Talking Points: Limerick’s unbeaten run comes to an end as they prepare for All-Ireland final rematch

For the first time since July 2019, the Limerick hurlers were defeated on Sunday afternoon as they lost out 0-26 to 1-17 against Galway.

Despite a number of harsh calls going against the Shannonsiders, the hosts were full value for their win in Salthill as they made it two on the bounce in 2021.

Limerick are yet to win a game this year, after winning all before them in 2020, with Waterford up next in Round 3 of the League this Sunday.

Ahead of the Deise clash, take a look at some of the key points to emerge from the Salthill encounter.

How do Limerick respond?

For the first time in a long time, the Limerick senior hurlers are being questioned. For the first time since his maiden year in charge, John Kiely’s side appear to be struggling. Rustiness was always going to be a factor in the return to action after a four month lay-off but what looked like a blip against Tipp was to the fore against Galway in round 2.

Yes, it is far too early to write off this Limerick side, but it will be interesting to see how they respond. Against Galway, the Tribesmen were dominant in every aspect of the game. Limerick never led in Salthill, failing to find the irresistible rhythm of 2020 that saw them crowned as the best side in a generation.

Next up is Waterford in Walsh Park which will be another real test. These sides met in the All-Ireland final in December where Limerick put the Deise to the sword and that will be fresh in the mind of Liam Cahill’s men. They will have been aiming for this tie and now it is Limerick’s turn to respond.

But with Kiely and Kinnerk at the helm, don’t rule out a definitive response from the Shannonsiders.

Limerick’s indiscipline

One thing that has been noticeable throughout the opening rounds of the league is the sheer amount of scoreable frees being conceded. The number of fouls being given has increased, as has the scoring distance of free specialists with nearly everything outside your own 45’ well within range.

Limerick, more than any other side have paid the price for this indiscipline, conceding almost double the number of frees than their opponents on Sunday. In the two games thus far, Limerick have seen 0-27 sail over their posts from placed balls. This isn’t sustainable if Limerick are to find their form, with their tackling one of the more impressive aspects of their play over the past couple of years.

Of course, the defence has been shifted somewhat in the first couple of weeks since the return to action, but no other team seems to be suffering as much as the Treaty men. Against Stephen Bennett this weekend, indiscipline will be punished, and it is one thing Limerick cannot afford.

Losing a blessing in disguise

Coming into the game against Tipperary, Limerick seemed untouchable after the perfect 2020. That draw with Tipp made them seem less invincible but could have been attributed to the lengthy break. The result against Galway has seen them lose that aura somewhat with John Kiely’s men looking somewhat ordinary.

However, that defeat, that ended a 22-month undefeated streak, could become a blessing in disguise for Kiely’s team who will now be seen as beatable. Although they were more than capable of living up to the underdog billing in 2020, Limerick have always been better as underdogs as was seen throughout the All-Ireland series three years ago.

To call these Limerick players complacent would be inaccurate such has been their success over the years, but few squads will thrive as much when doubted.

Learning curve for new players

Few players have been hyped as much as Cathal O’Neill coming into the game with the Crecora youngster handed his first start prior to sitting the Leaving Certificate. The double minor All-Star was positioned at corner forward and was quickly introduced to the very top level. He didn’t find himself on the scoresheet but his willingness to show for the ball was admirable considering the level of opponent.

Likewise, Brian O’Grady in his first start found the going tough but continued to soldier on and was a constant presence for Limerick in the first half. While neither performance was noteworthy, both will take huge learnings from the game. This also applies to Brian Ryan, another underage South Liberties forward who has converted into the backs in the county set-up.

While the first XV is almost set in stone, John Kiely’s squad is continuing to develop.