LIMERICK’S search for a win goes into the final round of the League after a draw in Ennis last time out.
Offaly present Limerick with their final chance to pick up a League win when they meet this Sunday. Limerick were held to a stalemate with Clare last time out in Ennis with David Reidy’s late free ensuring a share of the spoils.
Again, Limerick looked off the pace, but there were some positives for John Kiely with the championship meeting with Cork on April 17 just a month away.
Again, Limerick had the majority of their All-Ireland winning XV from the start with just Sean Finn, Kyle Hayes, Seamus Flanagan and Peter Casey missing.
All is not lost for Limerick who entertain the Leinster side on Sunday with a hope of catching some form.
After each game we look at the players who are in top form and today we continue that with the six installment of the Player Power Rankings.
Unlucky to miss out
Declan Hannon – His injury is a real concern for Limerick with the Cork championship game just a month away. Drops out to make way for Nickie Quaid.
10. Nickie Quaid (Effin) (Last Week’s Ranking NA)
Did nothing wrong against the Banner and moves back into the top ten. Ever dependable, keeping a second clean sheet of the season. Clare did disrupt his ability to hit long puck outs but no fault on the Effin man who always found the target.
9. Brian O’Grady (Kilteely Dromkeen) (-3)
Less than twenty minutes for the Kilteely Dromkeen man who hasn’t been given the opportunities to impress since the Munster Hurling Cup. Still behind William O’Donoghue and Darragh O’Donovan in the midfield pecking order with Robbie Hanley his main competition as of now.
8. William O’Donoghue (Na Piarsaigh) (=)
Does so much for the Limerick team around the field but when the side isn’t winning, this work goes largely unnoticed. Solid but unspectacular.
7. Gearoid Hegarty (St Patricks) (=)
Back in the side for Clare but was rusty when looking for possesion. Made a number of uncharacteristic errors but still one of Limerick’s go to men. Always good for a score with workrate as always off the charts.
6. Diarmaid Byrnes (Patrickswell) (+4)
Were it not for a number of missed efforts down the stretch, Byrnes, who was Limerick’s best player against Clare, would be higher in the list. Still a jump of four for the wing back who is still the undisputed #5 on the team.
5. Colin Couglan (Ballybrown) (-2)
Another who hasn’t hit the heights of his January form, Coughlan has struggled to get into the recent games. Still a physical force but came up second best in his battle with Cathal Malone. Was exceptional for UL in the meantime, helping them to the Freshers title last Wednesday.
4. Dan Morrissey (Ahane) (+1)
Moves up due to Coughlan falling, but Morrissey wasn’t as dominate as his previous Ennis clash. Still the best full back in the country, there is no doubting his importance to this team.
3. Cathal O’Neill (Crecora Manister) (+1)
Most certainly taking the chances being presented to him, it looks increasingly likely that O’Neill will be starting come championship time. Did drift out of the game, and is better on the wing (as he showed for UL), but O’Neill is starting to deliver on the promise with some moments of magic and confidence in his game.
2. Richie English (Doon) (-1)
For the first time, English drops from the top spot. To be fair to the Doon man, he did well on Shane Taylor who was electric for Clare but the man in front deserves to move up the rankings with another solid display. Still it will be interesting what will happen for Cork with regards English with three not fitting into two in the full back line.
- Barry Nash (South Liberties) (+1)
Barry Nash moves to the top of the standings and it is richly deserved for the versatile player who hasn’t missed a beat for Limerick this year. Was imperious against Clare and offer something completely different to his full back counterparts. The Munster Hurling Cup captain is certainly leading by example so far in 2022.
The post Player Power Rankings | A new number one as Byrnes and O’Neill also move up the rankings after Limerick snatch draw with Clare appeared first on Sporting Limerick.
