LIMERICK have yet to win a league game in 2022.
The Limerick senior hurlers return to action this Sunday when they take on Cork in the TUS Gaelic Grounds in the third round of the National Hurling League.
Limerick are without a win in the League despite their early season form that saw them capture the Munster Hurling Cup with ease.
Last time out, Limerick were beaten by Galway, with the sending off of Gearoid Hegarty proving crucial. That followed a loss to Wexford in round one.
After each game we look at the players who are in top form and today we continue that with the fourth installment of the Player Power Rankings.
Can Richie English maintain his top spot or will someone usurp the Doon man who has been in number one since round two?
Unlucky to miss out
Sean Finn – The best in the game didn’t miss a beat in his first game of the season. Just lacking game time for these rankings.
Kyle Hayes – Like Finn, having only played his first game, it would be harsh to put him ahead of one of the top ten.
Diarmaid Byrnes – Has done nothing wrong in either League game. Long range free taking is key to the current side
10. Nickie Quaid (Effin) (N/A)
For the second consecutive week, Nickie Quaid hasn’t put a foot wrong in reestablishing himself as one of the two best, if not best goalkeepers in Ireland. To be fair, the Effin man hasn’t really been tested in either game, bar Mikie Dwyer’s goal in round one, but puck outs are on point from the get go this year.
9. Declan Hannon (Adare) (=)
A non mover at nine, Hannon didn’t start the game but was introduced with twenty minutes to play after the side reshuffled after Hegarty’s dismissal. Unfair to judge him on that time when everything fell apart for the Shannonsiders.
8. William O’Donoghue (Na Piarsaigh) (=)
Five minutes into the Galway clash and the large Gaelic Grounds contingent were robbed when William O’Donoghue limped off injured. His presence in the middle third was hugely missed as Galway reeled of a number of long range scores in the area O’Donoghue so often commands. He retains his place with his absence telling.
7. Gearoid Hegarty (St Patricks) (-2)
An evening to forget for Hegarty who was very influential in his 39 minutes on the field. But a loss of composure was the key turning point as Galway dominated late on against the 14-man Limerick. The St Patricks man offers so much industry and efficiency around the field which was badly missed in the second half. Drops following his indiscipline.
6. Cathal O’Neill (Crecora Manister) (N/A)
Back to the position he occupied after the first round of rankings, Cathal O’Neill gave, by far and away, his best performance under John Kiely. Four magnificent scores came from the hurl of the Crecora Manister man who showed exactly where there is so much hype around him. With Hegarty suspended, there is now more time for O’Neill to impress. A huge bonus from a disappointing night.
5. Brian O’Grady (Kilteely Dromkeen) (+1)
Just a half for O’Grady who played two games for UL en route to winning the Fitzgibbon Cup later in the week. Didn’t trouble the scoreboard which has quickly become a staple of his but again, was a willing worker around the park and is now the back up midfielder in Kiely’s machine. There is still time for him to push one of O’Donoghue or Darragh O’Donovan off the team and if he continues in this vein he may very well.
4. Dan Morrissey (Ahane) (+3)
An absolute powerhouse at the back, it is hard to remember a time that Morrissey was beaten. The best full back in the land by a distance, Morrissey is nailed on for the #3 jersey despite the huge competition in the Limerick full back line.
3. Colin Coughlan (Ballybrown) (=)
Didn’t play against Galway but has enough credit in the bank from the first three games to maintain a podium place.
2. Barry Nash (South Liberties) (=)
Named at centre back, Nash didn’t look one bit out of place at number six. A wonderful hurler who has shown his ability all over the field. And that versatility and ability on the ball makes him a contender to start in any jersey from 2-7 come championship time. Reverted back tot he corner on Hannon’s introduction and adjusted accordingly.
1.Richie English (Doon) (=)
Keeps his place atop the rankings, despite the huge pressure form his full back counterparts. With Finn back in the equation, English will need to keep at this level to maintain his jersey for the concluding rounds of the League as the championship approaches. Few would bet against the Doon man doing just that.
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