Impressive Limerick cruise to Munster Hurling League Final

It’s not often that you get excited by a pre-season hurling game in the first week in January, but 3,312 patrons felt otherwise as they thronged to Sixmilebridge to see old foes Limerick and Clare faceoff in the second round Munster Hurling League last Sunday.

Both went into the game with wins over Tipperary and a victory would secure a place against Cork in the 2020 Final. Yes, it may be an appetiser before the National Hurling League, but Limerick and Clare is never that straightforward. A battle was expected, but a battle was not forthcoming. Limerick blitzed Clare with a whirlwind opening quarter and enjoyed a very comfortable 1-27 to 1-19 victory.

Like the game against Tipperary before Christmas, Limerick went with a mix of youth and players pushing for a chance to start the opening league game against the same opponents in Thurles on January 25^th. From a Limerick point of view, a host of players would have ticked the necessary boxed for John Kiely and his backroom team.

As with any team managed by Kiely, a ferocious work rate is essential and each player that took to the field had it in spades. Putting that aspect of performance aside, plenty of the 15 starters did their chances of starting the first league game no harm whatsoever.

David Reidy has taken over the free taking duties for the Munster Hurling League and his total of 1-18 from two games should give him great confidence heading into this weekend’s final against Cork. The Dromin-Athlacca forward has been on the fringes of the team for the past two seasons and will be hoping to push his way into Kiely’s thoughts for a starting spot.

As is the norm for this Limerick team, much of their dominance came from a dominant performance in the half back line. Paddy O’Loughlin and Dan Morrissey impressed once more, but Barry Nash really caught the eye against Clare.

Nash has mainly been used as a forward at underage level and under Kiely at U-21 and senior level. However, a change came for the South Liberties man last season that culminated with a promising display when introduced in the All-Ireland semi final defeat to Kilkenny. His pace and power from half back could be of huge benefit.

Kilmallock’s Aaron Costello gave another outstanding performance at corner back. Costello has been one of the best defenders in club hurling over the last few years and was rewarded last season with a place on the senior panel. His showing last Sunday did him no harm going forward.

Adrian Breen certainly caught the eye against Tipperary with 1-5 and followed up with another four points against Clare. Not everything went his way during the 70 minutes, but he stayed patient and finished the game strongly with two points in the final stages. Elsewhere, Barry Hennessy, Mike Casey, Tom Condon, Ronan Connolly and Tom Morrissey excelled.

Next up for Kiely’s men is the final with Cork. Kieran Kingston is back in charge of the Rebels this season and has assembled a star backroom team that includes Diarmuid O’Sullivan, Brian Corcoran, Pat Mulcahy and Christy O’Connor. Cork mean business this year and will be hell bent on winning every silverware that is on offer. Phony war it may be but both sides will be gunning for victory.