On Sunday, in front of a large crowd at the Markets Field in Limerick, an exciting hurling match took place between Brian Borus (London) and a team representing Limerick city and county. The Londoners, mostly consisting of players from Clare, were invited by the Limerick team to compete. From start to finish, the match was watched with great interest. Despite facing a formidable combination of local hurlers, the London Irish team showcased exceptional skills and played a superior game compared to their previous performance in Cork Park. Their understanding of the game was evident, and their teamwork was admirable at times. However, they did have a few weaknesses, including indecisiveness and slowness in their attacks. Additionally, there were some faulty strokes, which could be partly attributed to the high grass on the field. Although they suffered a large margin of defeat, it should be noted that the final score does not accurately reflect the Londoners’ performance, as they had several unlucky moments when they couldn’t score.

The Limerick team comprised skilled hurlers who consistently displayed an impressive level of play throughout the match. They exhibited excellent teamwork and made very few mistakes. The match was played with great sportsmanship, and the players conducted themselves in an exemplary manner. The field arrangements were satisfactory, and the overall atmosphere was highly enjoyable.

The final score was as follows: Limerick – 4 goals, 11 points; London Irish – 2 goals, 6 points.

Match Details:

First Half

The Limerick team played against the incline of the ground. After a few exchanges, they quickly gained control and scored the first point through Feeley. London Irish then took the offensive and momentarily held their opponents in check. However, the Limerick team launched a splendid rush and secured the second goal (Butler). Continuing their attack, the London Irish defenders were put under pressure and, after an intense struggle in front of their own goal, the Limerick team succeeded in scoring another well-executed goal. Shortly after, they repeated this accomplishment amid great enthusiasm. In the next encounter, the visitors showcased excellent play and were rewarded with a minor score. The Limerick side responded with determination and, despite being pushed back multiple times, resumed their forcing tactics with success. The visitors demonstrated commendable defensive work but couldn’t match the superiority of the Limerick forwards, who added another point. London Irish managed to respond with a similar score. In the subsequent play, the visitors pressed hard and maintained possession in their opponent’s territory for a significant five-minute period. They launched multiple attacks but couldn’t overcome the strong Limerick defence, resulting in their retreat. The game then shifted to midfield, where Limerick displayed admirable combined play, including impressive passing. The first half ended with an increased advantage for the Limerick team, with the score reading: Limerick – 4 goals, 5 points; London Irish – 2 points.

Second Half

Limerick gained possession from the throw-in and swiftly advanced into London Irish’s territory, scoring a goal. They were subsequently awarded a free kick, which they converted into a point. After spending some time inside London Irish’s lines, relief finally came as the visitors managed to launch a series of excellent long-range shots. The Limerick team was then called upon to defend their goal but managed to withstand the pressure. London Irish, however, scored a point through fine open play. Not long after this, Limerick responded with another point. From a side-line ball in Limerick’s half, the visitors gained a favourable position but failed to score. The game primarily concentrated on the centre of the field, where the visitors had some promising opportunities but missed them due to several poor strokes by their defenders. In the remaining stages of the game, the Limerick team largely dominated and increased their score significantly. Five minutes before full-time, London Irish managed to score a point and two goals through some impressive rushing movements. Indeed, in the short time remaining, they played admirably. However, it was too late to recover the lost ground, and it was regrettable that they hadn’t adopted these aggressive tactics earlier in the game. The final whistle signalled the end of the match, with the respective scores as follows: Limerick – 4 goals, 11 points; London Irish – 2 goals, 6 points.

Teams:
Limerick: T. Lloyd (captain), W. Ryan, and P. Creamer (Caherline), M. Flynn (goalkeeper, Kilfinane), M. Feeley and M. Whelan (Gruff), J. Mackey and M. McCarthy (Castleconnell), M. Shinners (Kilteely), T. O’Brien and J. Flanagan (Young Irelands), M. Danagher and M. Horan (Murroe), W. Sheehan and P. Flaherty (Rathkeale), J. Butler (Cappawore), T. Sheehan (Monegay).

London Irish: D. Hayes (captain), J. Ring, J. Coughlan, J. Meaney, T. Bush, C. Power (goalkeeper), M. Bleech, J. Crowley, P. Walsh, J. Fitzgerald, T. Donoghue, T. Storen, W. McInerney, O. O’Gorman, P. Wall, E. Barrett, J. Crane.

Referee: Mr L. Doyle.

Before the hurling match, a two-mile race was held, featuring competitors J. McNamara from Tulla and J. Coughlan from London. The former emerged as the clear winner. Mr P. J. Leahy served as the starter.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 27 September 1904