Limerick SHC: Group 1 Round Up

Doon, South Liberties and Kilmallock picked up big wins in the opening round of the 2017 Limerick Senior Hurling Championship this past weekend.

Doon overcame a strong Ahane side on Saturday evening by 1-12 to 0-11. Doon led by 0-7 to 0-4 at the break with Michael Ryan and Dean Coleman with a brace each for Doon.

Coleman bagged a goal early in the second half to increase the lead to 6 points, but despite the sending off of David Laing, Ahane battled back to reduce the deficit.

Doon however held on to seal a precious victory and face Bruff this Friday. Ahane play Ballybrown next Friday hoping to get points on the board.

South Liberties also picked up an important 2 points on Saturday evening defeating Bruff by the minimum, 0-19 to 0-18.

In a very even clash, the sides were level at 0-11 a piece at the interval. Bruff pulled ahead in the second half, holding a three point lead heading into the final 10 minutes.

However, Liberties rallied late to record the final four scores and secure the win. They now face Kilmallock next Saturday whilst Bruff face Doon.

Kilmallock were the big winners in Group 1 however, putting last years finalists Ballybrown to the sword 5-18 to 1-19 last night.

Ballybrown started much stronger than the 2014 champions with a Bryan Griffin goal putting them 1-2 to the good inside the opening 5 minutes. An Oisin O’Reilly goal settled Kilmallock who led by 1-10 to 1-8 at the half.

However, the Balbec had the game wrapped up early in the second half, scoring three goals in as many minutes courtesy of Robbie Hanley (2) and Paudie O’Brien.

A second Oisin O’Reilly goal put gloss on their 11 point win as they meet South Liberties next Saturday. Ballybrown face Ahane with both sides seeking a first win.