FIRST division Limerick flirted with FAI Cup glory for 70 minutes at Hogan Park yesterday. But their world collapsed around them after two superb Sligo strikes from substitute Aidan Rooney and top marksman, Ian Gilzean inside three minutes midway through the second half.

Limerick player/manager Noel King had hoped to catch the visitors on the rebound from their league drubbing by Derry City but the early rush of enthusiasm wash deflated after Sligo stole in front in" 21 minutes with a simple goal.

Orchestrated in midfield by. Mark Kelly and Martin McDonnell, Sligo always looked capable, of slipping into a higher gear.

The opening half hour was played at a frantic pace. After 21 minutes Limerick were caught off guard when a long throw in from Robert Brunton went over their defence and waiting to pounce was Andy Ramage who headed past Eddie Hickey.

It was all square 13 minutes later. The move was started by Declan Considine, carried on by Antonio Izzi and he sprayed a 50 yards pass to Howie King. The Dubliner beat goalkeeper Nick Brujos but shot against the post. The ball came back to him off the woodwork, however, and this time there was no error.

Limerick hung on well in the second half but Sligo had that extra edge in pace. Having absorbed a good deal of pressure the winners scored with their first real, opportunity in 68 minutes. Mark Kelly sent Ramage away on the right and he chipped the ball across to substitute Rooney who drilled low past Hickey.

Three minutes later and it was all over. Again from a quick break by Kelly, the Limerick defence was all at sea and his accurate centre was met head on by Gilzean.