Limerick were beaten well by Kilkenny in the Allianz League Division 1 Hurling semi-finals at Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday. Despite falling behind in the first few minutes, Kilkenny scored three goals before halftime and were able to keep Limerick at arm's length throughout the second half.
It was disappointing for the Shannonsiders as they were looking to defend their league crown they won last year. Limerick had been dominant throughout the league so the flat performance was surprising to many. On League Sunday last night Dónal Óg Cusack pointed out the defensive frailties Limerick showed in the match.
Limerick came out of the block, Diarmaid Byrnes with a score, Gillane with a trademark goal, Cathal O'Neill with a brilliant point. It looked like it was going to be a vintage Limerick display but I think to the surprise of everybody Kilkenny did what they did, stayed in the game and got a couple of shots back and Limerick showed a surprising uncertainty and surprising vulnerability in defence.
I counted it last night, I think Kilkenny had seven legitimate goal chances and it was really surprising, there was very little positives, Cathal O'Neill was outstanding. Peter Casey was good, but ruined it by that sending off and he deserved to get sent off.
Dónal Óg Cusack has three worries about Limerick
Limerick are on for their own drive for five this year. They would be the first team ever to do it in hurling but the start to this year hasn't been as smooth as many would've anticipated for a side that have dominated hurling the last six years since their All-Ireland win in 2018.
The loss against Kilkenny along with a draw away at Galway the week prior has raised a few question marks about The Treaty County. Dónal Óg Cusack was one of those questioning Limerick and feels he's identified three flaws in their team that could be costly in their pursuit of a fifth All-Ireland in-a-row.
Even though Limerick are going for six in-a-row in Munster and five All-Irelands, they aren't too good for analysis. And I wonder, there's no Caroline Currid there. I wonder about Declan Hannon's form. I wonder how long it's going to take Sean Finn to come back to form because he wasn't at his best. So whilst there's no doubt they're still the best team and the ones to beat, there's a couple of question marks after yesterday.
💬 "There's a couple of question marks after yesterday"
Dónal Óg Cusack assesses All-Ireland champions Limerick and the manner of their league semi-final defeat to Kilkenny
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It's interesting analysis. Currid has obviously played a huge role in Limerick's success over the years, nut the talented sports psychologist decided to step away during the winter.
Hannon and Finn are two of Limerick's most important players. Both had their 2023 campaigns disrupted by injury. Finn was making his first start of 2024 on Saturday and is likely to be at full speed by the time Championship rolls around next month. Hannon is rehabbing from a less serious injury.
One imagines Limerick will be happy with the extra rest ahead of that match against Clare on the 21st of April.
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