What we learned from the first half of the All-Ireland hurling final

Limerick lead by five points heading into the second half of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final

IT’S half time in the 2026 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final and Limerick lead Galway by 0-13 to 0-8 at Croke Park.

John Kiely’s men made a superb start to the game but Gearóid Hegarty was denied two goals by stunning saves from Galway keeper Darach Fahy.

Limerick have opened the Tribesmen’s defence at will throughout the first half and will look to do the same when the second half resumes.

Aaron Gillane has returned to form in the first half with three points, while Cian Lynch and Adam English are dominating the midfield battle.

Hegarty is also in an excellent place going into the second half as he has been a handful for the Galway defence thus far.

One worry for Limerick is Galway full forward Jason Rabbitte. The 19-year-old has caused problems for the Limerick full back line with Mike Casey receiving a yellow card for three fouls on him alone.

Galway are staying in touch from placed balls with Aaron Niland firing over seven of their scores. Niland and Rabbitte are the Galway players to score from play.

Diarmaid Byrnes has also fired over 0-3 for Limerick in the first half, while Aidan O’Connor arguably scored the point of the half from play.

All looking good for Limerick after the first half and they will be aided by a strong breeze after the break. Long road ahead, however.