Limerick 0-20 Tipperary 0-20

LIT Gaelic Grounds, Limerick

May 8th 2021

Absence, they say, makes the heart grow fonder. Rarely has an opening round encounter in the hurling league been so hotly anticipated. 

The uncertainty over the last few months, added to the fact that this was Limerick’s first public outing of any sort since they lifted the Liam McCarthy cup in December, had put this game in the national spotlight. 

A Saturday evening televised slot help add to the focus on this game. It was hard to know prior to the throw-in if the players of both sides could produce the speed and sharpness expected of the ‘elite athletes’ tag that has been foisted upon them. After a limited window of training John Kiely and Liam Sheedy sent their respective sides into battle. Would they be ring rust and lack any flow to their passing moves or would their innate skills and muscle memory click into gear?

First Half

A Seamus Flannagan point got Limerick off the mark and Tipp’s Niall O’Mara sent over a quick response from distance. Adrian Breen got on the end of a fine diagonal pass and fired over a nice point on the turn. Willie Connors, who was to the fore for Tipp in the opening exchanges, landed a booming score from out the field. The tempo of the game was already fierce and any doubts about the sluggishness of either side were quickly dispelled. 

Darragh O’Donovan edged the All-Ireland champions ahead again after some good foraging by Seamus Flannagan. Then Jason Forde open his account with a free on what was to be a busy evening for the Tipp free-taker. David Reidy was on free taking duty for Limerick and he got his name on the board with a placed ball from the 65’. Seamus Flanagan got in on the act and swung over a nice score as the first ten minutes of action saw eight scores as Limerick led 0-05 v 0-03.

Jason Forde landed a brace of fine scores from play to bring the sides back level again. However, David Reidy added a score from play and a Reidy free push Limerick’s lead out to two points again just before the water break. 

First Water break: Limerick 0-7 Tipperary 0-5

Free taker Forde landed another placed ball from out near the halfway line and shortly after a Dan McCormack effort levelled things up again at 0-7 apiece.

The sides exchanged scores again, David Reidy from play for Limerick and Ronan Maher with an immediate response sent over points at either end. Forde added a brace of  frees to edge Tipp two ahead at 0-8 v 0-10. Ronan Maher added another from distance 

Limerick were struggling to find their rhythm during this spell, with passes falling half a yard ahead or behind their intended targets. 

David Reidy sent over a fine point from under the Mackey stand to get the treaty county going. Shortly after a Will O’Donoghue score levelled it up. 

Michael Breen edged the visitors ahead again before Reidy concluded the first half scoring with a pointed free.

Half time: Limerick 0-12 Tipperary 0-12.

Jason Forde took up where he left off in the first half and struck over another placed ball. This time it was from about 55 yards out to the right of the Ennis road goal. Limerick were level shortly after when Adrian Breen sent over a reply. It was his third point of the evening. A pointed 65’ from Forde nudged Sheedy’s side once again. He added another this time from the left of goal taking his personal tally to nine. It was ten moments later with a score to move Tipperary 3 points ahead. 

Peter Casey made an immediate impact off the bench with a point reducing the deficit once again to two. Then Willie Connors threatened the Limerick goal and was bearing down on Nicky Quaid. The Limerick full-back line swarmed around him, but he won a free which was duly sent over the bar by Forde. 

Two more Jason Forde frees either side of the second water break saw Liam Sheedy’s men establish a five point lead. John Keily reacted to this Tipperary purple patch by bringing the big guns off the bench. Gearoíd Heagarty and Cian Lynch were sprung from the bench.

The introduction of the hurler of the year gave John Kiely’s men fresh impetus. Limerick started to get on top around the middle of the park. Winning the little breaks that had by and large previously being going the way of the Premier. 

Scores from Casey and a free from Reidy levelled things up once more with 5 to go. Jason Forde pointed yet another free to nudged Tipp ahead again once again. Tipp’s number 14 now had a scoring tally to match his jersey. However, Reidy levelled it up again for the final time.

