Galway redeemed themselves from their Leinster Final defeat by beating Tipperary last weekend. Now, they are one game away from competing in another All-Ireland final. But, they have the toughest opponent going in the form of John Kiely’s Limerick. The Munster men have swatted aside all who stood in their way so far this year and are current favourites to lift the Liam McCarthy.
Last weekend, Galway took to the field in the quarter-final to face last year’s winners Tipperary. It was a game where both teams showed why they’re among the best in the country. In the end, just two points separated them. This difference was largely thanks to Aidan Harte’s 66th minute goal for Galway. The corner-back doesn’t appear on the score sheet too often but he was there when Galway needed something special.
Before that, the westerners were in arrears but after Harte’s strike they held firm to eliminate the holders. Furthermore, the dismissal of Cathal Barrett for Tipperary in the 52nd minute gave Galway an advantage that they put them beyond the Premier men.
Tipperary made the Galwegians earn their semi-final spot. From the throw-in they were intense and clinical. Galway’s ability to win their own puck-out was a huge factor in them gaining a foothold in the game. Likewise, their economical use of possession was crucial. Joe Canning was his usual laser-like best from the dead-ball. However, a lapse in the second-quarter saw Tipperary outscore them by 8. If Limerick are allowed such a chance, it could be game over.
Limerick on a Quest for Liam McCarthy
To date, the 2018 All-Ireland Champions have beaten Clare, Tipperary, and Waterford. But, what was most impressive was the manner in which they won. They have been dominant in every area of the pitch during every performance. Their nine-point win over Tipperary was a real example of them displaying their intention of challenging for the title.
Most recently, Waterford fell victim to Kiely’s team in the Munster final. The Déise men really put up a challenge but in the end, Limerick’s four-point victory was well-deserved. Their superior conditioning continues to prove effective in the middle third. In addition to that, Limerick have developed a good habit of not wasting their chances. This formula has made them the team to beat.
There is no doubt that Galway possess the tools to overcome Limerick. But, they cannot afford to be wasteful in any area of the pitch. Also, the Tipperary game likely took its toll on the Galway team. As a result, Limerick’s superior squad depth could be vital if this game goes down to the wire.
The game is live on RTÉ and Sky Sports Mix.
Limerick are 8/15 favourites with Paddy Power. On the other hand, Galway are 2/1 and a draw is a long 9/1.
Prediction: Limerick. The Munster men just seem to be a different animal this year.
Team News
Limerick Senior Hurling Team to play Galway in the All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Semi Final on Sunday 29th. November in Croke Park 4pm. is selected as follows
Limerick : Nicky Quaid; Sean Finn, Dan Morrissey, Barry Nash; Diarmaid Byrnes, Declan Hannon, Kyle Hayes; Darragh O’Donovan, William O’Donoghue; Gearoid Hegarty, Cian Lynch, Tom Morrissey; Aaron Gillane, Seamus Flanagan, Graeme Mulcahy.
Subs: Barry Hennessy, Conor Boylan, Adrian Breen, Peter Casey, Ronan Connolly, Aaron Costello, Richie English, Robbie Hanley, Paddy O’Loughlin, David Reidy, Pat Ryan.
Galway : Eanna Murphy; Aidan Harte, Daithi Burke, Shane Cooney; Fintan Burke, Gearoid McInerney, Joseph Cooney; Padraic Mannion, Johnny Coen; Joe Canning, Cathal Mannion, David Burke; Brian Concannon, Conor Cooney, Conor Whelan.
Subs: James Skehill, Darren Morrissey, Jack Fitzpatrick, Sean Loftus, Adrian Tuohy, Evan Niland, Jason Flynn, Sean Linnane, Niall Burke, Jarlath Mannion, Tadhg Haran.
Hurling Championship Semi-Final: Limerick vs Galway, Sunday, 29th November, 16:00 (Croke Park).
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It was a busy weekend of #GAA hurling action! #GAANOW has the best moments here in this GAANOW Weekend Hurling Round-Up! pic.twitter.com/k09JELrbi3
— The GAA (@officialgaa) November 24, 2020
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