Patrickswell’s statement, Doon’s fight and more talking points after round 2 of LSHC

The second round of the Limerick SHC is behind us with Patrickswell leading the pack as the only team on four points with a 100% record. With attention beginning to turn towards the Munster championship, we look at the main talking points from round two of the championship ahead of the summer break.

Patrickswell lay out statement of intent

After a somewhat disappointing campaign last year where the ‘Well’s only victories came against Ballybrown, Adare and South Liberties, Patrickswell came into this campaign slightly under the radar despite the appointment of club legend Ciaran Carey as new manager.

Few outside the camp would have expected the side to pick up wins against last years county final pairing Doon and Na Piarsaigh but it’s exactly what the ‘Well have done. Two Sunday victories in Kilmallock have solidified their place atop the rankings until the end of July.

What’s most striking is the ease of the wins with the result never really in doubt on either occasion with Patrickswell controlling both games from start to finish. Against back to back champions Na Piarsaigh yesterday they had five points to spare with Shane Dowling reducing the deficit with a last-minute goal.

As mentioned last week in the wake of the Doon victory, Carey will be pleased with the form of the younger members of the squad with Jason Gillane, John Flynn and Josh Considine impressing from the start, with the latter arguably man of the match in a swashbuckling display. The introduction of young Calvin Carroll who was so impressive last year and Patrickswell are building a championship team.

First Na Piarsaigh championship loss since July 2017

Na Piarsaigh tasted defeat yesterday for the first time since July 29, 2017 when they were beaten by Adare in the group stages in Askeaton. Two early Kevin O’Brien goals seemed to suck the life out of Micheal Ryan’s charges and will be a worry during the break.

Looking across the Na Piarsaigh team yesterday, there is no doubting their talent with six members of John Kiely’s Limerick team at their disposal. Yet there will be a worry that the production line isn’t what it once was with a lot of hurling played by such a young team.

Yet, with the championship layout the way it is, there is no way Na Piarsaigh do not qualify for the knockout stages where they will still be favourites regardless of what happens between here and then.

However, some cracks in the armour will provide hope to the others.

Doon display their fight

Doon were fully deserving of their place in the county final last year and proved as much in the final itself, putting it up to the defending champions for the majority of the game. However, the manner of the loss against Patrickswell say many question whether they could match those achievements this time around.

Coming into the game against Kilmallock the odds were very much stacked against Doon with All-Star Richie English suspended and U21 All-Ireland winning goalkeeper Eoghan MacNamara tied up with college. Things were worsened when county panellist Mikey O’Brien was also ruled out through injury during the warm-up.

Yet, true to their nature, Doon never gave an inch throughout and demonstrated all their fighting qualities as they looked set to overcome the odds and pull out an unlikely victory. However, a mixture of naivety and a questionable refereeing call saw Kilmallock snatch a late draw.

Regardless of the result, Doon proved last year was no fluke.

Long summer ahead for South Liberties

South Liberties lost their second consecutive game on their return to the senior ranks on Sunday losing out heavily to Adare. That fifteen-point loss coupled with the one the week previous to Na Piarsaigh sees South Liberties on -37 score differential after just two games.

Adare came into the game having not won last year and the ease at which they strolled to victory will worry South Liberties who have Kilmallock, Doon and Patrickswell all yet to come. It could be a long summer for the Liberties unless they can find some form.