Galway 1-14
Limerick 1-12
A bland game, but the craved win was delivered, and that was what truly mattered at Pearse Stadium. Galway required a victory, and that it arrived coated in character added to the sense of satisfaction.
With Joe Canning back to add power and polish to the attack Galway had the cut of an adequate team again. Canning’s sweet striking ensured that Galway possessed a significant threat inside, while Aonghus Callanan’s display at left half forward shimmered with intent too.
Having hurled with conviction and a drop of class in the opening period, Galway were reeled in by a gritty Limerick revival. Still under duress Galway remained calm and composed before Canning landed a brace of monster frees. John McIntyre cut a contented figure following the contest. "I am delighted for the Galway players, they have reflected the work they have been doing on the training ground, and hopefully this will give us momentum for the rest of the League. They were under pressure obviously, having lost two of our opening three League matches, and it looked as if the match was gone from us when Limerick equalised with the 21-yard free near the end of the match and we were facing the wind.
"But in fairness to our lads they dug in. It wasn't a day for pretty hurling or fluent hurling, but their hearts were in the right place and they dug out a result, and to be honest the win was everything for Galway today."
That was certainly true and Galway were full of intent early on. At centrefield David Tierney and Ger Farragher toiled diligently, while Callanan was motoring smoothly, and Canning carried a potent threat. Canning had already flashed over a sublime sideline cut before poking an opportunistic 32nd-minute goal. Adrian Cullinane lofted a lengthy clearance deep into Limerick territory, and when Brian Murray failed to deal with the situation Canning profited. In a blistering spell Galway hit 1-3 without reply to edge nine clear. By the time the interval rolled around the deficit stood at a half dozen, and Limerick returned similarly eager after the restart.
Niall Moran’s free-taking kept Limerick in touch and while Canning remained effective at the opposite end the tussle concluded with some mild excitement. Moran drilled a venomous 21-yard free through a thicket of Galway bodies to level, and suddenly the locals were in bother.
The heavy burden of responsibility was well placed on Canning’s shoulders, and two late strikes confirmed the Portumna youngster’s assurance. A restorative victory had been eked out.
Galway: C Callanan; D Joyce, E McEntee, F Moore; R Murray, M Ryan, A Cullinane; G Farragher (0-1 ), D Tierney; J Gantley (0-1 ), C Donnellan (0-1 ), A Callanan (0-3 ); N Healy, J Canning (1-8 6fs, 1 sideline ), F Healy. Subs: E Ward for Callanan (10 mins ), K Hooban for Gantley (43 mins ), G Mahon for Moore (48 mins ), P Killilea for F Healy (65 mins ).
Limerick: B Murray; D Reale, S Lucey, S Walsh; S Hickey, B Geary, G O’Mahony; D O’Grady (0-2 ), P Browne; J O’Brien (0-1 ), M O’Brien, N Moran (1-7, 1-6fs ); A O’Shaughnessy, D Breen (0-1 ), P Tobin (0-1 ). Subs: G Mulcahy for M O’Brien (53 mins ), D Ryan for O’Shaughnessy (56 mins ), W McNamara for J O’Brien (68 mins ).
Referee: S McMahon (Clare ).
