Limerick SHC Round One Talking Points

The Limerick SHC roared back into action over the weekend with a full round of fixtures.

There were opening round wins for Na Piarsaigh, Kilmallock, Patrickswell, Ballybrown and Monaleen. In Group B, Murroe-Boher and Garryspillane played out a draw, just as they did in the 2017 Premier-intermediate county final.

Here we look at the main talking points after the opening round.

Patrickswell’s main men make the difference

Patrisckswell gained revenge against Doon from last years county semi-final with an impressive 1-13 to 0-10 win against last years finalists in Kilmallock yesterday. In difficult conditions, the ‘Well were much the better side for most of the game and despite being level at the half, they eased to a six point victory.

The return of Ciaran Carey has given the side a much needed boost as they prepare for a clash with back-to-back champions Na Piarsaigh next Sunday. Youngsters such as Josh Considine and Jason Gillane, brother of Aaron, stepped up in a big way for the ‘Well yet it will be the performances of All-Ireland winners Aaron Gillane, Cian Lynch and Diarmaid Byrnes that will be most pleasing to Carey.

Byrnes was instrumental at centre-back, anchoring his defence and nailing a couple of long range frees in windy conditions. Aaron Gillane carried his league form into the game and was almost unmarkable, scoring and creating all afternoon. Hurler of the Year Cian Lynch made little of the conditions with his silky skills to the fore throughout as he orchestrated proceedings from midfield.

Tough times ahead for Doon

After reaching the final of the competition for the first time in almost two decades last year, Doon will have hoped to build on from that achievement, starting with Patrickswell on Sunday.

As things panned out, they could never get to grips with the conditions and were heavily reliant on Josh Ryan from placed balls to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Two late red cards to Richie English and Darragh Stapleton mean they will miss this weekend’s clash with Kilmallock. Should they lose that game, they will be without any points before the Munster championship, something they can ill afford.

Na Piarsaigh lay out statement of intent

Na Piarsaigh looked hungry to avenge the Munster final defeat against Ballygunner yesterday as they had 22 points to spare against newly promoted South Liberties. While there will be tougher challenges ahead for the Micheál Ryan managed side, they certainly put everyone on notice that they are coming for three-in-a-row.

Goals from inter-county players Kevin Downes, David Dempsey, Peter Casey and Conor Boylan show there is no National League hangover with all roads leading to Kilmallock for next Sundays titanic clash with Patrickswell which should have a huge bearing on the championship before the summer break.

Ballybrown secure first win in 21 months

After suffering relegation to Senior B last year, Ballybrown began life in the second tier with a comprehensive 1-23 to 0-13 victory over Knockainey on Friday evening. This was the City sides first victory since July 2017 when they defeated Bruff. Six successive championship games without a win followed that game.

Friday’s result could be a catalyst for Ballybrown as they seek promotion to the top tier at the first attempt. They face Ahane this weekend who suffered defeat in their opening game against Monaleen and will be keen to get off the board before the long lay-off. However, another win for Ballybrown will put them right on course for promotion.