This entertaining contest ended as it had began, all-square. In their post match reactions both Liam Sheedy and John Kiely conceded that a draw was a fair result. But the overall consensus on leaving the Gaelic Grounds was it’s great to have hurling back!

Full Time: Limerick 0-20 Tipperary 0-20

Teams

Limerick: 1.Nickie Quaid, 2.Aaron Costello, 3.Sean Finn, 4.Richie English, 5.Diarmaid Byrnes 0-1f, 6.Kyle Hayes, 7.Barry Nash, 8.William O’Donoghue(c) 0-1, 9.Darragh O’Donovan 0-1, 10.Tom Morrissey, 11.David Reidy 0-8;6f, 12.Conor Boylan, 13.Adrian Breen 0-3, 14.Seamus Flanagan 0-4, 15.David Dempsey.

Subs: 16.Barry Hennessy, 17.Jerome Boylan, 18.Peter Casey (for Dempsey 35min), 19.Ronan Connolly, 20.Josh Considine, 21.Gearoid Hegarty (for Boylan 55), 22.Cian Lynch (O’Donovan 35min), 23.Darren O’Connell (Breen 58min), 24.Brian O’Grady (O’Donoghue 68), 25.Mark Quinlan, 26.Brian Ryan.

Tipperary: 1.Barry Hogan, 2.Cathal Barrett, 3.Ronan Maher 0-2;1f, 4.Barry Heffernan, 5.Brian McGrath, 6.Seamus Kennedy, 7.Bryan O’Meara, 8.Alan Flynn, 9.Michael Breen 0-1, 10.Dan McCormack, 11.Patrick Maher, 12.Niall O’Meara 0-1, 13.Willie Connors 0-1, 14.Jason Forde 0-14;11f;1 65′, 15.Jake Morris.

Subs: 16.Brian Hogan, 17.Robert Byrne, 18.Paddy Cadell, 19.Cian Darcy (for Connor 60), 20.Paul Flynn, 21.Mark Kehoe (Flynn 62), 22.Padraic Maher (B O’Meara 59), 23.John McGrath, 24.Noel McGrath (O’Meara 53), 25.James Quigley, 26.Dillon Quirke (Patrick Maher 53).

Today’s other Allianz Hurling League results:

Dublin 0-16 Kilkenny 1-18

Westmeath 1-16 Galway 5-34

The post Limerick and Tipperary play out an entertaining draw in Hurling League opener appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

So we have gone and done it. The only rule in this combined XV. A maximum of two players per county can be selected.

1. Enda Rowland (Laois)

A vital member of the Laois team that made it through to the All Ireland quarter final in 2019, the Abbeyleix man was made captain for the 2020 season such is his importance to Eddie Brennan’s men.

2. Sean Finn (Limerick)

The quintessential modern day corner back, the Bruff player’s versatility in his defensive play is what marks him out among the game’s elite defenders.

3  Liam Ryan (Wexford)

Big, strong and physical the Rapparees man is also a brilliant hurler, as his point against Tipperary in the 2019 All Ireland semi final proves.

4. Paddy Smyth (Dublin)

The Clontarf man only made his senior Championship debut for Dublin in 2018 but has already shown himself to be one of the finest corner backs in Ireland with his displays since his arrival on the scene.

What a save!! Paddy Smyth you legend @GAA_BEO pic.twitter.com/5vBXzyJRz7

— Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) February 25, 2019

5 Padraic Mannion (Galway)

The Galway captain for 2020 is without doubt one of the finest hurlers in the country when he is in full flow. At his best when he is driving out of the Galway defence, Mannion will be relied upon by Shane O Neill, as the Galway boss looks to lead Galway back into the picture for another All Ireland after a disappointing 2019.

