Nash happy with camogie progress despite Galway loss

Limerick fell to their first defeat of the 2019 Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Camogie Championship last Sunday when they were defeated 2-12 to 1-10 by Galway in Athenry.

After losing heavily in their league semi final meeting earlier this year, there may have been cause for concern for Limerick heading into the game in Galway.

However, a brilliant start by Limerick quashed those thoughts with the side leading 0-4 to 0-2 after a quarter of an hour.

Goals at crucial times would prove the difference between the sides eventually, but the manner of the performance certainly adds to Limerick’s credentials ahead of this weekend’s clash with Kilkenny in their final group game.

Despite the loss, manager Declan Nash was delighted with his side’s performance speaking in the wake of the defeat.

“Extremely proud of the girls. For the first 65, 66 minutes, the girls kept going and going.

“Attitude and work rate are never questioned. Just a few unforced errors and we definitely left a goal or two behind us.

“On the flipside, we created four goal chances and had a wide range of scorers. A really exceptional performance and definitely had Galway asking questions of themselves for most of the game.”

This weekend’s clash with Kilkenny will provide Nash’s ever improving side with another chance to test themselves against one of the elite teams in camogie.

Kilkenny were the only team to defeat Limerick in the group’ stages of this year’s league and for Nash and co. it is a matter of continuing in the same vein as they did against Galway with an emphasis on a quality performance.

Earlier victories over Wexford and Offaly have afforded Limerick the chance to play these games with little fear and this will certainly be the case this weekend with Wexford needing a win against Galway and Kilkenny to beat Limerick and overtake them in third place in the table.

“Look more of the same “There was very little between them and Galway in the League Final.

“The likes of Kilkenny, Galway and Cork always find one, two, three even four gears for Championship.

“We go there under no illusions; we’re looking for a repeat performance and if we do that, we will be very pleased.”

With three games under their belt, Nash is thrilled with the current crop of players who have demonstrated their undeniable quality and endeavour throughout 2019.

With plenty of play left in the year, Nash is focused on continuous improvement as Limerick look to hit their peak over the next couple of weeks.

“They’re an exceptional group. There never found wanting. They do everything that’s ever asked of them.

“We’re really happy where we are at the moment. We’re a work in progress and improving all the time. So, it’s a case of rest ad recovery and go for Kilkenny this weekend.”