IT WAS with reasonable ease that Limerick accounted for Clare, 2-21 to 1-19, in the opening round of the Munster Senior Hurling League at a sold-out (1,500), but chilly, Clarecastle on Wednesday night.
A smashing goal from Cathal O’Neill helped the All-Ireland and Munster champions to a slender interval advantage, 1-10 to 0-10.
On the re-start, Limerick were always in control and the issue was put well beyond doubt nearing the finish when newcomer Luke Flynn (Granagh/Ballingarry) struck a lovely goal. At the death, Clare picked-up a consolation three-pointer.
Flynn caught the eye of county management as his club captured the Limerick Intermediate Championship last season, with the 22-year-old scoring a couple of late winning points in the final win over Croagh/Kilfinny.
Paddy O’Donovan of Effin top-scored with seven points, while Kilmallock’s Shane O’Brien was another to chip-in on the scoring front, 0-4.
“Decent performance overall,” acknowledged Limerick manager John Kiely afterwards.
“Plenty of errors in there but at the same time our intent was good. We used the ball well. We worked hard. A lot of fresh faces out there, great to get them on the pitch and get game time into them and have a look at them. All told, a good workout.”
Limerick are next-up against Cork at Mick Neville Park Rathkeale on Wednesday next. The venue has a limited capacity of 2,000 and tickets will go on sale on Monday morning (10am).
Both teams will be minus their Fitzgibbon Cup players for the outing.
Meanwhile, Ardscoil Rís are through to the last four of the Dr. Harty Cup following a hard-fought 0-17 to 0-13 defeat of plucky John the Baptist CBS (Hospital) at Fitzgerald Park, Kilmallock.
A couple of lovely late points from county under-20 star Fintan Fitzgerald, Mungret St. Paul’s, were crucial to the result.
Thurles CBS are next-up for Ardscoil.
