Gearóid Hegarty says Limerick 'didn't panic' in turning fortunes round against Clare in Munster SHC

MAN of the match Gearoid Hegarty said Limerick's composure and refusal to panic in the second half proved crucial in their dramatic come-from-behind Munster SHC victory over Clare at Cusack Park, Ennis on Sunday.

The 2020 Hurler of the Year believes their opening round victory was down to the strength of this Limerick panel. 

''I suppose we've been in this position loads of times over the years to be honest. It's not the position you want to be in," Hegarty said.

"At half time we didn't panic, we felt we were actually playing well at half time. It probably just didn't reflect on the scoreboard. We were happy enough at half time to an extent. It's a long time 40 minutes in the second half. We've so much confidence in the lads coming off the bench to finish the game," he told RTEs Sunday Game.

St Patrick's clubman Hegarty was influential in Limerick's fight back and the wing forward chipped in with three crucial points from play and was awarded the Man of the Match accolade. 

''You know the longer the game goes on, breaks are going to happen and fellas are going to get tired. That's the way the game goes. You just have to stick at it, you can't panic. We know what to do, we know coming down the stretch if we are there-or-thereabouts. We know how to finish the game,'' said Hegarty

Limerick will now face Tipperary on Sunday in round two of the Munster senior hurling championship in the TUS Gaelic Grounds with a 4pm throw-in. A win would put John Kiely charges in a strong position to reach another Munster senior hurling final.