The Limerick quest for Liam McCarthy after forty -five years of disappointment and near misses is complete; a thrilling second half injury time where flashbacks of ’94 came back at a rate of knots. Limerick’s one point win to a gallant reigning champions Galway was created due to a number of key game moments. Hawkeye Sidekick reflects on these. 

Puckout Strategy

If you want to know how this final was won, you just need to see the strategy from the puck outs. Nicky Quaid was quick to distribute to Finn and English where the distribution from the corner backs was confident, locating wing backs and wing forwards roving deep.

Galway on the other hand were devoid of momentum from the quick short puck outs. Tuohey and Hanbury looked to either take their man on and lose possession or hit aimless long high ball which was lapped up by the Limerick back line.

Credit to the Limerick middle third as well; their speed and movement to provide options for Nicky Quaid was a video analysis session for hurling teams looking to improve their puck out retention rates. This was a decisive part of the game.

Seamus Flanagan

The Feohanagh-Castlemahon forward has provided an added dimension to the Limerick full forward line. His pace and ability to rove in the middle third winning possession was to the fore after a slow opening quarter.

Flanagan’s work rate was typified in the lead up to the first Limerick goal. 50/50 challenge (Galway will say different) against Padraic Mannion saw the ball arrive at the hurl of Kyle Hayes who then dispatched a sharp pass inside to Graeme Mulcahy and the rest as they say is history. 

Flanagan posed different looks to the Galway full back line. Who would pick up the player? Flanagan scored a vital point just on half time and his confidence grow upon the restart looking for ball and bringing colleagues into the game. The forward ran his heart out for the cause and the young player can take pride on his cameo. 

Galway tension

Watching the contest at home, I was surprised that RTE had camera footage in the warm up area prior to throw-in. Limerick players seen going through their final prep but there was no footage of Galway. Why not? It was pretty baffling to say the least and the opening period performance saw a Galway side who were slow out of the blocks, tension filled in shot selection as well as Limerick. 

The hunted were feeling extreme pressure from the opening whistle as the Limerick mobility and work rate in the middle third was to the fore. The image of McInerney and Tuohey losing possession. The image of McInerney being shunted to the ground by Flanagan was an early momentum booster for Limerick who started to execute their game plan.

Galway’s game plan was unclear. Glynn struck a remote figure in the full forward position. Mike Casey must be applauded for sticking to the task but the ball and positioning of the player far out from the Limerick goal must have music to John Kiely’s and Limerick backroom staff’s eyes.

No clear plan for Conor Whelan as well; distribution inside to the full forward was hard work primarily due to Limerick’s middle third dominance but yet again Galway were taking the wrong shot selection with only Joe Canning and David Burke coming to the fore in the scoring department. 

Galway needed to hurt Limerick in the full back line; it only started in the 74th minute, far too late. Galway’s management will need to reflect on the tactics deployed today; struggled to address the Limerick threat and their forward line running lines were far too static. A sign perhaps of a long season and two epic replays to Kilkenny and Clare catching up on the players? 

Limerick Goals: Reward for work rate without the sliothar

All three Limerick goals were scored due to lost possession from Galway defensively. The first goal saw Padraic Mannion lose possession after a challenge from Flanagan. The second goal saw Tom Morrissey strip the ball from Gearoid McInerney who was quite struggling with fitness. The third goal will be the most galling for Galway; Tuohey looked at ease with the ball but dwelt too long to hit it allowing Peter Casey to win back possession and setup Dowling to score the decisive third goal. 

The goals that Limerick scored were full of work rate, determination and desire to win the ball back. No Limerick forward was static without the ball, constantly looking to support their defense, not giving the Galway defense any opportunity to setup and pick a pass to a midfield or forward line colleague. Galway forward line work rate without the ball were flat. Limerick back line were comfortable with the sliothar and distributing to the midfield and forward line with frequent accuracy. 

Wide Count

The end of the contest was exciting but in truth, Limerick made extremely hard work to close out the final. Several poor wides to put the game to bed allowing Galway to have a chance until the last puck of the game. Both sides were guilty of poor wides throughout. 

