LIMERICK’S interest in winning the National Hurling League ended with an unexpected loss to Kilkenny at Nowlan Park.
Alarmingly adrift 0-18 to 0-7 at the interval, John Kiely’s side were in the ascendancy for the third quarter only for the Cats to finish with a flurry of scores and ease to victory, 0-29 to 0-20.
Had Kilkenny lost, it would have been a first campaign in which the county failed to win a home league fixture in almost 50 years.
Of concern to the Munster champions will be an injury which forced off Cathal O’Neill just before the break.
Limerick host Wexford at the Gaelic Grounds on Saturday next, 7.30pm.
Other than a workout, it is of no relevance in the Division 1A placings, as the hosts are safe and the visitors relegated.
The League Final will involve Tipperary and the weekend winners of Galway and Cork at Pearse Stadium.
Limerick: Shane Dowling (Na Piarsaigh); Seán Finn (Bruff), Mike Casey (Na Piarsaigh), Barry Nash 0-1(South Liberties); Colin Coughlan 0-2 (Ballybrown), William O’Donoghue (Na Piarsaigh), Ethan Hurley 0-1(Newcastle West); Adam English 0-1 (Doon), Cian Lynch, captain, (Patrickswell); Tom Morrissey 0-2(Ahane), David Reidy 0-8 (Dromin/Athlacca), Cathal O’Neill (Crecora/Manister); Shane O’Brien 0-1 (Kilmallock), Seamus Flanagan (Feohanagh/Castlemahon), Aidan O’Connor 0-2 (Ballybrown).
Substitutes used: Patrick O’Donovan 0-1 (Effin), Donnacha Ó Dálaigh 0-1 (Monaleen), Eddie Stokes (Doon), Micheal Houilihan, Oisín O/Farrell.
