Limerick hurlers switch focus to start of Allianz Hurling League

LIMERICK senior hurlers now turn their attention to the start of the Allianz Hurling League after completing their fixtures in the Munster Hurling League with a convincing 16-point win over Kerry in Tralee yesterday.

John Kiely’s charges were in impressive form against 'the Kingdom' but the Limerick manager admits that a lot of work is still on the horizon as they plan for their opening Allianz Hurling League Fixture away to Cork at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday, February 4, 7.30pm.

When asked about selection thoughts for that Cork fixture, and in particular the availability of Cian Lynch, Kiely said that he and his backroom team are a long way off making selection decisions at this stage.

“We have quite a lot of work to do in the next 10 days. We just hope that everybody keeps on the trajectory that they are on, it’s a good one, and we will have to wait another 10 days before we are in that space.”
Limerick handed debuts to Monaleen duo Donnacha Ó Dálaigh and Jamie Power in the win over Kerry and the Treaty boss said that he was delighted by their All-Ireland victory in Croke Park.
“We were thrilled to see the run they went on. They really grew throughout the campaign.
“To see them win in Croke Park was hugely satisfying from any Limerick person’s perspective. The manner they did it in was very admirable as well. Delighted for them (Ó Dálaigh and Power). Hopefully, we can try and get a bit more onto them now after this.”
Meanwhile, the Limerick senior football team will have to bounce back quickly after their McGrath Cup final defeat to Cork on Friday as they face the trip to Derry in their Allianz Football League opener this Saturday.
Ray Dempsey’s men lost out by six points to an impressive Cork outfit in Mallow and the Mayo native admitted after the game that his players have a lot of work still to do as they prepare for life in Division 2 of the league.
Elsewhere, Limerick’s ladies footballers got their LGFA Division 4 league campaign off to an excellent start with a 4-13 to 0-2 away win over Kilkenny. Two first half goals from Andrea O’Sullivan set Graham Shine’s team on their way to a comfortable win.