Limerick started life in the Tailteann Cup with a tight, but deserved victory over Longford at the Gaelic Grounds. This, their first ever game in this competition, saw them win thanks to a goal in either half. Cathal Downes and Brian Donovan on target for a side who were looking for a first win since a McGrath Cup victory in early January.

It was a game that the home side lead the majority, and despite conceding a late goal from Daniel Reynolds, they held on to give them the perfect start to Group three.

After relegation from Division Two, Mark Fitzgerald’s took heart from a narrow Munster semi-final loss to Clare.

Limerick got their first score after five minutes, as Cathal Downes curled beautifully to the top corner. This made it 1-0 to 0-1, after Ryan Moffett finished a fine team move for Paddy Chirstie’s side inside the opening minute.

There was plenty of scores from Longford’s full-forward, Dylan Farrell, including a free from around 50 meters, off the deck. He also landed a long-range effort from play. His overall contribution keeping Longford in touch.

Peter Nash and James Naughton (frees) helped Limerick stay in control, while Paul Maher kicked a nice point, though the goal may have opened up with a neat pass.

The Treaty led 1-8 to 0-7, at half-time. The visitors got closer thanks to Oran Kenny early in the second-half, but there disaster struck when they conceded a 45th minute penalty. After a scramble, Mickey Quinn picked the ball off the deck, inside the square. Brian Donovan, the Monaleen man, fired to the net to open a five point gap.

The late goal from Reyonlds, in stoppage time, put just two between them but another sub, Tommy Griffin, had the final say, as Limerick took the spoils.

Longford host Carlow next weekend, while Limerick travel to Carlow. Two sides are guaranteed to progress from this group.