Moran's side have recovered from the heavy Tyrone defeat

The introduction of substitute Gavin Donaghy helped turn the game Derry's way in the closing stages.

Donaghy set up Enda Muldoon's levelling point in the 64th minute and then gave Derry the lead a minute later.

Limerick then had Johnny McCarthy sent off and late points from Enda Muldoon and Conleth Moran settled the issue.

The opening half was dominated by some over-physical exchanges with several Limerick players putting themselves about.

Scores were hard to come by early on with Limerick leading 0-3 to 0-2 after 25 minutes with Derry's points coming from Muldoon frees after earlier scores from Conor Fitzgerald and Muiris Gavin.

Limerick were still a point ahead at the break (0-4 to 0-3) but Derry, helped by the wind, made the better start after half-time with Johnny McBride, Paddy Bradley and Conleth Moran hitting unanswered scores.

The spirit in our team is tremendous Mickey Moran

A Fitzgerald point followed by two Eoin Keating scores then restored Limerick's lead with less than 10 minutes remaining.

However, Derry kept their nerve in the closing minutes with Donaghy's introduction adding crucial pep to the Oak Leaf attack.

McCarthy was sent off for his second bookable offence but Derry, in contrast, held their composure to claim a deserved place in the last eight.

Derry boss Mickey Moran lauded his team's battling qualities after the game.

"The spirit in our team is tremendous," said the Derry manager.

"They players gave it everything out there today and they are putting the pride back into Derry football."

Meanwhile, Westmeath claimed their first ever Leinster Football title amid emotional scenes at Croke Park by beating holders Laois 0-12 to 0-10 on Saturday evening.

Paidi O Se's side totally deserved their victory against Mick O'Dwyer's outfit.

Bank of Ireland Football Championship
Limerick 0-7 0-10 Derry
Fermanagh 1-10 0-12 Donegal (aet)
All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship
Galway 4-24 2-7 Antrim
Leinster SFC Final replay
Laois 0-10 0-12 Westmeath

Sunday's fixtures