Knockfierna second on her last visit to the course, went one better when a convincing winner of the mares maiden hurdle at Limerick.

Davy Russell kicked for home before the turn on the daughter of Flemensfirth but Maggie Connolly emerged as a big threat in the straight.

That rival couldn't pick up from the second last, however, as Charle Byrnes' charge powered on through the mud to record a three-length victory.

The winner, who traded 7/2 this morning, was sent off a well-backed 11/4 favourite on the back of a fine second to useful prospect Carloswayback.

"We'll try to find a mares winners race for her now," said Byrnes afterwards.

"She loved the ground and stayed well. She's really tough and will jump a fence in time."