Aaron Gillane and Peter Casey combined to fire 1-7 as Limerick recorded a 1-26 to 2-16 victory over Kilkenny in Division 1A of the Allianz Hurling League yesterday.
The result marked Kilkenny’s first visit to the TUS Gaelic Grounds for a National League fixture in 16 years, but it was the home side who settled quickest, building early momentum against a Cats team that struggled for rhythm in the opening exchanges.
Kilkenny registered four wides inside the opening ten minutes and didn’t get off the mark until the 13th minute. However, despite the slow start and conceding a five-point lead, manager Derek Lyng was pleased with how his side responded.
“I’m very happy with the response and particularly after Limerick took a five-point lead,” Lyng said.
“I thought we were just a little bit anxious there at the start and we didn’t take one or two easy chances.
“Really happy with the response though. With a lot of inexperience out there you’re going to make mistakes at this level, especially when you don’t have that level of experience. But to come back — that’s what we’re asking them to do: keep showing for the ball, be brave on it — and we did that.”
Limerick maintained control for long spells, with Gillane and Casey leading the scoring charge as the Treaty men saw out the contest despite Kilkenny’s improved second-half showing.
Elsewhere in Division 1A, Waterford secured a 1-19 to 16-point win over Offaly.
In Division 1B, Kildare enjoyed a comprehensive afternoon, defeating Antrim by 3-21 to 20 points, while Clare were in devastating form as they powered past Down on a 3-35 to 15-point scoreline.
