McGrath happy to get on the board with Ballybrown's win over Monaleen

Ballybrown coach Shane McGrath was pleased with their first round win over Monaleen in Rathkeale.

placeholder image — Ballybrown coach Shane McGrath was pleased with their first round win over Monaleen in Rathkeale.

BALLYBROWN got off to a flying start in Group 2 of the Bons Secours Hospital Limerick SHC with a 2-21 to 0-14 win over Monaleen in Rathkeale.

Goals in either half from Barry Adams and Aidan O'Connor helped the Shane McGrath trained Ballybrown outfit to a comfortable victory ahead of their round two clash with Adare next week.

McGrath spoke to Leader Sport following 13-point win and although he was happy with the performance, the All-Ireland winner with Tipperary was keen to stress that it's just a start to their journey this year.

"It's great to get the win the first day out. We have huge respect for Monaleen. All-Ireland champions last year. We knew it was going to be a really tough game.

"We got a couple of breaks. The boys took the chances when they got them. The scoreline probably doesn't reflect how close the game was.

"There was a lot of physical battles with the weather the way it was. When the ball was breaking, there was seven or eight bodies around it.

"We are delighted. It's the first game and we will move on now. We have Adare next week and that will be another tough challenge.

"There is a great buzz in the dressing room but it's just one victory. We have five very tough games in the group and we have ticked the box on this one."

Ballybrown had impressive performances all over the park on the night with captain Stevie O'Reilly and Josh Adams dominant in defence, while Colin Coughlan and Leigh Doolin on top in the middle of the park.

Aidan O'Connor was a handful when moved into the full forward line and McGrath hailed the impact of the returning Limerick All-Ireland winners to the panel.

"Everyone knows what Aidan and Colin have done in an inter-county sense. When two guys like that come back in, it gives a huge buzz and another energy to the group.

"Great performances all around. A lot of guys have great experience. There is a good mix of youth and experience. Delighted to get 2-21 on the board but, more importantly, to get that victory."