Limerick primed for Tipperary test in National Hurling League

LIMERICK senior hurling manager John Kiely said his side’s draw with Cork last Saturday is something for his side to build on ahead of their clash with neighbours Tipperary this Sunday.

The Shannonsiders host Munster rivals Tipperary in round three of the Allianz National Hurling League on Sunday at 3.45pm in the TUS Gaelic Grounds.The derby clash will be shown live on TG4.

Reflecting on Saturday evening's 1-16 each draw with Cork at SuperValue Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Limerick manager John Kiely said: “All told, happy with the performance. We probably put ourselves in a position to win the game and probably should have. It's good start and it's something for us to build on going forward now.

“That's our focus for the next seven days, we've Tipperary next Sunday. We've a bit of work to do during the week.”

A free from Cork's Darragh Fitzgibbon on 79 minutes meant the Munster rivals had to settle for a share of the spoils.
Limerick boss Kiely was impressed by his players’ performances on Saturday evening.

“It was a great opportunity for lads to get gametime under the belt. They didn't do too badly at all.

“I think a lot of fellas, we'll see that they have plenty to work off there. Listen, to say that's not a bad start, let’s go again next week.”

Limerick's Gearoid Hegarty was forced off with an injury in the first half.

“It's a cut and it's going to take a number of stitches to get it fixed . This time of the year, you are going to pick up things like that, he'll be fine,” John Kiely said.

Mike Casey, Peter Casey, Barry Nash, Declan Hannon, Tom Morrissey and Darragh O'Donovan were some of the players not involved in the matchday squad last Saturday night.

Seven players who featured in Limerick's All-Ireland semi-final to Cork last year started on Leeside on Saturday. Kyle Hayes, Cian Lynch, Dan Morrissey, William O'Donoghue, Diamaid Byrnes, Gearoid Hegarty and Sean Finn all started against the Leesiders on the Limerick starting XV.

Goalkeeper Jason Gillane made his National Hurling League debut in Saturday evening's game. Kiely introduced David Reidy and Seamus Flanagan from the bench in round one of the National Hurling League.

Limerick's Shane O'Brien and Cian Scully are back in action for holders Mary Immaculate College (MIC) against DCU in their Fitzgibbon Cup quarter-final this Wednesday evening.

Following this weekend's clash with Tipp, Limerick return to league action on Sunday, February 23 when the Shannonsiders travel to UMPC Nowlan Park in Kilkenny for a third round league meeting with ‘The Cats’. The game will have a 1.45pm throw-in time.

Limerick then host Clare at the TUS Gaelic Grounds on Sunday, March 2, 3.45pm.Tipperary come into this weekend's clash against Limerick on the back of two victories over Galway and Wexford.