6. Padraig Walsh (Kilkenny)

An all round brilliant hurler. Every team would love to have a player like the Tullaroan man. A two time All-Star, Walsh is the glue which holds the Kilkenny defence together. Designated to fill the problem position of full back for a couple of seasons before Hugh Lawlor’s introduction, Brian Cody now has the luxury of using Walsh out the field.

7. Padraic Maher (Tipperary)

The iron man of the Tipp defence, six time All-Star Padraic Maher has been a shining light for Tipperary since he made his debut in 2009. His ability under a high ball is sensational, as his ability to read the game from the half back line, while his ability to pop up with scores on a consistent level mark him out as one of the hurlers of his generation.

8 Tony Kelly (Clare)

One of the finest hurlers to ever come out of Clare, Kelly could have been selected in a number of positions on this select XV. A previous hurler of the year winner, Kelly has been a stalwart of the Clare team since he burst on the scene in 2012. Still only 26, its a scary thought for opposition managers and players that the Ballyea man should now only be hitting his hurling prime.

9. Jamie Barron (Waterford)

Jamie Barron gets a classy point for @WaterfordGAA pic.twitter.com/8triBiA3af

— The GAA (@officialgaa) June 8, 2019

A two time All-Star, Barron has often been the highlight in a struggling Waterford side over the last couple of years. A bundle of energy in midfield with a fair helping of class to go with it, Barron has managed to maintain his excellent form even if his team’s performances in the Championship have slipped.

10. Lee Chin (Wexford)

The Faythe Harriers star was instrumental for Wexford in 2019 as they won their first Leinster in 15 years, and pushed Tipperary all the way in their All Ireland semi final. Awarded his first All Star for his performances, Chin will again be vital as Davy Fitzgerald’s team look to make further progress in the Championship in 2020.

11. TJ Reid (Kilkenny)

One of the best hurlers of his generation, Reid is undoubtedly the leader of Kilkenny hurling these days. Deadly accurate from placed balls and open play, Reid is also a ferocious winner of ball anywhere in the forward line. This enables him to pick off scores himself or lay on assists for his teammates, which he does  better than anyone else.

What a goal for Kilkenny's TJ Reid!! pic.twitter.com/cRBPUUbHJR

— The GAA (@officialgaa) May 11, 2019

12. Joe Canning (Galway)

This Joe Canning point won @Galway_GAA an All-Ireland Hurling Final spot! Tell us what magic moments you think we'll see tomorrow! #GALvWAT pic.twitter.com/ZRcyWjBEJv

— The GAA (@officialgaa) September 2, 2017

The Portumna man took his own personal form to new levels at the back end of the 2010’s, culminating in finally winning the All Ireland in 2017. Canning was also the Hurler of the year that year, an award he could have easily won again in 2018 as his game went to even higher standards. A poor year in 2019 for his county that included a long term injury for the 32 year old, means both Canning and his teammates should be raring to go when their 2020 Championship gets underway.

13. Aaron Gillane (Limerick)

The Patrickswell forward is improving with each year he is in a Limerick jersey. A back to back All Star winner in 2018 and 2019, Gillane is now one of the most feared inside forwards in the game.

14. Seamus Callanan Tipperary

The most devastating forward in hurling today. Callanan fittingly won the Hurler of the Year award for his exploits with Tipperary in 2019, when he catapulted his already stellar career to even greater heights. He scored eight goals in the 2019 Championship, one in every game as he led his county to his third All Ireland medal and fourth All-Star. He also overtook Henry Shefflin as the highest ever Championship scorer from open play.

15. Patrick Horgan Cork

Still to win an All Ireland, don’t let that underestimate just how great a player Patrick Horgan really is. The third highest scorer in Championship history, Horgan has been the highest scoring free taker of the last decade. His scoring record from play stacks up against the best as well however, with only Seamus Callanan scoring more from play over the last decade than the Glen Rovers man.

