Limerick hurlers get off to winning start with five point win over Cork

Cork 1-21 Limerick 2-23

Patrickswell’s Aaron Gillane was the start man with a tally of 1-9 (5 frees) as Limerick began their season with a five point win over cork in the Co-op Superstores Munster Senior Hurling League.

Given the time of year and the less than idea conditions, 1,364 brave souls made the trip to Mallow for their first taste of competitive inter county action of the new season.

A Gillane goal in the tenth minute gave John Kiely’s men the upper hand and by the 22nd minute they had built a 1-10 to 0-6 point lead. Going in at the break it was 1-13 to 0-12 as Limerick just about managed to keep their noses in front.

As the sides exchanged scores throughout the second half, Limerick managed to keep the rebels at arms length. A Jack O’Connor point cut the deficit to just two points but Limerick responded with fine scores from Barry Nash and Seamus Flanagan to restore their lead.

Cork’s Jack O’Connor was again instrumental with a fine goal to level proceedings on 1-18 apiece but Gillane restored Limerick’s lead with two points soon after and a Seamus Flanagan goal with five minutes left made the game safe for the visitors.

Limerick team that defeated Cork on Saturday evening in Mallow by 5 points,2-23 to 1-21 in the Co-Op Superstores Munster senior Hurling league. Photo courtesy of Sports Action Photography pic.twitter.com/emAHQwEwwI

— Limerick GAA (@LimerickCLG) December 31, 2017

Scorers for Cork: J. O’Connor (1-2), R. O’Shea (0-1 free) (0-5); E. Finn (0-4 each); D. Brosnan (0-3); C. Joyce (0-2); D. Kearney, R. O’Flynn, B. Lawton, B. Murray, P. Collins (free) (0-1 each).

Scorers for Limerick: A. Gillane (1-9, 0-5 frees); S. Flanagan (1-3); T. Morrisey (0-4); B. Nash, D. Byrnes (0-2 each); P. Browne, P. Ryan, C. Lynch (0-1 each).

CORK: P. Collins, S. O’Donoghue, D. Griffin, E. Murphy, C. O’Leary, D. Browne, S. Murphy, B. Lawton (c), D. Kearney, R. O’Flynn, D. Brosnan, R. O’Shea, E. Finn, J. O’Connor.

SUBS: B. Murray for O’Flynn (inj., 27); R. Cahalane for Kearney (inj, 33); W. Kearney for E. Murphy (HT); C. Joyce for O’Donoghue (blood 42-50); C. Joyce for S. Murphy (60).

LIMERICK: N. Quaid, S. Finn, S. Hickey, R. English, D. Byrnes, D. Hannon (c), D. Morrissey, P. Browne, P. Ryan, D. O’Donovan, C. Lynch, T. Morrissey, A. Gillane, S. Flanagan, B. Nash.

SUBS: T. Condon for Hickey (HT); C. Ryan for P. Ryan (46); D. Reidy for O’Donovan (50); B. Murphy for Nash (58); O. Kiely for T. Morrissey (66).

Referee: P. Kelly (Tipperary).