The round robin group stage phase of the Limerick SHC is now in the books and we now know who has their ticket to the quarter and semi-finals. An interesting weekend of results.
Group 1: Na Piarsaigh / Doon into last four
Before this final round of fixtures, Na Piarsaigh were destined to advance to the semi-final round (only for a bizarre set of results). Their performance against Patrickswell today was emphatic at the Gaelic Grounds and it will take an exceptional team to dethrone the Caherdavin club this year.
Peter Casey’s early goal after a minute set the tone as Shane Dowling, Casey and the Dempsey brothers were to the fore. Patrickswell tried hard but Na Piarsaigh’s precision passing and support running lines were too much at times for an over worked Patrickswell defense.
Aaron Gillane’s late goal put respectability to the scoreboard but ‘Well will know that they need to improve significantly in the quarter final to be a serious threat for the remainder of the championship. The middle third at times was routed which was a surprise considering the personnel on show.
Na Piarsaigh were in full control and the 1-21 to 1-11 scoreline was the least that they deserved.
While Adare and Ballybrown drew 3-17 each at Claughaun to consign Ballybrown to Group 2 next season, the stage was set for Kilmallock and Doon to face off with the winner advancing to the semi-final berth. The pregame thoughts were that Kilmallock would edge the contest but Doon have the ability of tearing up the form book and so it proved here.
Barry Murphy was the fulcrum for Doon today as his opening half 0-6 point haul gave Doon the platform to keep in touch with the South Limerick outfit. In the second half, Doon strode clear with Dean Coleman particularly impressive. Kilmallock were not cohesive in their distribution and their work rate was a clear second to Doon where Richie English was excellent. Doon won 0-17 to 0-10.
After such an encouraging performance against Na Piarsaigh a couple of weeks ago, Kilmallock have questions to answer. A quarter final fixture to try and restore confidence but this performance was a pale shadow to a a couple of weeks ago. Advantage Na Piarsaigh in this championship race.
Group 2: Murroe Boher / South Liberties advance
I did not think that Murroe Boher or South Liberties would be caught today but Cappamore nearly ripped the script apart with a late salvo against South Liberties who were glad to hear the final whistle at the death. It looked pretty straightforward for South Liberties in the opening period as Barry Nash and Brian Ryan were keeping the scoreboard operator in regular action.
However, Cappamore knowing that a loss would consign them to intermediate hurling next season launched a brave last quarter push; reducing the arrears to a point, causing frayed nerves in the Liberties camp. Cappamore are relegated and they will rue their third quarter performance against Knockainey which lost them the game and ultimately their spot in the senior next season. 1-12 to 1-11.
South Liberties advance to the quarter-finals and their performance today was particularly nervy in the second half; they need to improve considerably for a quarter-final tussle with Patrickswell. A free hit for them in this encounter and hopefully they can bring the work rate and intensity to unsettle the ‘Well to make this fixture competitive.
Murroe Boher were comfortable in their five point win to Knockainey. The game was put to bed in the opening quarter as the East Limerick side were twelve points up after twelve minutes. Seanie Tobin and Mike Ryan were excellent for Murroe Boher who won (2-16 to 2-11).
The East Limerick will look forward to a free hit against Kilmallock in the quarter final; no pressure on them and their side has an excellent work ethic, well organized and potent attacking inside options. Could they cause an upset?
Ahane and Monaleen in Cappamore on Sunday afternoon was a game which lacked intensity for long periods. The near neighbors were tit for tat throughout. Ahane’s overly relied on Tom Morrissey who scored eight out of Ahane’s ten points in the opening period.
Monaleen won the game late on with a fine score from David Moloney and they just about edged the encounter by a point (1-15 to 0-17); were more solid in key areas with Lyons and LaTouche-Cosgrave providing key cameos. Ahane have struggled in attack this season with their points average (only Cappamore scored less).
For Monaleen and Ahane, it is the end of the road for this year’s championship. Monaleen will rue the draw against Cappamore in the opening round. Ahane were competitive in all games but that lack of attacking cutting edge was missing at key parts. An off-season to see where improvements can be made.
Semi-Final:
Na Piarsaigh, Doon
Quarter Finals:
Patrickswell vs. South Liberties
Kilmallock vs. Murroe Boher
Relegation:
Cappamore