Limerick defeat Kilkenny to secure 14th National Hurling League title

Limerick 2-20
Kilkenny 0-15

By Tom Clancy

Limerick are National Hurling League winners for a 14^th time, following a 11-point victory over Kilkenny at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

This victory was always likely for Limerick thanks to a first half which saw them enter the dressing room with a 1-13 to 0-10. Barry Nash’s stunning team goal a catalyst for the Treaty to assert control.

John Kiely was able to make four changes from the side that defeated Tipperary last month. But, from the side issued during the week, he started Colin Coughlan and Mike Casey with Declan Hannon and Kyle Hayes missing out. Cian Lynch was captain on the day.

This, of course, was the repeat of the 2022 All-Ireland Hurling Championship final, with the clash also between the reigning provincial champions. Kilkenny were sharper to settle with Billy Drennan and Richie Reid on target. Aaron Gillane’s trio of frees made it 0-3 each after 14 minutes.

The goal, on 18 minutes, gave Limerick the lead for the first time, a lead which they wouldn’t relinquish. After working the ball from the left-corner back position, Limerick eventually delivered to Gillane. A unselfishly passed to Nash who finished low beyond Eoin Murphy.

There was a crowd of 17,243 on Leeside, with the majority appearing to be supporting the side in green.

The half was closed with further points from Nash, Colin Coughlan and Cathal O’Neill.

The second half was a low-key affair but Limerick sealed the win when Gillane volleyed home for a second Limerick green flag, this time Flanagan the provider.

Next up for the Treaty is a trip to Tipperary, to face Waterford in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship 1^st round on April 23^rd. Kilkenny, meanwhile, entertain Westmeath the evening prior.

Scorers for Limerick: Aaron Gillane 1-7 (0-5 frees); Diarmaid Byrnes 0-5 (0-3 frees), Barry Nash 1-1; Seamus Flanagan 0-3; Darragh O’Donovan 0-2, Colin Coughlan, Cathal O’Neill 0-1 each.

Scorers for Kilkenny: Billy Drennan 0-5 (0-5 frees), Adrian Mullen 0-3, Richie Reid, Paddy Deegan, Eoin Cody (0-1 free) 0-2 each, Huw Lawlor 0-1.

Limerick: Nicky Quaid (Effin); Sean Finn (Bruff), Mike Casey (Na Piarsaigh), Barry Nash (South Liberties); Diarmaid Byrnes (Patrickswell), Dan Morrissey (Ahane) ©, Colin Coughlan (Ballybrown); Darragh O’Donovan (Doon), Barry Murphy (Doon); Gearoid Hegarty (St. Patrick’s) Cian Lynch (Patrickswell), Cathal O’Neill (Crecora); Aaron Gillane (Patrickswell), Seamus Flanagan (Feoghanagh/Castlemahon), Peter Casey (Na Piarsaigh).

Subs: Tom Morrissey (Ahane) for Murphy (half-time), Richie English (Doon) for M. Casey (48), Conor Boylan (Na Piarsaigh), Donnacha Ó Dálaigh (Monaleen) for Flanagan (63), Shane O’Brien (Kilmallock) for P. Casey (67), Mark Quinlan (Garryspillane) for Byrnes (70).

Kilkenny: Eoin Murphy (Glenmore); Mikey Butler (O’Loughlin Gaels), Tommy Walsh (Tullaroan), Padraig Walsh (Tullaroan); Richie Reid (Ballyhale Shamrocks), Huw Lawlor (O’Loughlin Gaels), David Blanchfield (Bennettsbridge); Conor Fogarty (Erin’s Own), Paddy Deegan (O’Loughlin Gaels); John Donnolly (Thomastown), Adrian Mullen (Ballyhale Shamrocks), Billy Ryan (Graigue Ballycallan); Billy Drennan (Galmoy), Martin Keoghan (Tullaroan), Eoin Cody © (Ballyhale Shamrocks).

Subs: Cian Kenny (James Stephens) for Donnelly (half-time), Paddy Mullen (Ballyhale Shamrocks) for Fogarty (47), Timmy Clifford (Dicksboro) for Mullen (52), Gearoid Dunne (Tullaroan) for Drennan (56), Alan Murphy (Glenmore) for Ryan (56).

Referee: Paud O’Dwyer (Carlow)