THE Shannonsiders were comfortable in their win over Clare as Richie English earned the man of the match award.
Limerick overwhelmed Clare on Sunday to claim the Munster Hurling Cup title for the third time in five years.
The manner of victory was eight points as Limerick remained in control for the vast majority of the game with many front line players rested once more.
There were standout performances from a number of players who will be hoping to force John Kiely’s hand with the League less than two weeks away.
Last week we began our Player Power Rankings for the 2022 season with David Reidy topping the initial chart for his 1-14 performance against Kerry.
Player Power Rankings Round One
Check out this power rankings below as Limerick made it two from two in the 2022 and collected their first piece of silverware.
Unlucky to miss out
Dan Morrissey – A brilliant season debut for Morrissey who hardly put a foot wrong.
Ronan Connolly – Probably a victim of circumstance with the Adare man having little to do in either game.
Cathal O’Neill – Much quieter against Clare than he was against Kerry with the ball often bypassing the Crecora-Manister man.
10. William O’Donoghue (Na Piarsaigh) (Last Week N/A)
Probably Limerick’s most under appreciated player, alongside his usual midfield counterpart Darragh O’Donovan, O’Donoghue arguably had the game won before throw in. Despite receiving a yellow card, O’Donoghue let the Clare contingent know that Limerick were there to win and by the first quarter the writing was on the wall. Does the simple things so well and is this teams Mike Houlihan.
9. Gearoid Hegarty (St Patrick) (N/A)
Hegarty was fouled for countless scoreable frees in the first half as Clare couldn’t get to grips with the 2020 Hurler of the Year. A Rolls Royce of a forward, Hegarty is one of the key components in Kiely’s machine, stamping his authority in his first full appearance of the season.
8. Adam English (Doon) (-1)
Drops down a place but by no fault of his own as the Doon teenager made the most of his cameo off the bench grabbing a brace of scores. English has played less than an hour of senior hurling but has already accumulated 1-3 from play. It will be very interesting how much game time he gets in the League.
7. Pat Ryan (Doon) (-5)
A much quieter day at the office for Ryan who could only add a point to the 2-3 he got against Kerry. Showed well for the ball but will be disappointed not to have troubled the scoreboard more considering Limerick’s dominance. Was replaced by English after 47 minutes.
6. Barry Nash (South Liberties) (+2)
Captaincy suits Nash who is going about his business under the radar. Rarely does he looked fazed at the back despite his inexperience in the corner. Faces huge competition with the likes of Richie English, Jerome Boylan, Aaron Costello and the soon returning Mike Casey but as for now Nash will be starting come the championship.
5. Darren O’Connell (Kildimo Pallaskenry) (+4)
Without a doubt, his best game in the green jersey, O’Connell helped himself to three points as Limerick’s top scorer from play. Has a brilliant knack of getting out in front of his man time and time again, winning nearly everything that came his way. Could have had more but promising signs from the corner forward who will need little reminding that there is a place up for grabs.
4. Brian O’Grady (Kilteely/Dromkeen) (+1)
In his third year on the panel, O’Grady has taken his game to a new level. Scored a brace last weekend, hit over a point for UL during the week and added another two from midfield on Sunday. His energy levels rarely dwindle despite the work load and his lung bursting runs have been a staple for college and county over the last fortnight.
3. Colin Coughlan (Ballybrown) (=)
The Ballybrown youngster gets better and better every week. Again a dominant force at wing back, he clipped over two first half points as he did against Kerry in the semi-final. Will need to continue this form in the League but those ahead of him in the pecking order will be wary.
2. David Reidy (Dromin Athlacca) (-1)
As usual, Reidy was immaculate from frees as Limerick’s top scorer, hitting 0-12 on the day. His defensive work was also noticeable as he tracked back on numerous occasions. A ready made replacement for any of Kiely’s All-Star half forward line. Only shifted from top spot due to the performance of the man ahead of him.
1.Richie English (Doon) (+2)
English was the star man on Sunday and it wasn’t even close, despite the entire Limerick team impressing. Everything that we had become accustomed to seeing from the Doon man in Kiely’s early tenure was to the fore. He also managed to combine his intense tackling and bravery with a well taken score. It’s clear he is coming for his number four jersey come championship time.
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