Limerick’s opening period was full of work rate and enthusiasm but the scoreboard perhaps failed to accurately reflect this. Four points up at the break, credit to Limerick with Kyle Hayes hitting the purple patch with some standout scores. Hayes was ably assisted by Mulcahy and Byrnes with key scores. 

Galway struggled for tempo upfront and several Galway forwards were under pressure with their shot selection; a couple of unusual shot selections from marquee Galway forwards during the third quarter in particular to put pressure on Limerick. Galway’s options of Niall Burke and Jason Flynn were thrown early; an indication of how the forward line units were performing. 

The wide count for each side was too big; in other years, this would not have being good enough to win an All Ireland title.

Galway Squad Depth Exploited

Galway’s squad contains several standout players from the bench but for whatever reason, their confidence and performance levels have not convinced management to give significant game time. Hanbury, McInerney were not fully fit; their movement on the pitch at times was exposed particularly when Limerick moved with pace. 

The departure of James Skehill from Galway goal saw Fergus Flannery come into the goals for his debut bow; a question mark why the backup keeper did not get game time in the Leinster SHC Round Robin particularly against Dublin? 

Galway depended on Padraic Mannion, Joe Canning and David Burke to get over the line again today. It did not work and O’Donoghue and management need to look at the squad depth coming off the bench; Limerick had key cameos today while Galway did not. Reflect and regroup. 

Man of the Match 

Limerick had several standout cameos. Finn and English in the corner back positions were excellent throughout. Mike Casey executed his game plan to negate Glynn to a tee. The half back to a man were superb. Byrnes chipped in with a couple of keynote scores. Hannan led from the front in that opening half with two sensational long range scores. Dan Morrissey was solid throughout with quality distribution. 

Cian Lynch and Darragh O’Donovan ran the legs off David Burke and Johnny Coen who was hauled off in the third quarter. Lynch’s possession win amongst several Galway players was a key momentum shift as the Patrickswell player scored a superb point from it. O’Donovan work rate around the pitch on point. 

The forward line unit worked well; good movement and distribution creating numerous scoring opportunities. Gillane was always a danger inside. Flanagan roved and caused Galway defensive issues. Graeme Mulcahy was the leader of the inside line; key scores and calmed down colleagues when required. 

The half forward line provided key Limerick cameos. Gearoid Hegarty won possession at regular intervals; selfless in distribution. Tom Morrissey chipped in yet more vital scores for his county; quality goal and then the teenager Kyle Hayes arrived to the hurling stage; an emphatic performance with several long range scores which created the buffer that Limerick required in the closing stages. Hayes for man of the match. 

Galway had heroic performances from Daithi Burke, David Burke, Padraic Mannion and Joe Canning but the accolade has to go to Limerick tonight. 

This time next week, we could potentially know who has their hands on Liam McCarthy this year.

Will it be a two in a row for Galway or will the youth and potential of Limerick shine through for a first All Ireland Senior Hurling title for the county since ’73? Hawkeye Sidekick reflects on the key battles ahead of the final.

Handling the Occasion 

Playing in the showpiece hurling fixture of the year can be viewed with two schools of thoughts: relish the occasion and play without fear or let the occasion consume you and let the day pass you by. 

Limerick team since ’73 have being guilty of the latter. Kilkenny particularly in ’07 exposed Limerick naivety as they bullied the side in the opening exchanges to establish a match winning position. Seamus Hickey no doubt will be conveying his experiences of that game to his colleagues. 

Galway have experienced mixed days on All Ireland final day. Last year was a welcome relief; getting over the winning line at last after several near misses. A fixture where marquee players may be outshone by players who are not mentioned in the lead-up. 

How Galway and particularly the young Limerick side handle this occasion will be the primary key battle to win before the sliothar is thrown on Sunday afternoon at 3:30pm. 

Battle of the Goalkeepers 

The performance of the two goalkeepers will be interesting to watch. With the modern game so dependent now on quick, accurate delivery from the puck outs; both net minders will be under pressure early to find their outfield colleagues to increase overall team confidence. 

Skehill has being the standout number one for Galway this season and the net minder has impressed early in games with his distribution; one trend I noticed during the two recent Clare contests was his persistence to hit long once Clare were dominating in the middle third. Galway movement for the keeper was not as fluent as it was in the opening quarter and a repeat will be play into Limerick’s hands. 

Nicky Quaid for Limerick has provided efficient puck out delivery; his corner back and wing backs providing the Effin net minder with quick options at all times to launch attacks. Quaid will look to involve Darragh O’Donovan and potential game changer Cian Lynch with early touches if the situation allows. 

Both keepers are excellent shot stoppers; Skehill is such an imposing figure for Galway; his play to date has being solid and that is what a full back line requires; no frills, unspectacular but solid goalkeeping. Limerick’s pace inside and ability to create space for Gillane will add a new defensive problem for Galway to deal with. Skehill needs to be proactive coming out of his goal to cleanup misplaced delivery into the full back line. 

Nicky Quaid has pulled Limerick out of a couple of dangerous situations in recent games; his saves against Cork from Kingston in the opening period and then the flick away from Harnedy was sublime. Quaid will hope that Limerick defensive lapses are at a minimum but with the threat of Jonathan Glynn at full forward, Quaid will need to communicate well with Mike Casey and corner backs to quell that threat. 

Midfield Battle 

The most intriguing battle on Sunday will be in the midfield area; both units are more than capable of producing key cameos to setup victory for their respective team. 

David Burke and Cian Lynch will be the players of note here but lest not forget their midfield partners in crime. Johnny Coen and Darragh O’Donovan play pivotal roles for both sides. 

Coen was superb against Clare in the All Ireland Semi-Final replay; his deployment to man mark Tony Kelly subdued Clare’s talisman. Coen has being prominent in his attacking play this season; a couple of standout scores in the All Ireland series evidence of this. 

Darragh O’Donovan is the classic box to box midfielder; his distribution and side line cut threat is a real asset to Limerick and complements Lynch’s game perfectly. Lynch will look to create and probe while O’Donovan’s running game and ability to close out opposition attacks in defensive positions has being on point this season. A key cog in the Limerick middle third. 

David Burke. Captain fantastic and a key leader in this Galway side. Burke’s ability to vary his style of play comes to the fore; his ability to support run and unerring accuracy to hit scores from long distance provides Galway with a key weapon on Sunday. Burke is not afraid to mix it physically if need be for the greater good of the team. 

For Limerick to win on Sunday, Cian Lynch’s performance will be key. The Patrickswell club man will need to hold his nerve on Sunday as Galway will look to double mark the star player early doors. Lynch will need to be sharp with his distribution and first touch to get others involved and then gradually look to control affairs with his running from deep. His goal from Cork was everything good from Lynch; ability to sense a goal scoring chance by making the run inside, ability to shot with precision was superb. 

Superb clash awaits and it will be a fascinating first quarter of exchanges to see who gains the upper hand. 

Half Back Battle 

The key positional battle on Sunday. The big question is whether Gearoid McInerney’s will start? It looks like the Oranmore-Maree club man is winning his fitness battle for the showpiece event at the time of this blog post.  

McInerney’s inclusion will be keenly noted by Limerick. How will McInerney manage the game given his recent injury issues? His movement will be tested early doors by Kyle Hayes with his powerful run game. McInerney may deploy in front of the Limerick full forward and look to negate the Limerick distribution plays inside. 

If McInerney is not fit to participate, Galway will look again to Joseph Cooney, Padraic Mannion and Aidan Harte to dominate proceedings. Cooney was sublime last time out and along with Harte provided key cameos but it was display of Mannion which caught the eye; the number of possessions, his ability to launch attacks with quick passing was sensational. Alternatives for sure but it does not lent itself for rotation if issues arise as Limerick’s half forward line have the aerial ability and movement to cause issues for Galway. 

Declan Hannan’s role on Sunday is a key role for Limerick. How does Limerick’s half-back negate the threat of Joe Canning while contending with the threat inside of Jonathan Glynn?

Hannan is going to have throw different looks during the contest to unsettle Galway’s attacking play. Limerick’s middle third work rate will need to be on point when Hannan decides to deploy just in front of the full back line.

