NFL DIVISION THREE: LIMERICK 2-9 DOWN 1-11: A LATE 45 from rugby star Stephen Kelly helped Limerick pip Down in an an exciting finish at the Gaelic Grounds.

Midfielder John Galvin’s superbly struck goal after 17 minutes helped Limerick lead 1-5 to 0-3 at the interval.

Down got the deficit back to two points before a long-range free by Limerick’s Ian Ryan went all the way to the net. Paul McCumiskey flicked home Down’s late goal and points from Daniel Hughes (two), Brendan Coulter and sub Aidan Carr then left the teams level.

LIMERICK: S Kiely; J McCarthy, S Gallagher, L O'Dwyer; P Browne, S Lavin, P Ranahan; J O'Donovan, J Galvin (1-0); S Kelly (0-2), E Hogan, G Collins (0-2); K O'Callaghan (0-2), C Joyce-Power, I Ryan (1-3, 1-2 frees ), Subs: G Egan for Browne, (yellow card 53 mins), JB Murphy for Ryan (60 mins), B O'Brien for O'Callaghan (68 mins).

DOWN: B McVeigh; C McGovern, P Murphy, D Rafferty; C Garvey, K McKernan, H Davey (0-1); J Ireland, S Kearney; J Fegan (0-1), J Boyle, J O'Reilly; D Hughes (0-3), R Murtagh, P McCumiskey (1-2). Subs: A Carr (0-3, two frees) for Davey (34 mins), B Coulter (0-1) and D Rooney for Ireland and O'Reilly (both half time), B McArdle for Murphy (61), L Howard for Garvey (yellow card 66 mins).

Referee: D Corcoran (Mayo).