Five talking points from Limerick's thrilling draw with Tipperary in Munster Senior Hurling Championship

SUNDAY'S thrilling Munster senior hurling championship round robin opener between Limerick and Tipperary at FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles, produced a host of talking points.

1. LIMERICK & TIPPERARY FINISH ALL SQUARE

SUNDAY'S contest ebbed and flowed througout the 70 minutes plus. Both sides enjoyed their periods of dominance but in the end nothing could separate the age old rivals.

After goals from Adam English and Shane O'Brien it looked as if Limerick were going to push on but Tipperary's response was impressive. On 62 minutes Tipperary's second goal from John McGrath put them 2-22 to 2-20 in front. Three points in-a-row from Aaron Gillane and Diarmaid Byrnes had Limerick leading by the minimum.

However, Tipperary sharpshooter Darragh McCarthy levelled matters in injury time and both sides had to settle for the draw.

2. JOHN KIELY SHAKES UP HIS STARTING XV

JOHN Kiely made some interesting positional switches in his starting XV last Sunday.

William O'Donoghue made the switch back to the number six, while Kyle Hayes was pushed into the Limerick attack.
O'Donoghue previously lined out in the Limerick defence on the Shannonsiders’ run to the 2022 All-Ireland SHC title. Kyle Hayes started out his inter-county career in attack but since then we have the 2024 All-star play most of his hurling at wing back.

Adam English and Cian Lynch formed a new partnership in midfield. Barry Murphy, Colin Coughlan and Shane O'Brien earned starts after impressing in the Allianz Hurling League.

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3. YOUNG GUN SHANE O'BRIEN IMPRESSES

KILMALLOCK clubman Shane O'Brien impressed in his second start for Limerick in the Munster SHC. O'Brien was immense providing the Munster champions an outlet on the edge of the square.

The Mary Immaculate student scored 1-4 and was a constant threat last Sunday. O'Brien stepped up with some big scores and he also set up some key scores.

Aaron Gillane and Shane O'Brien are starting to develop a relationship as a potent two-man full-forward line. O'Brien now looks as if he has nailed down a start in round two of the Munster SHC against Waterford. 

4. LIMERICK'S STIFF COMPETITION FOR PLACES

PETER Casey and Aidan O'Connor were the only substitutes introduced against Tipperary. Dan Morrissey, Darragh O'Donovan and Sean Finn were some of the more experienced players that didn't feature off the bench.

Meanwhile, Declan Hannon and Seamus Flanagan were not part of the 26 man panel. UL student Cathal O'Neill missed last Sunday's clash against Tipp with a hamstring injury.

Kiely's side are in a good position with this weekend off. The Limerick manager is going to have some big calls ahead of next weekend's clash against Waterford. Some players will be eager to break onto the starting XV, while the players on the extended panel will be pushing for a spot on the 26.

5. WATERFORD UP NEXT

AFTER round one of the Munster SHC, Limerick, Tipperary, Clare and Cork all sit on one point, Waterford had a bye last weekend and Limerick have a bye this weekend.

Clare make the trip to Walsh Park to take on Waterford on Sunday at 2pm (live on RTE2). Cork host Tipperary at 4pm in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday, also live on RTE2 TV. On Saturday May 3, Limerick return to action against Waterford in Walsh Park at 6pm.

It's difficult now to predict which three teams will come out of Munster and advance to the next phase of the championship after last weekend's first round of results. Scoring difference could well come into the equation to decide which three counties progress.

Limerick, seeking a seventh successive Munster title, will finish their round-robin campaign with fixtures against against Cork and Clare.