Kilkenny book final spot as they inflict first defeat of the season on Limerick

Limerick's Cian Lynch comes under pressure from Kilkenny's Jordan Molloy during the Allianz Hurling League Division One semi-final at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Photograph: Ken Sutton/Inphofinal for the second year in a row with an emphatic victory over Limerick, inflicting the first defeat of the season on the All-Ireland champions.: Playing against a strong wind Limerick made a storming start and were 1-2 to 0-0 in front after four minutes.

Kilkenny didn’t score until the ninth minute but then they went berserk. Eoin Cody scored their first goal after a terrific catch and delivery from Jordan Molloy at centrefield and within a minute they struck again. Nickie Quaid saved a straight shot from Cody but Luke Hogan reacted first to the break and swept the ball home.

John Donnely recognised a one-on-one in front of the Limerick square and hit a smart 50 yard ball to TJ Reid, who outmuscled Aaron Costello and buried the ball to the net. That put Kilkenny six points clear and they held that lead until the break.The second half was only two minutes old when Cody was dismissed on a second yellow card but as is so often the case the depleted team were galvanised rather than destabilised.

Kilkenny picked up the pace again and should have scored a fourth goal when Owen Wall was clean through only to put his shot into the side netting. Limerick started to give some of their squad players a run and the final phase of the game just fizzled out.

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Limerick v Kilkenny LIVE score updates from the Hurling League semi-finalThe sides last met in the All-Ireland last year when Limerick again proved why they are the best side in the country
Source: IrishMirror - 🏆 4. / 98 Read more »

Eoin Cody and Kilkenny eager to test themselves against Limerick againLeague semi-final gives Kilkenny another chance to throw down the gauntlet to imposing champions Limerick
Source: IrishTimesSport - 🏆 2. / 99 Read more »

Limerick to face Kilkenny and Clare to meet Tipp in Division 1 league semi-finalsThe line-ups for Division 1A and 1B for nesxt year are also closer to being finalised.
Source: The42_ie - 🏆 5. / 86 Read more »

Limerick boss John Kiely admits he would prefer no League semi-finalsLimerick take on Kilkenny this weekend.
Source: IrishMirror - 🏆 4. / 98 Read more »

Kilkenny search for answers as Limerick aim to lay on another lessonIf Derek Lyng’s side are to end a painful losing sequence against Limerick in Saturday’s National Hurling League Division One semi-final, they will need young players to rise to the challenge
Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »

Five things we learned from the GAA weekend: Jim McGuinness is looking upThe league final conundrum; Monaghan finally make the drop; Old school attacking; Kilkenny’s auditioning process
Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »