HOLDERS Limerick exited the Munster Under-20 Hurling Championship last night after a narrow loss to Cork at the Gaelic Grounds.
Diarmuid Mullins’ side needed outright victory to advance but their challenge fell just short, 1-19 to 0-21.
With qualification already assured the visitors rested some of their regulars, including senior Eoin Downey and were at a numerical disadvantage in the closing stages following a dismissal.
Limerick led for most of the journey but were reeled-in close to the finish.
Patrick O’Donovan, with 0-11, was the top scorer for Limerick.
Cork are in the final and in that May 15. showdown will meet either Tipperary or Clare.
In the semi-final of the Munster Minor Hurling Championship, Limerick are up against Clare at Cusack Park, Ennis on Tuesday at 6pm. The winners will meet Cork in the decider a week later.
Meanwhile, John Lillis managed Limerick face a tricky Munster Senior Camogie semi-final against Clare at the Gaelic Grounds this Saturday. The fixture, a curtain-raiser to the Munster Senior Hurling Championship tie between the same counties (7pm), throws-in at 4.30pm.
Limerick: Laura O’Neill (Na Piarsaigh); Teresa Dore (Charleville), Muireann Creamer (Cappamore), Marian Quaid, captain, (Bruff); Mairead Ryan (Bruff), Ailbhe Larkin (Mungret St. Paul’s), Mary O’Callaghan (Bruff); Orlaith Kelleher (Croagh-Kilfinny), Caoihme Costello (Adare); Caoimhe Lyons (Monaleen), Sophie O’Callaghan (Adare), Cliodhna Ryan (Doon); Sarah O’Brien (Templeglantine), Lizanna Boylan (Na Piarsaigh), Claire Keating (Cappamore).
Substitutes: Ciara Mulqueen (Crecora), Stephanie Woulfe (Templeglantine), Emily O’Halloran (Monaleen), Aine O’Tiarnaigh (Na Piarsaigh), Aoife Nelligan (Monaleen), Éle Madigan (Ahane), Aine Reynolds (Ahane), Laura Fennelly (Cappamore), Ciara O’Riordan (Blackrock-Effin), Olivia Kerins (Mungret St Pauls), Enya Harrington (Na Piarsaigh), Denise Mullins (Galbally).
