LIMERICK were beaten in their League opener by Wexford on Sunday.
It wasn’t the ideal start to the League season for John Kiely’s men as they were defeated by Wexford in a low scoring encounter.
It finished 1-11 to 0-11 in the Yellowbellies favour with Limerick failing to find the rhythm that saw them ease to Munster Hurling Cup honours in January.
Plenty of the All-Ireland contingent returned with some key figures hitting the ground running. The defence in particular were at it from the word go but the attacking unit struggled with just five scores from play over the course of the game.
Limerick now turn attention to Galway this Saturday in round two of the League as they host the Tribesmen.
Ahead of the clash, we present the third round of the Player Power Rankings of the Limerick side with extra weighting going for League encounters in comparison to the Munster Cup, such is their importance.
Round Three Player Power Rankings
Unlucky to miss out
Nickie Quaid – First game of the season and Quaid was named on the Team of the Week. No surprise really but everyone on the list was making their second appearance bar one.
Diarmaid Byrnes – Hit 0-3 of Limerick’s total of eleven and was solid in defence.
10. Darren O’Connell (Kildimo Pallaskenry) (-5)
A big drop for the Kildimo Pallaskenry man but through no fault of his own. Didn’t get the minutes against Wexford to stake his claim while others making their first or second start of the season shone. Could be in line for a starting berth against Galway such was the poor form of the forwards on Sunday.
9. Declan Hannon (Adare) (N/A)
While others around him struggled in the conditions, Hannon didn’t put a foot wrong in Wexford. Such a classy player, Hannon always is an option and rarely takes the wrong option. Also chipped in with a brilliant score to open Limerick’s account in a brilliant season debut.
8. William O’Donoghue (+2)
Couldn’t impact the game with ball as he usually does but was a constant nuisance for the Wexford attack, stifling a number of moves in the middle of the park with his incredible work rate.
7. Dan Morrissey (Ahane) (N/A)
Had he started the first game, it is likely that he would be higher in the list having produced another brilliant performance at full back for Limerick. It’s hard to imagine he played elsewhere prior to the 2020 season such is his consistency.
6. Brian O’Grady (Kilteely Dromkeen) (-2)
Another who drops, but again not down to his performance on Sunday where he was given just a couple of minutes in additional time due to his midweek exploits with UL. Has credit in the bank from the Munster Cup campaign to keep him high.
5. Gearoid Hegarty (St Patricks) (+4)
Another stellar display form the wing forward who was Limerick’s only real attacking threat clipping over three. Will be disappointed with two late misses but the way Hegarty can bully grown men on the field is a sight to behold.
4. David Reidy (Dromin Athlacca) (-2)
Named in the corner for the first time this year and things just didn’t go to plan for Reidy who was so impressive in preseason. Not a day for the inside line and Reidy struggled to get going. Arguably a player who needs to be on frees to get into the game and calls were for Reidy to be striking them in difficult conditions. Will be hopeful of another starting berth, this time at either 10,11 or 12.
3. Colin Coughlan (Ballybrown) (=)
Number three for three weeks in a row, the youngster is a pillar of consistency. Was very unlucky not to score a wonder point n the first half with his effort trailing off, despite his protestations. Getting harder each week to see who will shift him from wing back.
2. Barry Nash (South Liberties) (+2)
The best player on the pitch in Wexford, Nash is the big mover this weekend. Were it not for another strong performance from #1, then Nash would be top. Has been on top form this year, captaining the side to Munster honours in January and continuing this into February. His ability in possession has never been an issue but he is starting to consistently show glimpses of top class defending.
Flawless performance on Sunday.
1.Richie English (Doon) (=)
English is yet to drop a performance below a 9/10 for Limerick this year as he seeks to regain his starting jersey. So often seems to be in the right place and rarely looked troubled by the Wexford forwards, producing an excellent block in the first half.
The jersey is his and at the moment its up to Sean Finn to hit the ground running. A happy headache for John Kiely.
Check out the previous Player Power Rankings below.
Player Power Rankings Round One
Player Power Rankings Round Two
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