ADRIAN Breen turned in another brilliant display as Na Piarsaigh swept past Kilmallock to land their seventh Limerick Senior Hurling Championship title at the TUS Gaelic Grounds last Sunday.
Breen, who has now been part of all his club’s county senior triumphs, stretching back to their 2011 breakthrough, backed-up his semi-final man-of-the-match performance against South Liberties with another five-star outing on Sunday, contributing 2-3 from play in a comfortable 3-23 to 2-15 victory.
He received high praise after the match from All-Star nominated full-back teammate Mike Casey.
“He’s like a silent assassin up there in the forwards. At times you wouldn’t even know what he’s doing up there, and the next thing he walks of the pitch with 2-2, 2-3,” Casey told the Limerick Post.
“Adrian’s had plenty of man-of-the-match performances for us in huge games over the years. Fair dues to him again.
“I’m not a bit surprised that he popped up again with the goods today.”
Breen top-scored for the returning champions, who also had immense scoring contributions from both Peter Casey and Kevin Downes.
On the win, Casey added: “Personally, I’m absolutely ecstatic. We missed out last year with a couple of injuries, so it’s nice to get back into the winners’ enclosure so quickly. It was sweet one to be honest.”
Breen’s two-goal opening half salvo helped Kieran Bermingham’s side to a seven-point interval advantage, allowing the eventual winnters to coast through a comfortable closing period.
Substitutes Connor Hanley Clarke and Killian Hayes claimed late consolation goals for Kilmallock. Moments before referee Johnny Murphy brought an end to proceedings, Daithí Dempsey goaled to ensure a most impressive win for Na Piarsaigh.
For the third time, captain Will O’Donoghue accepted the John Daly Cup from outgoing Limerick Chairman John Cregan.
The final was attended by GAA President Larry McCarthy.
Na Piarsaigh will meet either Ballygunner of Waterford or Tipperary’s Kilruane Mac Donaghs in the Munster club semi-final.
