Limerick Senior Hurling Game of 2020 – Patrickswell v Adare – Group Stage

It was the first game of the 2020 Limerick SHC and my word it made up for the months without any action at the senior grade.

Patrickswell were heavy favourites going into the game but were met by a ferocious Adare challenge and it looked for large parts that Brian Foley’s men were set to pull off a huge shock.

However, goals in the final quarter from Aaron Gillane, his second, and Kevin O’Brien helped the SHC holders to an opening day victory.

It was all square. at 0-2 apiece when Gillane rose high to claim a long delivery before firing past Bryan Curtin for the game’s opening goal.

Adare responded well and the game was level five times in the opening quarter before they took firm control of the half. Willie Griffin hit 0-9 points in the opening half hour to put his side 0-17 to 1-9 ahead at the break.

Declan Hannon and Griffin added the first two points of the second half to see them seven clear of Patrickswell and looking well set for a shock.

Ciarán Carey’s men slowly worked their way back into things with Jack Kelliher’s sideline and a Cian Lynch point from play cutting Adare’s lead to two with 47 minutes on the clock.

Then came Gillane’s second goal, a carbon copy of his first. Adare responded to go ahead thanks to Hannon and Griffin but Kevin O’Brien’s goal knocked the wind out of their sails.

Patrickswell finished the game in fine fashion by scoring six of the final eight points to earn a 3-23 to 0-26 victory.

However, they fell to winners Na Piarsaigh in the semi final, while Adare won their relegation final with Ahane to retain their senior status.

Notable Mentions:

Kilmallock 2-16 – 1-17 Na Piarsaigh – Group Stage

Na Piarsaigh 5-27 – 1-12 Doon – Final