Patrick Horgan scores Cork's second goal against Kilkenny at Croke Park – See the highlights tonight @rte2 and the RTÉ Player from 9.30pm #RTEGAA pic.twitter.com/PTLHlb8VVr

— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 14, 2019

The post A Combined Hurling XV with 2 players per county appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

These five men are at the very top of their games and will no doubt put all their talents on display when inter county hurling returns in October.

Noel McGrath (Tipperary)

Awarded man of the match for his performance in the All Ireland, 2019 was arguably the Loughmore – Castleiney man’s best year in a Tipperary jersey.

The move to midfield by Liam Sheedy has proven to be a masterstroke by the Tipperary boss, with biggest surprise of 2019 the fact that McGrath was overlooked for a Hurler of the Year nomination.

The 29 year old appears to be getting better with age and in this new position for the senior team seemingly bringing the best out of him, Tipp fans will hope for many more performances like the one they got in the 2019 All Ireland.

There is literally no hurler in Ireland with better vision than Noel McGrath

Takes out all of Laois with one pass

Some touch from Callanan. Class by Tipppic.twitter.com/zXmNF6g6Ym

— GAA JOE (@GAA__JOE) July 14, 2019

Cian Lynch (Limerick)

The 2018 hurler of the year is one of the most stylish hurlers to ever grace the game.

But behind the style there is definitely substance with the Patrickswell man’s work rate an often under appreciated part of his overall skill set.

The 24 year old is a magician in possession,  with his ability to carry the ball from his midfield position pretty much unrivaled in the game, while he is more than capable of pitching in with important scores for his team.

Jamie Barron (Waterford)

A two time All-Star, Barron has often been the highlight in a struggling Waterford side over the last couple of years.

A bundle of energy in midfield with a fair helping of class to go with it, Barron has managed to maintain his excellent form even if his team’s performances in the Championship have slipped.

Since reaching the All Ireland final in 2017 Waterford have had three senior hurling managers, with fans of the Deise hoping current manager Liam Cahill can be the man to inspire them once more after a couple of quiet Championships by their standards.

Fundamental to Waterford will be the performances of the fleet-footed The Nire club man.

Jamie Barron gets a classy point for @WaterfordGAA pic.twitter.com/8triBiA3af

— The GAA (@officialgaa) June 8, 2019

Diarmuid O’ Keefe (Wexford)

O’ Keefe is a driving force from midfield in Davy Fitzgerald’s Wexford team that are making great strides under the Clare legend.

The 28 year old picked up his first All-Star for his form in 2019, as he put on a midfield masterclass for much of the season.

The St Anne’s clubman is full if running for his team and is a nightmare for opposition midfielders, because he never seems to stop.

Diarmuid O’Keeffe seals it for @OfficialWexGAA. pic.twitter.com/KrmleqHyXJ

— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 16, 2020

David Burke (Galway)

If Galway want to right the wrongs of their disastrous 2019 Championship then the 2017 All Ireland winning captain is going to be instrumental for Shane O’ Neill’s team.

An inspirational figure in Galway, Burke is capable of sublime moments on a pitch, and is well worth his place on this list of the top 5 midfielders in hurling.

Whether that’s coming up with a massive score for his team, or clearing a ball from his own defence, the St Thomas’ man is someone Galway are going to need to play at the highest level if they are going to get back into the All Ireland equation, when the Championship begins.

The post The top 5 midfielders in hurling appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The game has been blessed with so many great forwards down through the generations but the 5 men listed below would grace any time of the sport.

TJ Reid (Kilkenny)

One of the best hurlers of his generation, Reid is undoubtedly the leader of Kilkenny hurling these days.

Deadly accurate from placed balls and open play, Reid is also a ferocious winner of ball anywhere in the forward line. This enables him to pick off scores himself or lay on assists for his teammates, which he does  better than anyone else.

The Ballyhale man is maintaining a level of excellence that only a select few even on this list can compete with, and Kilkenny are going to need him to hold onto it, if they are to be competitive in the 2020 All Ireland Championship.

