Wicklow ended their Tailteann Cup Group Three with a maiden victory, over already qualified Limerick.

Before a ball was kicked this afternoon, the Treaty were assured of winning the group, after victories over Longford and Carlow last month. Despite that, Mark Fitzgerald will not be impressed with the lacklustre nature of this display against a side with little to play for.

Goals from John Paul Nolan and Jack Kirwan did the damage, as Wicklow took control from the 15th minute, virtually to the final whistle.

There was a second-half goal from an Iain Corbett penalty, with this bringing Limerick to within one, but Kirwan’s scuffed and deflected effort pushed Oisin McConville’s men clear once more.

Limerick let 0-3 to 0-1 after a slow opening 15 minutes but Mark Jackson’s second long-range free brought Wicklow to life. Scores from Conor Fee and Nolan had them ahead, before the latter collected expertly and rounded the Limerick keeper to find the net.

It was 1-6 to 0-5 at half-time, with Hugh Bourke and James Naughton (free) keeping Limerick in touch. But they missed an early goal chance through Naughton, before the Leinster side pushed further clear. A third from Jackson as well as scores from Fee and Dean Healy put them six clear with 20 minutes remaining.

Then came the scores for Limerick. Sub Cathal Downes got a tidy point from range before Brian Donovan blasted over a pair – these sandwiched a Kirwan point.

The 60th minute penalty, after a foul by Jackson, gave Limerick a lifeline but their old failings came back to haunt them, with Wicklow easing through to score 1-3 to just a point hereafter – with Healy and Nolan on target once more.

Limerick are in the hat for the quarter-finals, but with just two wins all season, their confidence may take a hit after this underwhelming display.

The final score in Portlaoise, 2-14 to 1-10 in favour of Wicklow.