued to press, but following the introduction of Dominic Foley halfway through the second period, Limerick looked dangerous on the break.

Denis Behan had Limerick’s best opportunities for the remainder of the game. Following an incisive break, Dominic Foley displayed his power. Beating two players in the air, Foley won the header which played in Behan. His lack of pace was evident and he was forced wide of goal. His tame effort was not much of a test for Harps keeper Ciaran Gallagher, however.

When the final whistle blew, a sense of relief greeted the home support. Their side produced a first half display worthy of Premier Division football, but Harps never looked out of the game. A lot of positives can be taken for both sides.

Limerick: Barry Ryan; Shaun Kelly, Shane Guthrie, Pat Purcell, Andrew Bhandarkar; Stephen Bradley, Joe Gamble, Rory Gaffney (Dominic Foley 68), Paudie Quinn (Steven McGann 80), Sean Brosnan (Derek O’Brien 61); Denis Behan.

Subs not Used: Shane Cusack, Corie Treacy, Alex Scully, David O’Leary.

Finn Harps: Ciaran Gallagher, James Doherty, Keith Cowan (Adam Clarke 45), Thomas McGonagle, Ciaran Greene, Aaron O’Hagan, Hugh Carlin (Barry O’Mahony 45), Thomas McBride, Blaine Curtis, Kevin McHugh, Ciaran Coll.

Subs not Used: Darragh Healy, Paul McVeigh, Tommy Bonnar.

Referee: Jim McKell.

Attendance: 820.

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Rory Gaffney.