What a goal for Kilkenny's TJ Reid!! pic.twitter.com/cRBPUUbHJR

— The GAA (@officialgaa) May 11, 2019

Joe Canning (Galway)

For so long the Portumna man looked like he was going to go through his Galway career without landing the Liam McCarthy.

His talent and personal performances built an unfair dependency from his county that was never going to be enough to bring his team to All Ireland glory.

As Galway began to evolve towards the back end of the 2010’s though, and better forwards began to emerge to help out their talisman, Canning saw his performances get even better.

Playing some of the best hurling of his career, Canning finally won the All Ireland in 2017 and was named Hurler of the Year, an accolade that could easily have gone to him again in 2018 when he lifted his personal form to an even higher level.

This Joe Canning point won @Galway_GAA an All-Ireland Hurling Final spot! Tell us what magic moments you think we'll see tomorrow! #GALvWAT pic.twitter.com/ZRcyWjBEJv

— The GAA (@officialgaa) September 2, 2017

Seamus Callanan (Tipperary)

The most devastating forward in hurling today.

Callanan fittingly won the Hurler of the Year award for his exploits with Tipperary in 2019, when he catapulted his already stellar career to even greater heights.

He scored eight goals in the 2019 Championship one in every game as he led his county to his third All Ireland medal, and fourth All-Star.

He also overtook Henry Shefflin as the highest ever Championship scorer from open play.

Patrick Horgan (Cork)

The only man on this list that doesn’t have an All Ireland title to his name, don’t let that underestimate just how great a player Patrick Horgan really is.

The third highest scorer in Championship history, Horgan has been the highest scoring free taker of the last decade.

His scoring record from play stacks up against the best as well however, with only Seamus Callanan scoring more from play over the last decade than the Glen Rovers man.

Few can dispute the 32 year old’s greatness as he gets set to start another Championship with Cork, hoping this is the one when he can finally claim that coveted Celtic Cross.

Patrick Horgan scores Cork's second goal against Kilkenny at Croke Park – See the highlights tonight @rte2 and the RTÉ Player from 9.30pm #RTEGAA pic.twitter.com/PTLHlb8VVr

— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 14, 2019

Aaron Gillane (Limerick)

The 2018 All Ireland winner is the heir to the men listed above as the next attacking superstar in the game.

The Patrickswell man already feared, is still developing into an elite level full forward but he has all the attributes needed to take over as the most devastating inside forward in hurling.

He possesses that bit of magic top quality inside forwards need.

He has great hands to either allow him to catch a high ball that’s put into him, or be able to create a scoring opportunity, and he is beginning to develop that ruthless streak that the best attackers must have.

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For years great defensive displays and great defenders in general may have gone unheralded in their recognition by the wider GAA fanbase but the five men below are changing that viewpoint. Here we rank five of the best defenders in hurling today.

Padraic Maher (Tipperary)

The iron man of the Tipp defence, six time All-Star Padraic Maher has been a shining light for Tipperary since he made his debut in 2009.

In that time Tipperary have played 54 Championship matches and the Thurles Sarsfields defender hasn’t missed any of them, starting all 54.

His ability under a high ball is sensational, as his ability to read the game from the half back line, while his ability to pop up with scores on a consistent level mark him out as one of the hurlers of his generation

Daithi Burke (Galway)

Without doubt the best full back in hurling over the last few years the powerful  Turloughmore man was a major reason in Galway finally bringing the Liam McCarthy back west in 2017.

His arrival at full back in the Galway team finally ended the county’s search for a player to fill the position that had troubled them for years.

His performances brought him four consecutive All-Stars between 2015 and 2018, and he managed to keep Seamus Callanan scoreless from play in the 2016 All Ireland semi final.

Not many can say that.

Brendan Maher (Tipperary)

What a last 12 months the Borrisoleigh man has had in a club and county jersey.

To come back from a cruciate injury and put in the kind of performances he did for Tipperary as they claimed the All Ireland once again really is a mark of the greatness of the player.

