Galway 1-20
Limerick 1-12
FURTHER EVIDENCE OF Galway’s Spring promise was available at the Gaelic Grounds as Anthony Cunningham’s side took care of Limerick with the minimum of fuss.
Galway were particularly anxious to make an impact in the Allianz Hurling League and the Tribesmen can now look forward to a semi-final tie next month on April 20.
Despite leaking five points in the first nine minutes, Galway shaded an interesting opening period, going in 1-8 to 0-8 ahead at the break.
Early points from Cathal Mannion and Padraig Brehony gave Galway an advantage, but Limerick roared back into the reckoning as Kevin Downes and James Ryan were instrumental in guiding the Treaty side 0-5 to 0-2 in front.
But a 14th minute goal from a Conor Cooney free following a Cathal King foul on Niall Healy was a significant score for the Tribesmen.
Limerick did restore parity from a Shane Dowling score, but four points on the spin from Cooney (2), Jonathan Glynn, and David Burke helped Galway to a half-time lead.
When Galway scored six of the first seven points in the second period to edge 1-14 to 0-9 ahead Limerick were simply embarking on a damage limitation exercise in the closing stages.
Cunningham also introduced Joe Canning to the Galway attack as the maroons’ easily closed out the game despite a last gasp Ryan goal for Limerick.
Scorers for Galway: Conor Cooney 1-9 (1-6fs, 265s), David Burke 0-3, Padraig Brehony 0-2, Jonathan Glynn 0-2, Damien Hayes 0-1, Cathal Mannion 0-1, Niall Burke 0-1, Niall Healy 0-1.
Scorers for Limerick: James Ryan 1-3, Shane Dowling 0-3 (2fs, 165), Kevin Downes 0-3, Graeme Mulcahy 0-1, Conor Allis 0-1, Alan Dempsey 0-1.
GALWAY: Colm Callanan; Fergal Moore, Ronan Burke, David Collins; Aidan Harte, Iarla Tannian, Daithi Burke; Padraig Brehony, Johnny Coen; Niall Burke, Conor Cooney, David Burke; Niall Healy, Jonathan Glynn, Cathal Mannion.
Subs: Joe Canning for N Burke (53 mins), Jason Flynn for Mannion (58 mins), Kevin Hynes for Harte (62 mins), Damien Hayes for David Burke (62 mins), Gearoid McInerney for Healy (66 mins)
LIMERICK: Nickie Quaid; Cathal King, Philip O’Loughlin, Tom Condon; Paudie O’Brien, Wayne McNamara, Gavin O’Mahony; Donal O’Grady, Paul Browne; Kevin Downes, James Ryan, David Reidy; Graeme Mulcahy, Shane Dowling, Conor Allis.
Subs: Alan Dempsey for Browne (54 mins), Mark Carmody for King (62 mins), William Hickey for Reidy (65 mins)
Referee: Brian Gavin (Offaly).
