Power Rankings | Na Piarsaigh justify favourites tags with Ballybrown looking to break through | Limerick SHC Round Two

The second round of the Limerick SHC took place over the weekend with each of the twelve teams in action.

With two rounds of the Limerick SHC in the books, two teams have picked up a pair of wins, Na Piarsaigh in group one and Ballybrown in group two.

The championship takes a hiatus for three weeks with the football returning the weekend after next.

Na Piarsaigh’s tests have been that bit tougher but Ballybrown have been hugely impressive, as they were in the second group back in 2020.

Outside of those, s even other teams have picked up wins with Blackrock, Adare and Ahane yet to register a victory. The latter two did play out a draw in the opener with the Rockies the only team without a point to their name.

Below we rank the twelve teams in the fight for the Daly Cup after a pair of rounds.

12. Blackrock

As mentioned, the only team in the SHC without a point on the board, Blackrock will certainly be looking towards avoiding relegation when their next three games roll around. Will rue missed chances against Garryspillane but tough tests lay ahead for the Rockies who must regroup.

11. Garryspillane

Got off the mark with a hard-fought win over Blackrock at the weekend that puts them level with four other sides in group two. Left it very late but the nature of the comeback victory should spur on the Bouncers who have failed to impress since their promotion in 2018. Face Mungret next which will have big say on the outcome of the group overall.

10. South Liberties

Will be very disappointed with their performance against Kildimo Pallaskenry after an opening day win. Only scored 0-4 in the second half of the KP clash, bagging just eleven scores overall. Have plenty of individual talent but are in a serious battle to reach the quarter-finals where they could have beat Kilmallock last year.

9. Kildimo Pallaskenry

Will be both delighted and relieved to get over the line against Liberties after the nature of their first round loss to Mungret St Pauls. Relied heavily on Kyle Hayes in the opening two rounds with the two-time All-Star almost unplayable thus far. Could need to upset the odds against Ballybrown if they are to reach the quarter-finals.

8. Mungret St Pauls

The manner of their defeat to Ballybrown will be hugely disappointing but the Clarina outfit look a step ahead of the rest thus far. Should be buoyed by the return of All-Ireland winner Rory Duff after the break and know results against Liberties, Garryspillane and Blackrock would be enough to advance to the knockout stages.

Ahead of KP after the first round win.

7. Adare

Without a win but not pointless following the draw with Ahane in the opening round. Started like a train against Doon but couldn’t prevent a second quarter surge from the East side, eventually succumbing to a six point loss. Hard to see where they will pick up a victory from here with another date with Ahane the most likely possibility.

6. Ahane

Ahead of Adare by virtue of losing their second round contest by a point less. Sucker punch goals either side of the half proved costly for Ahane with Patrickswell holding on for a five-point win. The performances of Tom Morrissey in both contest bode well for Ahane but like Adare, it is difficult to see where they will pick up more points.

5. Patrickswell

Did it the hard way against Ahane, needing a pair of Jordan Higgins goals to see off a stubborn Ahane side. In Aaron Gillane and Diarmaid Byrnes they have a pair of All-Stars and will hope to see Cian Lynch return sooner than later. Also got the job done in the absence of a couple more key players including Kevin O’Brien and Josh Considine. If the two-time Hurler of the Year was to return alongside those aforementioned, then Patrickswell will fancy their chances.

4. Doon

Were slow to start against Adare but showed just how good they could be prior to the half. Pat Ryan was virtually unplayable with the supporting cast also playing their part. Lost to Na Piarsaigh but leading the Caherdavin side for 50 minutes illustrates where Doon are. Also should welcome Adam English back soon in a major boost for the team.

3. Ballybrown

One of two teams with a 100% record after the opening pair of rounds. If the first game against Blackrock was about getting the job done, Harry Gleeson’s side flexed their muscles against Mungret St Pauls with a comprehensive 2-25 to 1-14 win.

Colin Coughlan and Aidan O’Connor were imperious while Josh Adams was amongst the goalscorers in the impressive forward unit. Their quarter-final against Na Piarsaigh in 2020 probably came too soon for the three-in-a-row minor champions but this year they are steamrolling towards the same stage and are a dangerous opponent for anyone.

2. Kilmallock

The standout team of the first round, Kilmallock were afforded a close up glimpse at their biggest threat to the Daly Cup as Na Piarsaigh ground out a one point victory. The Balbec struggled for much of the contest but led by Shane O’Brien, they almost swung the contest in a matter of moments.

Without playing near their best, they were a puck of a ball away from the win and with the aforementioned O’Brien tormenting the Nap defence, they would fancy their chances in a rematch.

1.Na Piarsaigh

The pre tournament favourites, Na Piarsaigh have had the hardest start to the competition, first facing Doon in a repeat of the 2020 final before being paired with the reigning champions. But as is customary, the Caherdavin side found the W on both occasions and still are the standard bearers.

Their big game players are firing on all cylinders, with David Dempsey furthering his case as the best club hurler in the county. Very unlikely that they will finish outside the semi-final spots as they look to continue their run of not going more than one year without the title since their first triumph in 2011.