He was also an instrumental part of his club’s county and provincial success and was named club hurler of the year for his exploits.

Padraig Walsh (Kilkenny)

An all round brilliant hurler. Every team would love to have a player like the Tullaroan man.

A two time All-Star, the brother of former Kilkenny star Tommy is now the glue which holds the Kilkenny defence together.

Designated to fill the problem position of full back for a couple of seasons before Hugh Lawlor’s introduction, Brian Cody now has the luxury of using Walsh out the field.

Here his defensive instincts matched by very few in the game can be used to great effect in bringing solidity to the Cats defence.

Sean Finn (Limerick)

One of the best man markers in hurling Finn has won consecutive All-Stars in 2018 and 2019 for his classy and dominating performances in the Limerick defence.

What makes the Bruff man so good at what he does is the versatility he can show in his defensive play.

He can compete for a high ball with just about anyone, he revels when the ball is played in low against him and he invariably makes the right decision when in possession of the ball and helping his side go on the attack from deep.

His understanding with Mike Casey and Richie English mean Finn is part of one of the most formidable full back lines in hurling today.

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Here we take a look at 5 of the best modern-day goalkeepers in the game. 

Eoin Murphy (Kilkenny) 

The complete goalkeeper. 

The Kilkenny No 1 has arguably taken the role of goalkeeper in hurling to new heights during his time in inter county hurling. 

A brilliant shot stopper, it is the other aspects of Murphy’s game that set him apart from most. 

His distribution from restarts and open play is second to none, while his understanding of space and the movement of his outfield colleagues is top quality. The fact he plays outfield for his club is no doubt a help to him in these aspects of the game when he steps in goals for his county. 

Brian Hogan (Tipperary) 

The current all-star goalkeeper, after Tipperary’s All Ireland success in 2019, Hogan is following in his father’s footsteps by lining out between the posts for his county.  

A towering presence on the goal line, Hogan’s performances and understanding with his defence have brought a renewed structure to Tipperary over the last couple of seasons which ultimately led All Ireland glory in 2019.  

Like most goalkeepers plying their trade at the very top, Hogan’s distribution is another key factor to his own personal performance levels, but also to that of his team where his ability to find a teammate is vital to Tipperary’s attacking game plan. 

Nicky Quaid (Limerick) 

Much like Eoin Murphy, Nicky Quaid can combine the skills of playing outfield for his club with wearing the No 1 for his county, and much like the Kilkenny keeper it helps make Quaid one of the finest goalies in the game today. 

The 2018 All Ireland winner is more than capable of pinging the ball into the hand of a teammate on the move to help set up a Limerick attack, as he is making a game changing save or intervention on his own goal line to help his team to victory.  

Who could forget that save from Seamus Harmedy in the semifinal against Cork in 2018.

Mark Fanning (Wexford) 

The Wexford shot stopper is without doubt one of the most important parts of Davy Fitzgerald’s team these days. 

A fine exponent of the more vintage skills of a goalkeeper, it is the ability the Glynn-Barntown has in linking the play and offering himself as an outlet to his teammates that put him up there as one of the best in the country. 

A brilliant striker of the ball from placed balls or open play, Fanning scored the decisive penalty that brought the Leinster Championship back to Wexford in 2019.

Enda Rowland (Laois) 

A key component to the great run Laois enjoyed in 2019. 

Rowland was nominated for an All Star such was the level of his performances as the O’ Moore county claimed the Joe Mcdonagh, before reaching the All Ireland quarter final, where they were defeated by eventual champions Tipperary. 

The Abbeyleix man saved penalties, made point blank saves to deny the opposition, but more importantly he was the key part of Eddie Brennan’s gameplan through his distribution and ability on the ball.  

The measure of Rowland’s importance to his team is that Eddie Brennan made him captain for the 2020 season. 

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The GAA has suspended all activity until March 29th. This announcement follows on from the government decision to close schools, colleges and childcare facilities earlier today. The suspension also includes Ladies GAA and all Club games as well as inter-county fixtures.

