Patrickswell’s Aaron Gillane lands 0-8 as Limerick claim first silverware under John Kiely.

It was John Kiely’s Limerick side that emerged victorious in the Co-Op Superstores Munster hurling league final with a 0-16 to 0-10 victory over Clare at the Gaelic Grounds.

Despite the game representing the culmination of a preseason tournament, there was no lack of intensity between the closest of local rivals.

John Kiely’s side saw six changes from the side that defeated Kerry by ten points in the last round but the changes didn’t disrupt the side as Limerick opened well with Gillane opening the scoring on three minutes.

A Paul Browne point was cancelled out by Cathal Malone who opened Clare’s account with eight minutes on the clock.

Seamus Flanagan pointed to put Limerick two clear again but Clare were level by the 13th minute when Cathal O’Connell scored a free. There was a brisk exchange of scores as Gillane and Barry O’Connell pointed for the home side before Clare responded through Cathal O’Connell and Cathal Malone.

John Kiely’s side would retake the initiative before the break with another Gillane point ensuring Limerick took a two point lead into the dressing room at the end of the first half.

Awaiting the second half, Limerick lead by 0.8 to 0.06 at the interval

— Limerick GAA (@LimerickCLG) January 14, 2018

Darragh O’Donovan of Limerick breaks free from Conor Cleary and Cathal O’Connell of Clare.

The banner opened the second half well with scores from Malone, Deasy and Tony Kelly but again Limerick responded with four points on the trot – the pick of which was a long range Gillane effort – to take a three point lead (0-12 to 0-9).

Limerick kept the scoreboard ticking over with Gillane instrumental from the placed ball and while a win over your closest neighbours is always welcome, it will count for nothing as the sides will meet in the final round of the Munster Championship in Ennis on 17th of June.

Limerick captain Paul Browne presented with the cup. Co-op Superstores Munster Senior Hurling League Final, Limerick V Clare at the Gaelic Grounds.

Scorers for Limerick: Aaron Gillane 0-8 (0-5f), Tom Morrissey 0-4, Paul Browne, Seamus Flanagan, Barry O’Connell, Gearoid Hegarty 0-1 each.

Scorers for Clare: Cathal Malone 0-4, Cathal O’Connell 0-2 (0-1f), Niall Deasy (0-1f), Podge Collins, Tony Kelly, David Reidy (0-1f) 0-1 each.

Limerick

1. Nickie Quaid (Effin) 2. Tom Condon (Knockaderry) 3. Seamus Hickey (Murroe-Boher) 4. Richie English (Doon) 5. Diarmaid Byrnes (Patrickswell) 6. Dan Morrissey (Ahane) 7. William O’Meara (Askeaton) 8. Paul Browne (Bruff) 9. Cian Lynch (Patrickswell) 10. Tom Morrissey (Ahane) 11. Darragh O’Donovan (Doon) 19. Barry O’Connell (Kildimo-Pallaskenry) 13. Aaron Gillane (Patrickwell) 14. Seamus Flanagan (Feohanagh) 15. Gearoid Hegarty (St Patrick’s)

Subs: 20. Barry Murphy (Doon) for O’Connell (57) 22. David Reidy (Dromin-Athlacca) for Hegarty (67) 25. Andrew La Touche Cosgrave (Monaleen) for Morrissey (71)

Clare

1. Andrew Fahy (Whitegate) 20. Jack Browne (Ballyea) 3. Conor Cleary (St Joseph’s Miltown) 4. Patrick O’Connor (Tubber) 5. David Fitzgerald (Inagh-Kilnamona) 6. David McInerney (Tulla) 18. Diarmuid Ryan (Cratloe) 8. Ryan Taylor (Clooney-Quin) 9. Colm Galvin (Clonlara) 10. Cathal Malone (Sixmilebridge) 19. Tony Kelly (Ballyea) 12. Niall Deasy (Ballyea) 13. Shane O’Donnell (Éire Óg Ennis) 23. Cathal O’Connell (Clonlara) 15. Podge Collins (Cratloe)

Subs: 18. David Reidy (Éire Óg Ennis) for Taylor (47) 17. John Conlon (Clonlara) for Deasy (53) 14. Conor McGrath (Cratloe) for Collins (59) 22. Jason McCarthy (Inagh-Kilnamona) for O’Connell (70) 7. Seadna Morey (Sixmilebridge) for Fitzgerald (71)

Referee: Cathal McAllister (Cork)