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Paddy McCourt's penalty gave the advantage to the First Division, Finn Harps, during the first leg of a tense stretch of play between promotion and relegation to Ballybofey last night.
McCourt scored the only goal of the game as Harps won an inestimable win in Friday's return leg.
McCourt hangs up at the end of the season to badume a new role at the helm of the Derry City Academy.
The former Celtic winger was imposed in the 36th minute after Jesse Devers had his heel cut by Killian Brouder.
McCourt calmly pbaded the ball in front of Tommy Holland for the delight of the 2,379 spectators.
Eight minutes after the start of the second half, Nathan Boyle made a good save from Holland, Harps seeking to double his lead.
Limerick was then injured 19 minutes from the end when the Dutch goalkeeper was taken on a stretcher.
This meant that both teams had lost their first choice goalkeeper.
The harps were without Ciaran Gallagher, whose season was interrupted by a ligament injury of the knee.
Absence
The absence of Gallagher, with 14 white sheets behind him when promoting Harps, left the local team without one of their most experienced men.
Mark Timlin failed a late physical fitness test and a suspension also prevented Mark Coyle from staying.
The list of injured certainly shook Harps and Conor Ellis almost went bankrupt at the beginning of the match.
After defeating Peter Burke – Gallagher's replacement – in a ball possession race, Ellis shot at the post.
A few moments ago, Limerick skipper Shane Duggan had risen too much, but the Shannonsiders were well-intentioned.
Devers forced Holland into a decisive stop before McCourt placed his team at home and kept up despite strong pressure.
Limerick made a late offer to equalize and Barry Maguire's header was cleared by Gareth Harkin.
Burke is wonderfully saved from Maguire to keep the advantage, but this one stays on the cutting edge of a knife.
Indo Sport
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