Galway United 1
Limerick FC 3
VINNY FAHERTY SCORED two goals as Limerick FC claimed a vital victory at Eamonn Deacy Park.
Martin Russell’s side were worthy winners in the west as they completely outplayed a disappointing Galway United outfit.
It was a lively start and Galway survived a few of scares inside the first minute but Limerick failed to punish the locals.
Galway custodian Conor Winn didn’t control a Stephen Walsh back pass, but atoned for the mistake when making a fine save to deny Vinny Faherty, and then Samuel Oji had to be alert denying Lee Lynch from the rebound.
Chances continued to be crafted by both teams as Limerick eventually bagged a goal in the 18th minute courtesy of a splendid Vinny Faherty strike.
Former Galway favourite Faherty skipped past Samuel Oji before unleashing a delightful curling right footed effort into the bottom corner.
The Tribesmen could have leveled in the 20th minute, but Gary Shanahan was thwarted by a Robbie Williams clearance.
Lynch – who was outstanding for the visitors – and Faherty both went close for Limerick, who departed at the break armed with a deserved lead.
Much improved after the restart Galway leveled in the 61st minute when Oji headed home in a packed area following Ryan Connolly’s inviting corner.
Limerick replied on 66′ scoring courtesy of a sharp Turner finish as poor Galwegian defending was punished, and Faherty decorated the triumph with an 81st minute header.
Galway United: Conor Winn; Colm Horgan, Samuel Oji, Stephen Walsh, Marc Ludden; Gary Shanahan, David O’Leary, Paul Sinnott (Andy O’Connell, 79), Jake Keegan; Ryan Connolly; Enda Curran (Conor Melody, 42).
Limerick FC: Freddy Hall; Shaun Kelly, Patrick Kanyuka, Robbie Williams, Sean Russell; Ian Turner, Paul O’Conor, Shane Duggan, Dean Clarke (Darragh Rainsford, 86); Lee Lynch; Vinny Faherty (Ross Mann, 90).
Referee: Dave McKeon (Dublin).
Jonathan Walters couldn’t resist this little dig at a German former team-mate
Late drama secures title and a piece of history for all-conquering Dundalk
