Wicklow stun group winners Limerick to end their Tailteann Cup campaign on a high

Wicklow may have this began this Tailteann Cup tie knowing they would play no further part in this competition after today, but their fight and spirit certainly shown through as the Leinster outfit picked up a surprise seven-point win over Limerick in Laois Hire O'Moore Park this afternoon – their second Championship win of the season.

Oisin McConville’s side will rue their one-point loss against Carlow earlier in Group 3, as Wicklow narrowly miss out on third place despite this 2-14 to 1-10 win in a sun-drenched Portlaoise.

Mark Fitzgerald’s Limerick men notched 1-10, adding to their tally of 3-35 that they scored against Longford and Carlow previously, but it wasn’t enough for a win for the Treaty men who were already guaranteed top spot in Group 3, regardless of today’s results.

John Paul Nolan top-scored for Wicklow, who had led by four points at half time, boosted by Nolan’s goal just three minutes shy of the half hour mark, before a second half goal from Jack Kirwan ensured the Garden County outscored Limerick by three points in the final 35 minutes.

Limerick, who made five changes from their eight-point win over Carlow two weeks ago, got off to the better start and were two points up inside seven minutes after two quick-fire scores – a James Naughton free in the sixth minute and Peter Nash with the game’s first point from play less than a minute later.

Wicklow were however level by the 19th minute as goalkeeper Mark Jackson kicked a long-range free before a Conor Free free and a well-worked John Paul Nolan point, either side of a James Naughton free, made it 0-03 apiece.

Just seconds after Jackson had slotted over, the impressive Wicklow 'keeper got back in time to superbly save what looked like a certain Limerick goal.