The 36-year-old suffered a career threatening cruciate knee ligament injury playing recreational soccer last winter before returning to play in five of the six Championship games for Limerick. Fears over his future both in goals and outfield have now been eased. He played at centre-half and showed some nice touches in a game that was played at the Limerick training ground, Mick Neville Park, in Rathkeale. Despite two well taken long-range points, the five-time All-Ireland winner was left frustrated as Croagh Kilfinny galloped to the finish with late scores. Crucial to their cause was 1-12 from Man of the Match, Cian O’Carroll. He netted the only goal of the contest with a 53th minute penalty, after being fouled by Effin keeper Ryan O’Neill. Limerick panellist Patrick O’Donovan was key to the Effin cause, as they look to go better than a trio of semi-final defeats at the grade. Effin led 0-9 to 0-8 at the interval after a sedate opening half, with the sides level six times. A late point from Brian Clifford the difference. 2007 Young Hurler of the Year, Seamus Hickey, showed no signs of slowing down as he notched 0-4 including a couple of late efforts to swell out the winning margin. Hickey, O’Carroll and the energetic Adam Shanagher were key to the Croagh Kilfinny charge, who were playing a first ever game at the grade. Once O’Carroll blasted home the penalty, they were three clear, and never looked back. He soon cut over a line ball before Hickey joined him with late scores to give them a comfortable closing few minutes. This grade sees teams 13-20 in Limerick battle for a place at senior. It is the first game of the 2025 hurling championships on Shannonside, with a full round of games across all the grades next weekend. The Premier Intermediate grade continues on Friday with Granagh Ballingarry meeting Glenroe. Garryspillane versus South Liberties and Blackrock versus Bruff take place over the weekend.