THE 2021 Limerick Club Hurling Championships kicked off over the weekend.
Less than a fortnight after Limerick captured the All-Ireland title, the club championships returned with 24 fixtures from across the top four divisions.
There were plenty of upsets while some of the big guns laid down early markers with Doon and Na Piarsaigh the winners from the heavyweight clashes in Section A of the SHC.
After a hectic opening weekend, check out some of the talking points to emerge.
Doon’s young guns show their worth
After four successive final defeats, Doon finally captured the Limerick U21 Premier Hurling title in 2019 defeating Na Piarsaigh in the decider. Five of that team started in the 0-27 to 1-23 win over Patrickswell last Sunday in the form of Jack Ryan, Padhraic Ryan, Cormac Ryan, Eddie Stokes and Chris Thomas while Cian O’Donovan was introduced from the bench that evening.
Each played their part on Sunday but it was Thomas that was arguably the difference, doing something no one else in 2021 has managed, putting the shackles on Hurler of the Year elect Cian Lynch. Not only did the defender disrupt Lynch’s game, but he was also able to start plenty of Doon attacks.
Doon defended that U21 title in 2020 with the winning score coming courtesy of a relatively unknown Adam English. Since then the forward has become one of the brightest prospects to come out of the county, winning two Munster Minor titles as well as translating that form to the county U20 side.
His finest hour arguably came against Patrickswell at the weekend as he hit 0-16 in an awe inspiring performance. The teenager took over the free taking duties on his debut and was unerring from placed balls. From play he was equally impressive with five of the best.
These youngsters have quickly bolstered a Doon side with four All-Ireland winners and quality all over the field.
If they were underestimated coming into the championship as third favourites, Doon have forced everyone to stand up and take notice.
Na Piarsaigh’s goalscoring touch too much for Kilmallock
In a game devoid of Graeme Mulcahy, Paddy O’Loughlin, Jerome Boylan Mike & Peter Casey, Na Piarsaigh and Kilmallock played out an intriguing contest in the opening round of the championship. Nap started the brighter but the Balbec slowly grew into the game with just a two point margin at the half.
But within a minute of the restart, Conor Boylan had the ball in the net for the Caherdavin side. Kilmallock responded well and brought it back to two once more but this time it was Adrian Breen who pushed out the lead with Nap’s second green flag. With the wind taken from their sails, David Dempsey grabbed the City men’s third goal to put a gloss on the scoreline.
The performance is a timely reminder of Na Piarsaigh’s strength in depth with the likes of Conor Houlihan, Emmet McEvoy and Sean Long fitting in seamlessly.
It also is an indication as to the importance of goals and Nap’s pendent for finding them at crucial times. Their last three defeats, to Patrickswell (x2) and Kilmallock in last year’s opener have all come after they were out goaled.
If Na Piarsaigh find the net, which they so often do, there is a high possibility they will come away with the win.
South Liberties and Adare lay down statements of intent in Section B
After a disastrous 2019 that saw them lose each of their games in the top tier, South Liberties were relegated to Section B for 2020 where they recovered to reach the quarter-finals of the SHC. Here they performed admirably against Doon who would go on to reach the decider.
However, their performance on Thursday suggests there is more to come from the South Limerick side. They put Blackrock to the sword in a 4-19 to 0-15 win, giving them a sixteen point cushion. Star man Barry Nash is in the form of his life and will win his first All-Star later this year. Added to that, his cousin, two-time All-Star Anthony Nash made his championship debut for the Green and Yellow, knocking over three long range frees.
Similarly, Adare were in impressive form on Friday night, easily accounting for Monaleen in their first game back in Section B. The West side were full value for a 2-27 to 1-16 win over Monaleen that helps them put one foot in the knockout stages. Mark Connolly’s goal had them five clear at the break, with the lead doubled heading into the final quarter. Limerick U20 Michael Keane grabbed their second goal with two All-Ireland winners in the shape of Ronan Connolly and three time captain Declan Hannon also at their disposal.
Both have a break now but will be hugely confident of securing top spot and advancing to the quarter-finals.
Mungret St Pauls set out their stall after final defeat
After successive semi-final losses, Mungret St Pauls reached the decider of the Premier Intermediate Championship last summer. In the final they lost out Kildimo Pallaskenry who were appearing in a second consecutive final.
Attempting to follow in the footsteps of their divisional rivals, Mungret laid down a marker on Friday night as they put newly relegated Murroe Boher to the sword in Bruff. Over the course of the hour, they bagged six goals, four of those coming in the first half alone. Their full forward line accounted for 5-11 of that tally in an awesome display with Liam Lynch grabbing 2-9 on his adult debut.
Elsewhere, Glenroe picked up a huge win over Bruff as they look to go one better than 2020 when they fell to Mungret in the semi-finals. Cappamore had five points to spare over Knockainey while Newcastle had a two-point win over Dromin Athlacca in their first ever game at the grade.
The post Club Hurling Talking Points | Doon’s Young Core, Nap’s goals, Anthony Nash & More appeared first on Sporting Limerick.