The gaa.ie website released a statement which stated that:

“In light of this morning’s Government announcement, the GAA, An Cumann Camógaíochta and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association have decided to suspend all activity at club, county and educational levels until March 29 (inclusive) from midnight.”

The Suspension creates uncertainty around the remaining National League fixtures. The Allianz football league has two rounds of league fixtures as well as a finals weekend remaining. While the hurling league quarter-finals were due to be played this weekend.

The month of April had been previously designated for club games. This may now change if the league fixtures are to be completed before the Championship begins.

The u20 All-Ireland football semi-finals were fixed for a doubleheader at Croke park on St.Patrick’s day. A new date will also need to be found for those games.

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Waterford had the aid of the wind in the opening period. However, it took Liam Cahill’s side a while to settle in. It took 8 minutes for a score to be marked off on the scoreboard. Iarlaith Daly knocking over a point, Eoin Price got Westmeath’s first score of the game and by the 11th minute it was 0-03 to 0-01 to the Deise. Waterford pushed on with Stephen Bennett to the fore with frees. The Ballysaggart man pounced for a goal just before the 20th minute. However Westmeath hit back and the gap was back down to five after 26 minutes, 1-08 to 0-06. Then came the Waterford purple patch, they hit 2-02 in the space of a few minutes. Jack Fagan tapping into an empty net, while Stephen Bennett also grabbing his second major of the day. Waterford ahead at the break 3-10 to 0-06.

Patrick Curran stretched the gap further on the resumption. However, Niall Mitchell and Ciaran Doyle made it 3-11 to 0-08. Bennett had the gap out to 13, before Mitchell got the Lake County’s only goal of the game on 54 minutes. Doyle, a scorer of four second half points added another white flag, as did Shane McGovern. Bennett replied for Waterford. Pauric Mahony and Patrick Curran knocked over scores in response to a Doyle effort from play. Waterford should have added two further goals to their tally. However, Waterford Stephen Bennett’s 64th minute penalty was saved by Aaron McHugh. He also had a goal disallowed for a square ball infringement. Westmeath scored the last three points of the game with Allan Devine (2) and Ciaran Doyle, Westmeath winning the second half 1-09 to 0-08. At least some hope for Westmeath going forward on their second half performance.

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Dublin registered 1-04 inside the opening 10 minutes of play. Oisin O’Rorke registering three points, before he assisted in Dublin’s opening goal. He played an excellent cross field ball to Eamonn Dillon who was unmarked and finished past Enda Rowland. Dublin took their foot of the gas then which allowed Laois back into the game. Aaron Dunphy, Ciaran McEvoy and Ross King all pointing to cut the deficit to four points. Dublin were then dealt a blow when Eamonn Dillon had to replaced due to what looked like a hamstring injury. Stephen Bergin landed a massive score from distance for Laois. James Ryan cut the gap then to two minutes later.

Laois took the lead for the first time in the game with three unanswered points. Jack Kelly, Paddy Purcell and Willie Dunphy all scoring. Kilmacud man O’Rorke responded with two more scores giving Dublin the advantage. Mark Schutte was then replaced due to injury by John Hetherton. Enda Rowland landed a monstrous free, but Dublin landed a couple of scores to give them the lead at the break by three points.

Laois were then hit with two sucker punches within 5 minutes of the restart. Oisin O’Rorke and David Keogh rattling in goals to put daylight between the teams. Dublin leading by 7. Ross King kept Laois in touch with frees, but Ronan Hayes netted Dublin’s 4th goal of the day midway through the half. It was a super goal. Hayes gathered a long delivery before firing to the net past Rowland. Willie Dunphy grabbed  Laois’ second goal of the game but it was far to late as Dublin recording a deserving 7 points win in a big performance.

