Limerick make statement of intent with measured win over Tipp

Reigning All-Ireland champions Limerick sent out a statement of intent on Saturday evening in their comprehensive 1-21 to 1-14 victory over Tipperary in the Gaelic Grounds.

After an opening weekend victory over Wexford, Limerick returned home to almost 9,000 fans where they set out their stall as defending national champions.

In December, Liam Sheedy’s Tipperary inflicted defeat on Limerick in their first game back at the Gaelic Grounds since their All-Ireland triumph in August.

 And when Michael Breen opened the scoring for Tipp inside the opening minute on Saturday, it seemed like this game could take a similar path.

However, after a sluggish opening half, John Kiely’s charges exploded into life in the second half as Tipperary proved no match for their skill and conditioning despite having far more of a pre-season than Limerick.

Limerick outscored their opponents 0-13 to 0-5 in the second half and no one epitomised Limerick’s performance more than Diarmaid Byrnes who was imperious from wing back landing four points and was deservedly named Man of the Match.

Conor Boylan

Byrne’s performance almost undermined the debut of Conor Boylan who was excellent on his first start in the green of Limerick.

The Na Piarsaigh man is no stranger to big games having appeared in All-Ireland finals with his club, yet his composure stood out.

Named at No.12 , Boylan began beside Tom Morrissey and Gearoid Hegarty, with Young Hurler of the Year, Kyle Hayes the only absentee from the All-Ireland winning half forward line.

The biggest compliment you could pay to Boylan was Hayes’ absence in the line was not felt with the young forward’s performance eerily reminiscent of that of the Kildimo-Pallaskenry starlet.

Squad Depth

Such is the extent of the quality of the squad, many of last years starting XV were rested to no ill effects. Colin Ryan has began both games in midfield, filling in for current Hurler of the Year, Cian Lynch on Saturday and proving brilliant once again.

Last week Peter Casey filled the void left by Graham Mulcahy and excelled while on his introduction on Saturday further demonstrated his class with a point from play.

The ability for John Kiely to replace like for like is unmatched in Ireland and such is the quality of the replacements, there is no room for complacency in the starting XV with only a handful guaranteed of a starting berth in the championship barring injuries.

Tom Condon

Special praise must be reserved for Tom Condon who was immense in the Gaelic Grounds.

A veteran of the side, Condon was forced to spend much of the last year on the bench as the triumvirate of Sean Finn, Mike Casey and Richie English held down the full back line.

After a reckless red card in Cusack Park, Condon recovered from the setback to secure the All-Ireland for Limerick with his late catch in Croke Park as Galway closed in.

While his long time compatriots Seamus Hickey (Retired) and Richie McCarthy (Injured) were absent on Saturday, Condon once again proved his worth with a dominant display.

In such a young squad, Condon’s value was never so evident than in the Gaelic Grounds.