A GOOD start is half the work, so the saying goes anyway. The Limerick senior hurlers started 2017 in fine style with a win over Waterford in the opening round of the Co-Op Superstores sponsored Munster Hurling League.
In what was Limerick manager John Kiely’s debut appearance on the sideline, Limerick racked up an impressive, winter hurling, scoreline of 0-24 to the Deise’s 1-14 in reply.
Limerick were slow to start, but a raft of points either side of the short whistle made for encouraging viewing for John Kiely and his management team, as well as the Limerick fans who had made the journey to Fraher Field for a first glimpse of the new season.
As with all sport, once one game is in the books, eyes turn to the next test. Limerick are in action again this coming Sunday as they entertain Cork in the Gaelic Grounds at 2pm.
The Rebel county were 1-28 to 0-18 winners over Kerry in the opening round last weekend.
A half time scoreline of 1-12 to 0-14 in favour of Cork was at one point overturned by the men from the Kingdom, with Cork only coming back into the game with a number of experienced players released from their bench. Both Limerick and Cork will agree that this weekend’s clash will prove more of a test for both sides.
With Limerick also in action on Wednesday January 18 against Clare in Sixmilebridge, John Kiely may use this Sunday to rotate his team with a chance for more to impress.
Limerick team that defeated Waterford: N. Quaid (c), S. O’Brien, R. McCarthy, M. Casey, D. Byrnes, S. Hickey, D. Hannon, J. Fitzgibbon, G. O’Mahony, G. Hegarty, A. Dempsey, D. Dempsey, S. Tobin, T. Morrissey, G. Mulcahy.
Subs: K. Hayes for D. Dempsey (H/T); C. Ryan for Morrissey (43); P. Ryan for O’Mahohy (50); A Gillane for Tobin (56); R. English for McCarthy (66).
Limerick scorers: J. Fitzgibbon (0-6 frees, 0-8); A. Dempsey (0-7); S. Tobin (0-3); D. Byrnes (frees), G. Hegarty (0-2 each); D. Hannon (free), K. Hayes (0-1 each).
Cork side that defeated Kerry: P Collins; D Griffin, S McDonnell, K Burke; D Cahalane, C Joyce, M Coleman; L McLoughlin, B Lawton; S O’Keeffe, S Harnedy, S Kingston; M Cahalane, B Cooper, D Fitzgibbon
Subs: S O’Donoghue for Burke (12, injured), L Meade for Harnedy (half-time, injured), A Cadogan for O’Keeffe (58), C Murphy for D Cahalane, C O’Leary for McLoughlin (both 61).
