Five talking points from Limerick's impressive victory over Waterford in Munster Senior Hurling Championship

THE LIMERICK senior hurlers recorded their first victory of the Munster senior hurling championship against Waterford. Last Saturday's victory for Limerick in Walsh Park produced a host of talking points.

1. Limerick's efficiency in attack

JOHN Kiely's produced their most efficient performance in attack last Saturday. Limerick scored 0-28 against Waterford with 0-22 of those points coming from open play.

Five of the Limerick forwards all got their name on the scoresheet, while substitute Aidan O'Connor chipped in with a score off the bench. Aaron Gillane and Shane O'Brien caused Waterford all sort of problems scoring 0-13 between them. Man of the match Cian Lynch was on target with 0-3.

2. Positional switches worked

MANAGER John Kiely made the decision to move Kyle Hayes back into the Limerick defence.Hayes was superb under the high ball and the 2024 all-star provided Limerick with a huge platform going forward.

Vice-captain William O'Donoghue made the move back out to midfield. O'Donoghue worked his socks off again in the middle third for the Shannonsiders.

Sean Finn and Dan Morrissey were brought into the starting XV by Kiely. Finn and Morrissey made it difficult for 'the Deise' inside line and their intensity in the tackle kept things tight at the back.

Both players' introduction onto the starting XV meant Barry Nash lined out at wing back. Nash looked comfortable in the half back line.

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3. Limerick squad nearing full strength

PETER Casey and Barry Murphy were the only Limerick players to miss Saturday's trip to Walsh Park through injury. John Kiely confirmed after his side's victory over Waterford that both players injuries are not serious.

It was a difficult spring for Limerick where they had a large proportion of the squad out injured.

Cathal O'Neill picked up a hamstring injury against Kilkenny during the Allianz Hurling League. The UL student made his return from injury last Saturday and he landed a 0-1 off the bench in his side's six point victory.

4. Goal chances created v Waterford

SHANE O'Brien had a terrific goal chance in the opening period. The Kilmallock clubmans effort hit the post with his effort. Limerick scored three goals in their six games during the Allianz Hurling League.

Adam English and Shane O'Brien got goals against Tipperary in their Munster hurling championship opener. Manager Kiely will be looking for Limerick to go after goals in their remaining two games against Cork and Clare.

5. It's Cork up next

LIMERICK play Cork in round four of the Munster Senior Hurling Championship on May 18 at 4pm in the TUS Gaelic Grounds.

This weekend, the Munster champions have a break. Cork and Limerick sit level on three points at top of the table.

Meanwhile, Waterford are on one points, while Clare and Tipperary are level on one point.

Cork defeated Limerick twice last year in the Munster round-robin series and in the All-Ireland semi-final. The sides met earlier this year in the Allianz Hurling where they played out a draw.

The round four Munster SHC clash between the counties is set to be a sell out at the Ennis road venue and the winners of this clash will boost their chances of reaching this year's Munster senior hurling final.