Limerick’s Gaelic footballers will spend next year back in Division 4 despite a one-point victory over already-relegated Fermanagh in Mick Neville Park last night.
A strong breeze and home advantage boosted Fermanagh to an eight point lead going at half-time, with the scoreboard fixed at 0-14 to 1-03.
A remarkable comeback saw Limerick outscore their Ulster counterparts by 1-12 to 0-06 in the second half to secure victory, sealed by a stoppage time Rory O’Brien two-pointer.
The 2-15 to 0-20 win, however, ultimately meant nothing to their hopes of Division 3 survival as news soon broke that Sligo defeated Clare in Markievicz Park, sealing their fate.
“The boys showed unbelievable character,” Limerick manager Jimmy Lee said to Live95 following the game.
“It isn’t our first time (being relegated). We were hoping to retain our status and that was always the aim, but there’s still the second half of the season – we need to regroup.
“That’s all we can focus on. Take the positives out of it, leave what we need to leave behind, and drive on.”
The news adds to a largely disappointing weekend on the intercounty front.
Limerick’s senior camogie side lost out on a place in the Division 1B final following a 2-17 to 2-8 defeat to Dublin.
The U20 Footballers are still seeking their first Munster Championship Phase 1 Group win after John O’Grady’s side went down 3-13 to 2-9 at the hands of Tipperary having lost out to Waterford in their opener.
Limerick’s senior hurlers, however, survived a late fightback from Galway to hold on for a 2-27 to 0-31 point win at the Gaelic Grounds on Saturday.
The win means the Treaty County join Cork in the National Hurling League Division 1A final, a rematch of last year’s Munster SHC classic.