Limerick 1-19 Antrim 0-19:Limerick got a massive fright at the Gaelic Grounds and it took a goal from substitute David Breen after 55 minutes to lift the gloom for the few hundred spectators. The goal put Limerick two points in front, 1-15 to 0-16, and from then on they finished the game out.

Antrim will regret that they managed only two points from a first-half penalty and a last-minute 21-yard free – both efforts by Neil McManus were deflected over for points.

By half-time Antrim led by 0-13 to 0-8 with McManus getting eight of their points, five from frees. But his saved penalty after 32 minutes could have had his side out of sight. McManus tacked on another point on the restart but then a purple patch by Declan Hannon hauled Limerick back with four points.

Paddy Doherty edged Antrim back in front but Limerick’s substitute David Breen got in for the only goal of the game after 55 minutes. His initial shot was only partially saved by Ryan McGarry and Breen flashed the second chance to an empty net to make it 1-15 to 0-17.

Once in front Limerick never relinquished their grip with James Ryan, Hannon from halfway, Paul Browne, and Séamus Hickey all striking points with Karl Stewart, PJ O’Connell and McManus getting the late scores for an Antrim side who will cause many problems during the campaign.