Camogie League round-up: Cork overwhelm Limerick

Cork strolled to a facile triumph against Limerick in their Littlewoods Ireland Camogie League Division 1 Group 2 game, starting explosively before it finished 5-17 to 0-06 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Ashling Thompson was a notable presence throughout and exerted her influence from the outset as Cork hit three points in just over the first two minutes via Saoirse McCarthy and the brilliant Cliona Healy's pair (one from a free).

Five minutes had elapsed when Healy forced a turnover from a puck-out, played in Amy O’Connor, and the St Vincent’s speedster billowed the net.

Michelle Curtin got Limerick off the mark but within seconds, Sorcha McCartan was rattling a shot to the net after being put into splendid isolation by Izzy O’Regan.

Further goals from O’Connor, O’Regan and Healy, who finished with 1-07, made it 5-10 to 0-3 at half-time, Curtin providing all of the Shannonsiders’ scores.

Matthew Twomey was able to introduce Chloe Sigerson during the break and the Killeagh star weighed in with three lovely scores as the Rebels sauntered to the finishing line.

Kilkenny are the most successful team in the league in the past decade, but the champions survived a huge scare, needing a point right at the death from Kellyann Doyle to snatch a 1-8 to 0-10 victory over Clare at Cusack Park.

The Bannerwomen have nothing tangible to show for their two ties but after leading Cork at half-time last weekend, and then following that up with this outstanding display, they have illustrated a level of form that suggests they are building on the progress made in recent years.

Denise Gaule had an early penalty brilliantly saved by Doireann Murphy and Caoimhe Carmody pointed at the other end to give Clare the lead.

Katie Nolan and Eimear Kelly, and then Katie