Hannan, Byrnes and Dan Morrissey had mixed afternoons against Cork who exposed positional defensive lapses and poor distribution options to score several points. Byrnes and Morrissey need to set the aerial dominance from the first exchanges to allow Hannan to game manage in the pocket. 

Forward Line Battle 

The forward lines on show have the potential and ability to pose issues for their respective opposition. Galway will look to go for the throat early and the opening exchanges should see Glynn given an opportunity to test out Limerick’s full back unit. Casey will need assistance to negate the threat and Hannan, English, Finn will need to step up to the plate when they can. 

Joe Canning obviously is the key cog of the Galway forward line. His free taking, side line cut prowess, threat with sliothar as well as his work rate and tackling leads by example. The rest of the forward line unit follows and with Cathal Mannion providing key scoring cameos from long distance along with the threat of the likes of Conor Whelan, Galway are well set to test out Limerick’s defensive credentials. 

For Limerick, their forward line’s movement and awareness of space to allow colleagues to expose a defensive gap has being on joy this season. The distribution from the middle third has allowed Flanagan, Mulcahy and Gillane ample opportunities to impress. Gillane’s goal threat seen in recent fixtures and sense that if Galway give opportunities for the Patrickswell player, he will punish those chances in the showpiece event. 

Flanagan for me has a huge role to play on Sunday. The full forward’s pace has to test Daithi Burke and ask questions of Burke whether he follows his marker or allows the player the time and space to score. Key decision for Galway management to negate this threat. 

Limerick’s half forward line need to deliver this weekend. Hegarty’s performance against Cork saved the unit as Hayes and Morrissey had inconsistent cameos for long periods. Early momentum shift for Limerick in this line is good news for Limerick in the overall context of this game. 

Bench Impact

Loving the impact off the bench from Limerick this season. Limerick remain me of an ice hockey side; the first line coming off in the third quarter to be replaced with a line equally as potent. 

Experience, game winners and game management to the fore with Shane Dowling, Peter Casey, Barry Nash, Pat Ryan, William O’Donoghue, Seamus Hickey to call upon and their cameos against Cork in extra time were too much for the Rebels. 

Dowling’s leadership in the All Ireland series has being inspirational; his post game comments after the Cork game have set the tone and Limerick will deliver a performance on Sunday. 

The Limerick bench is loaded with options but Galway’s squad depth has being minimal. There is several standout players in the ranks but management have stuck to Flynn, Niall Burke, Sean Loftus and Davy Glennon as options in the last two Clare contests. 

If Limerick can be in and around Galway heading into the final quarter, just wonder if the impetus of fresh legs and energy will be the difference here?

Two weeks out from the All Ireland Senior Hurling Final. Galway (my county of residence) face Limerick (my county of birth); an interesting couple of weeks beckon in the office with work colleagues. Several key battles initially come to mind. Hawkeye Sidekick tries to be balanced but is proving exceedingly hard. 

Final Temperament 

Limerick appear in their first All Ireland Senior Hurling final since 2007. The majority of the squad are sampling their first senior All Ireland final; they can go one of two ways – let the occasion take hold, nervy performance or embrace the occasion which all these players have dreamed about in the back garden or local GAA pitch. Given their win against Cork, the hope is that Limerick will embrace the occasion and play without fear like they have done throughout this season. 

Galway are well seasoned to the rigors of All Ireland final day. An unforgettable win twelve months erased several heartbreaking recent losses to Kilkenny and this group of players ad management will look to drive on and secure back to back victories. Their experience of last year’s encounter surely counts for something on the day. 

Attacking Threats

Both sides possess serious attacking threats. It will be interesting to see how Galway counteract Limerick’s attacking movement. Flanagan at full forward has a huge role to play in the final; he will look to rove around the half forward line at times to create space. Does Daithi Burke go with the player or look for Mannion / Cooney / Harte to pick up the player? 

Jonathan Glynn’s inside full forward threat is a real concern for Limerick. Mike Casey is a solid full back as seen in recent weeks, when Glynn is provided with excellent quick ball, the full forward can be devastating. How do Limerick counter-act the threat? Look to deploy Declan Hannan a little further back as protection but then this leaves Joe Canning with space on the forty to score at will. A threat which Limerick need to be think and long hard about ahead of this final. 

The goal scoring threat from Limerick has being seen in this championship with several keynote chances created against Kilkenny and Cork. Aaron Gillane if given sufficient ball looks capable of winning this contest for Limerick; his composure in front of goal will be duly noted but a player of undoubted quality could provide a decisive moment in this contest for Limerick. Graeme Mulcahy has provided experience and composure with vital scores this season; more of the same is required in the final. 

Galway’s ability to take scores from long range is to the fore. Cathal Mannion is such a talent; he makes the game look so easy and has the ability to score 0-4 or 0-5 from play to setup a decisive platform for victory. Joe Canning. The leader of this attacking unit. His ability to score and also distribute seen to full effect this season. Side line cut prowess noted. Conor Whelan is a tenacious inside forward line threat; superb ball winner and his scoring ratio has improved this season. Conor Cooney, Niall Burke, Jason Flynn and Joseph Cooney all well capable of winning ball and scoring pivotal scores. 

Limerick’s forward line options have shown their potential in recent fixtures. Hegarty against Cork was superb; dominant under the dropping ball and chipping in with several key points. Kyle Hayes at center forward provides youth, pace and raw power. Hayes is well capable of scoring a couple of points from play. Tom Morrissey against Kilkenny was a Limerick standout; the Ahane clubman will look to produce that level of performance in the final. His skill set and scoring to the fore this season. A talented, pacy half forward line who will pose aerial and movement problems for Galway. Limerick’s half forward needs to fire in the final.  

Defensive Issues? 

Both sides have defensive questions to answer ahead of the final. Is Gearoid McInerney going to be fit in time for the final? The half back unit last weekend were heroic and it was a masterstroke from Galway management to deploy Padraic Mannion as a sweeper. Do you change the unit after such an emphatic outing? 

Galway’s corner back positions potentially could be in for a long afternoon. Limerick will look to probe the corner backs with sharp, incisive distribution from midfield and half-back line units. Tuohy and Hanesbury will need protection from their half back line, otherwise Limerick could wreck havoc on the flanks. 

Limerick’s full back line have played solid throughout. The Glynn threat is a massive test but it is the half back line which is the most concern for Limerick defensively ahead of this final. Cork exposed Limerick’s half-back line more than once in positional play; resulting in several goal chances (one taken) and several points from long range where Daniel Kearney was to the fore. 

Declan Hannan, Diarmuid Byrnes and Dan Morrissey need to set the platform for Limerick in this final; provide aerial dominance in the first quarter when Galway will look to make their game winning attempt. Limerick have to be so solid in this opening period and the half back line are key to this. 

Midfield Intriguing 

The midfield duel will be fascinating. Two quality midfield units in opposition. David Burke and Johnny Coen have established themselves as the de-facto midfield partnerhip. Both are equally strong in attacking and defensive duties; always supporting their colleagues. Limerick’s midfield unit has pace and skill set.

Darragh O’Donovan will be the box to box midfielder while Cian Lynch will look to create and identify the right times to run with the ball into Galway defensive areas to create goals or tack on points. Does Coen look to shackle Lynch?

O’Donovan vs. Burke will be a good clash of styles as well; both well capable of scoring heavy from open play. Burke’s performance is the gauge for Galway; if the St.Thomas’ man is having a blinder, Galway are well on their way. Likewise for Cian Lynch and his impact for Limerick.

Squad Bench Impact

If Limerick can survive the opening period exchanges, they are in with a right chance of victory. Their bench options look particularly strong. The cameos of Hickey defensively, O’Donoghue’s midfield physicality and then the attacking threat from Dowling, Casey, Nash, Ryan and Reidy. 2-6 cameo on August 19th will see Limerick win Liam McCarthy. Dowling’s leadership in the final quarter will be so vital. 

Galway’s squad depth is superb but Galway management have not looked to clear the bench against Clare. If you take Davy Glennon’s brief cameo out, only Loftus was introduced to the back line while Flynn was thrust into action in the forward line. Limerick should be fresher, wondering if the same will be true for Galway?