Limerick 1 - 1 Salthill Devon

• Andrew Cunneen
• Fri, Aug 19 2011


It would appear that endless money pits and fantastic off-field schemes can only get a club so far in the Airtricity League; a lesson learned tonight on Shannonside. Brian Geraghty’s strike six minutes from time was enough to secure a well earned point for Salthill Devon in a tie that got the result it deserved.

Denis Behan put Limerick in front inside the first minute after some shambolic defending from Salthill Devon. Behan, who had the easiest of tasks when a Salthill defender passed the ball into his path, made no mistake in converting.

Garbhan Coughlan could have put the game out of contention within fifteen minutes following two very similar chances. Both unfortunately for him, went just inches wide of Forde’s post. Rory Gaffney was the next to have a go, but his angled effort could only find the side netting.

The first half well and truly belonged to the home side, and nothing but a win for Limerick seemed likely. Peter Hynes also had an effort ruled out midway through the second half for offside. The flag remained raised, despite his protests, which to be honest, were ludicrous.

The first Salthill effort didn’t arrive until thirty five minutes into the game when Ronan Conlon’s speculative effort was effortlessly held by Shane Cusack in the Limerick goal.

Limerick almost doubled their advantage just moments later when the right back Shaun Kelly galloped up the wing. His cross was heavily deflected and almost caught out Forde, but the Salthill keeper just scampered back quickly enough to tip over.

The second half was a very, very different game period from the first. Salthill matched Limerick in every sense, despite not having many chances at all.

As Limerick seemed to lack any direction, Devon grew in confidence and began to play some decent football. Ronan Conlon provided the creative spark while Forde in the Salthill goal was a solid figure all evening.

The best chance for Limerick arrived to Peter Hynes courtesy of Shaun Kelly’s efforts. Kelly, who was the only exception in what was a rather poor Limerick side, crossed excellently for Hynes to flicked the ball goalwards, but the ball trickled just wide.

The introduction of Sean Brosnan brought a bit of life into Limerick; his pace created an opening which he couldn’t convert, within seconds of him jogging on. Limerick could not seem to find the killer ball however, and the inevitable was always going to happen.

Salthill played their football about ten yards outside the Limerick box for the majority of the last fifteen minutes, and after a free kick wasn’t properly cleared, Brian Geraghty struck a fantastically placed effort into the top corner of Cusack’s net from twenty yards.

A football club with ambition is no match for a football club with genuine desire. This was the case this evening.

Limerick FC: Shane Cusack, Shaun Kelly, Brian McCarthy, Corie Treacy, Steven McGann (Peter White 76), Joe Gamble, David O’Leary, Peter Hynes (Jeffrey Judge 69), Garbhan Coughlan (Sean Brosnan 60), Rory Gaffney, Denis Behan.
Subs not Used: Barry Ryan, Barry Sheedy, Garvan Broughall, Paudie Quinn.
Salthill Devon: Ronan Forde, Paddy Quinlan, Colm Horgan, Brian Geraghty, Ray Winters (Stephen McGuire 34), Emmet Shaw, Timmy Molloy, Luke McConnell, Enda Dunne (Gerry Dolan 71), Ronan Conlon, Charlie Burke (Brian O’Grady 76).
Subs Not Used: Ronan Burke, Paul Smyth, Phil Donnelly.

Referee: Jim McKell.

Attendance: 581.

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Ronan Forde.