Limerick hurlers keep on track with league win in Galway

LIMERICK manager John Kiely says his side have plenty to work on in the two-week break before their next Allianz Hurling League against Westmeath on Sunday, March 12.

Kiely's charges earned their second win over the league against Galway by five points yesterday in Salthill and added that their workload will increase dramatically ahead of the next game. The Limerick boss was satisfied with the performance against Galway, but added that they still haven't hit the heights that they hope to reach as the year goes on.

"For the most part it was solid,” the Limerick manager told the assembled media at Pearse Stadium. We did things reasonably well and controlled spells of the game.

"Our puck-out was very strong in the first half and we were strong on their's as well. We were efficient with the use of the ball and when we got chances, we took them.

"Second half, we were strong in the first 15, 20 minutes but then dropped it. Galway were always going to come back into it if they got any smell a chance of it at all.

"There was questions asked of us when they brought it back to two, questions were asked and we won a few balls in the middle. The lads made an impact off the bench as well."

Kiely confirmed that many of his injured players were back in training this morning and added that there is nothing serious surrounding the availability of players for the next game.

The Limerick manager further confirmed that Cathal O'Neill suffered a slight tear to his calf which saw him miss the end of UL's Fitzgibbon Cup campaign. However, his recent absence is more of a precaution than anything else.

"Some of the lads trained this morning (Sunday). They are nearly there but not quite. Cathal, unfortunately, missed the closing stages of the Fitzgibbon Cup.

"We were disappointed for him for that but he had a bit of a calf tear. We just couldn't take the chance of him missing the rest of the season. He is coming.

"We just have to mind the players. We have to be very cognizant of what they can and can't do. At times you have to be prudent and just say 'he is out' and that's it and just get on with it. As much as you might want to have a fella be available, if they are not, they are not.”