Dublin: Sean Brennan; Paddy Smyth, Eoghan O’Donnell, James Madden (Fergal Whitely 45); Chris Crummey, Daire Gray, Cian O’Callaghan (Andrew Dunphy 40); Jake Malone, Sean Moran; Donal Burke, Danny Sutcliffe (Riain McBride 55), Ronan Hayes; Mark Schutte (John Hetherton 31) Oisin O’Rorke, Eamonn Dillon (David Keogh 12)

Scorers: Oisin O’Rorke (1-7, 6f), David Keogh (1-2), Ronan Hayes (1-0), Eamonn Dillon (1-0), Sean Moran (0-3, 1f), John Hetherton (0-2), Donal Burke (0-2), Riain McBride (0-1), Jake Malone (0-1)

Laois: Enda Rowland; Liam Senior (Ronan Broderick 50), Ryan Mullaney (John Lennon 35), Donncha Hartnett; Jack Kelly, Padraig Delaney, Ciaran McEvoy; Fiachra C Fennell Diarmuid Conway; Aaron Dunphy (Eoin Gaughan 50), Paddy Purcell, James Ryan; Ross King, Willie Dunphy, Stephen Bergin

Scorers: Willie Dunphy (2-0), Ross King (0-6, 5f), Ciaran McEvoy (0-2), Stephen Bergin (0-2), James Ryan (0-2), Aaron Dunphy (0-1), Paddy Purcell (0-1) (James Keyes 58) Enda Rowland (0-1), Eoin Gaughan (0-1) Jack Kelly (0-1)

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Limerick v Galway Full-Time Highlights in Round 2 of the Allianz National Hurling League. Watch it here on GAANOW!
Limerick: 1-19
Galway: 0-14 pic.twitter.com/jTsUngS02X

— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 2, 2020

Galway found the target with their first 8 shots on goal. This meant Galway were ahead 0-08 to 0-06 after 23 minutes. David Reidy landing three first half frees for Limerick. All starting Limerick forwards though chipped in with scores from play in the opening period, Graeme Mulcahy, David Dempsey, Tom Morrissey, Gearoid Hegarty and Seamus Flanagan all getting on the scoreboard. It was 0-12 to 0-09 at the break. Joe Canning and Conor Whelan keeping Galway within three points.

The three point lead was doubled when Limerick grabbed a goal. Some good work for Seamus Flanagan who dispossessed Gearoid McInerney found David Dempsey who blasted past Murphy in the goal. Galway to their credit responded with four of the next five points. However, the final 20 minutes was the downfall as they only scored one point. Aaron Gillane, Graeme Mulcahy, Darren O’Connell and Tom Morrissey all turned on the style in the final couple of minutes. Galway tried to get some goals but Nickie Quaid stood firm as Limerick went on to beat Galway by 8 points. We predicted a Limerick win right here. 

Limerick: N Quaid; A Costello, S Finn, R English; D Morrissey, D Hannon (0-01), B Nash; D O’Donovan (0-01), W O’Donoghue; G Hegarty (0-02), T Morrissey (0-02), D Reidy  (0-07, 4f); D Dempsey (1-01), S Flanagan (0-01), G Mulcahy (0-01).

Subs: C Lynch for Darragh O’Donovan (blood 3-6 mins); T Condon for English (half time);  D Byrnes for Hannon (38); Aaron Gillane (0-02, 1f) for Flanagan (55); D O’Connell (0-01) for Dempsey (60); Brian Ryan for Reidy (65)

Galway: E Murphy; S Loftus, G McInerney, TJ Brennan; P Mannion, S Cooney (0-01), A Harte (0-01); A Tuohey, S Linnane; D Kilcommins, C Mannion (0-01), J Canning (0-07, 5f); J Flynn, C Whelan (0-02), B Concannon.

Subs used: C Cooney (0-01, 1f) for Concannon (half time); S Bleahane (0-01) for Canning (47); Darragh Burke for Kilcommons (52); Paul Killeen for Loftus (55); J Grealish for Linnane (65)

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