Five talking points from round three of Limerick Senior Hurling Championship

Doon, Patrickswell, Kilmallock, Ballybrown, Monaleen and Kildimo Pallaskenry all recorded victories in round three of the Limerick Senior Hurling Championship. 

The action continues this week in round four of the SHC. 

Here we look at five talking points from the weekend. 

1. Patrickswell issue a statement of intent 

After two defeats in the opening two rounds of the SHC, Patrickswell recorded their first victory of the Championship. The Well cruised past Mungret St Paul's winning out a final scoreline of 2-28 to 1-12. Ciaran Carey's side never looked like losing this encounter. Aaron Gillane, Cian Lynch and John Kirby all stood out scoring 2-16 out of their sides 2-28. Last year's county finalists will look to back up this victory against Ahane. 

2. County champions are defeated 

Adam English was the hero in Kilmallock on Friday evening. English scored two points late on which ultimately proved to be the difference between Doon and Na Piarsaigh. Doon defeated Na Piarsaigh 1-15 to 0-17. This result comes as a huge boost to Doon's championship ambitions. Derek McGrath's charges will delighted to get a victory over Na Piarsaigh especially after last year's county finalists heartbreak where they lost out on a penalty shootout in the SHC semi-final against the reigning county champions. 

3. Can the top four be stopped in group one of the SHC?

Na Piarsaigh, Doon, Kilmallock and Patrickswell all look in a strong position to reach the knockout stages of the Championship. All four clubs reached last year's semi-finals. Doon currently sit on the top of the table on six points. Na Piarsaigh and Kilmallock are just behind them on four points. Patrickswell got their campaign on track at the weekend and their game against Ahane proves to be a crucial game in terms of either club's ambitions in reaching the knockout stages. The first and second placed teams reach the semi-finals, while third and fourth placed teams advance to the quarter-finals. It is very hard to look past these four teams in reaching the last four. 

4. Ballybrown make it three from three

Ballybrown remain the only unbeaten in group two of the Senior Hurling Championship. The city club have defeated Monaleen, Kildimo Pallaskenry and South Liberties. The Clarina side will look to record their fourth win on the bounce against Adare this week. Limerick hurler Aidan O'Connor has been central scoring 0-35 for the group two table toppers. Ballybrown look like strong favourites to make the jump up to group one of Senior Hurling Championship. 

5. The battle for second place in group two 

Dromin Athlacca, Monaleen and Kildimo Pallaskenry are all level on four points. All three clubs have registered two victories and suffered one defeat in the Championship. Second place in group two of the Championship will advance into the quarter-finals of the SHC against third place in group one. Dromin Athlacca, Monaleen and Kildimo Pallaskenry will be hoping to win their final two games of the group campaign.