Ryan scores 1-6 to help Oola see off Na Piarsaigh in 15 point win
Josh Ryan accounted for 1-6 of a winning total, as Oola recorded an opening round victory in the Limerick SFC over Na Piarsaigh. A fifteen point margin didn't flatter them at a sunny Caherconlish.
The Limerick netminder returned outfield for his club, just five days after suffering a narrow defeat in the Tailteann Cup final. His place ball kicking, as well as healthy contributions from Jack Downey (1-4) and Tom Ryan (0-3) helped them over a disappointing Na Piarsaigh display.
While the city club will not panic, having suffered a heavy defeat in the first round in 2025, they will have some way to go to match the effort of the last two seasons, where they reached the quarter-finals.
A devastating opening third to this contest, which was closed by Paddy Downey's powerful goal, saw Oola open up a 1-6 to no score advantage and from here, they never looked back.
Josh Ryan had the honour of scoring the first two pointer at the grade, after eight minutes after Jack Downey has opened the scoring. They looked much the sharper and Na Piarsaigh's shooting meant the game quickly got away from them.
Evan Egan, on 25 minutes, landed a beautiful two-point free, to open the account of for the Caherdavin men. Things looked a bit brighter when sub Tommy Glynn pounced on a rebound to net, after Dean McLoughlin blasted off the crossbar.
However, despite that late spurt it was 1-8 to 1-2 at the interval with wing-forward Tommy Ryan opening his account.
He was fouled inside sixty seconds for a penalty, allowing Josh Ryan the chance to bury a penalty, despite Eoghain Sherlock getting a hand to the powerful effort.
The inevitability about the result was clear, with Ryan adding another two pointer, before the Light Blues rallied and scores from Kieran Daly, Glynn and Eoghan Vukovic gave them something to cling to.
Late goals from the returning Mikey O'Brien and Jack Downey added further to the Oola tally.
This is a group featuring champions Adare, runners-up Fr. Casey's as well as clashes with Rathkeale and Monaleen – the two points will be welcomed for the men in red and white.
Scorers for Oola: J Ryan (1-6; 1-0 pen; 2 tpf, 2f);T Ryan (0-3); J Downey (1-5); P Downey, M O'Brien (1-0); E Stokes 0-1.
Scorers for Na Piarsaigh: K Daly (0-5; 1f, 1 45); T Glynn (1-1; 0-1f); E Egan (0-2; 1tpf); E Vukovic 0-1.
OOLA: C McGrath; F Roche, N McCormack, F O'Grady ©; C O'Grady, E Fitzgibbon, P Downey; J O'Callaghan, A Macken; E Landers, J Ryan, T Ryan; J Downey, M O'Brien, S O'Grady.
Subs: L Cummins for Roche (blood 14-20 & 58 – ft); D McGrath for O'Grady (57); E Stokes for Landers (47).
NA PIARSAIGH: E Sherlock; A Jordan, J McCarthy, C McMullan; M Walsh, R Leonard, R Hoolihan; D Ó Conaill, J Daly; S Dike, G Brown, E Vuckovic; E Egan (C), D McLoughlin, K Daly.
Subs: T Glynn for Leonard (inj – 20); P Hodnett for Dike (43).
Referee: J Murphy (Ballylanders).
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