A week of questions, a week of critique from media. A week of speculation on what went wrong in Pairc Ui Chaoimh. For Limerick hurling team and management, the focus was on themselves.
Limerick knew that a loss in Ennis would make the rest of the round-robin precarious. Clare coming into this game from some media quarters as the fancied team given Limerick injury and suspension concerns.
Never doubt a team when a reaction is imminent. Limerick did not just secure a win in Cusack Park today, they have issued a statement of intent and inflicted a massive blow to Clare’s provincial ambitions.
This game can be summed up in the middle third battle Not one Clare player can honestly say that they won their battle in the opening half. Limerick’s opening half was at times a joy to watch, the distribution and shot efficiency through the charts.
At one stage in the opening half, Limerick had fourteen possessions and hit thirteen shots. The stats team for both counties telling emphatic data and Clare’s under pressure back line unit conceded an early Limerick goal.
Clare’s inability to read Limerick running lines clear on the O’Connor goal. Rory Hayes looking uncomfortable in the full back picking no player saw Peter Casey advance from the half-forward line. Casey to Nash to O’Connor ensued and the net rippled.
Limerick’s halfback line in command. O’Donovan and English orchestrating Limerick in distribution and run game respectively. Tom Morrissey’s work rate and out ball, Cathal O’Neill’s movement and scoring range along with Gearoid Hegarty’s domineering presence was too much.
Clare’s defensive switches spoke volumes. O’Farrell pushed to the wing for Malone whose had more issues with the Crecora man. Limerick sensed blood in the water and another goal ensued. Shane O’Brien’s run forcing Adam Hogan to tackle the Kilmallock man to the ground.
A black card issued for Hogan. Diarmuid Byrnes’ penalty goal emphatic. Limerick scored 1-5 during the Clare black card. The margin now out to twelve points. Clare will point to three good goal chances in the opening half but Nicky Quaid produced two stunning saves.
Clare’s distribution was one dimensional. Peter Duggan aside, the other forwards struggled. Shane O’Donnell rattled early was lucky only to be issued a yellow card for a headshot on Shane O’Brien. Helmets were pulled off at various stages. Byrnes hit on O’Donnell was old school championship fare.
Limerick’s forward line unit had all scored midway through the second quarter. Clare’s raucous home support quietened and the second half early exchanges were flat. Quaid with an outrageous save on Rodgers. Limerick happy to go tit-for-tat in the third quarter.
Clare at this stage had emptied the bench. Strich looked to get onto ball. Kelly deployed to the inside full forward line and won a penalty off an already yellow carded Barry Nash. Limerick perhaps fortunate to only have Adam English sent off for a second yellow card offense. Kelly’s penalty was emphatic, but Limerick then hit the next four scores.
Clare’s defensive shape now in ruins. O’Brien plundering along with Fintan Fitzgerald late on. Clare’s tactic of high ball lapped up by Dan Morrissey and Will O’Donoghue who delivered an excellent cameo. Limerick back with a massive win. Thirteen points positive scoring difference and two points sets John Kiely’s men for their home stand starting with Waterford. Limerick delivered a quality performance aside from a quiet third quarter opening. Statement of intent issued.
Clare’s management needs to reset but is it too late? The defensive shape was exposed by Waterford two weeks ago. Limerick quite happy to create opportunities with their movement and run game. Limerick won this fixture at a canter. No genuine comeback.
Shane O’Donnell was stifled. Tony Kelly’s middle third influence low and the full forward line smacked of desperation. Peter Duggan aside, this was a horrible Clare performance. A big regroup required before their round-robin series goes on the road. Tipperary and Cork will be whetting their appetite on the Clare’s back line issues.
For all the media comments, Limerick delivered a resounding win against Clare in Ennis without Aaron Gillane and Cian Lynch. Limerick up and running in the championship, another win should be sufficient for round-robin series progression. It may be only the third official weekend round of the Munster SHC, but the form guide looks already formed. Limerick and Cork look in good shape. Clare, Tipperary and Waterford have a battle to secure a third place berth.
Limerick Scorers: Barry Nash (0-2), Diarmuid Byrnes (1-2), Adam English (0-1), Tom Morrissey (0-1), Aidan O’Connor (1-9), Cathal O’Neill (0-3), Gearoid Hegarty (0-2), Shane O’Brien (0-6), Peter Casey (0-3), Fintan Fitzgerald (0-1).
Clare Scorers: Niall O’Farrell (0-1), Diarmuid Ryan (0-1), Tony Kelly (1-2), David Reidy (0-1), Mark Rodgers (0-10), Shane O’Donnell (0-1), Jack O’Neill (0-1), Ian Galvin (0-1).