The Allianz Hurling Leagues got up and running this weekend. Here are some of the big takeaways from the League's first encounters.
Kilkenny & Wexford will always bring fireworks
4 February 2024; Adrian Mullen of Kilkenny in action against Eoin Ryan, left, and Damien Reck of Wexford during the Allianz Hurling League Division 1 Group A match between Kilkenny and Wexford at UPMC Nowlan Park in Kilkenny. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
When Kilkenny and Wexford meet in a game of Hurling - expect fireworks. We have truly been spoiled by the pairing over the last decade. From Wexford’s memorable Leinster Championship win in 2019 under Davy Fitzgerald, to the two great escapes that Wexford pulled off in 2022 and even more dramatic in 2023. Kilkenny have also had some great wins in this period too, including their epic victory in the Leinster Hurling Semi Final at Croke Park in 2021 after extra time.
These fireworks also translate to the opening round of the Allianz Hurling League it seems. As Kilkenny and Wexford went toe-to-toe in a thoroughly enjoyable contest at Nowlan Park which finished 2-16 a piece with Billy Drennan (2-3) and Eoin Cody (0-7) leading the way for Kilkenny, while Séamus Casey (1-2), Cian Byrne (1-1) and Lee Chin (0-4) led the way for Wexford. In the end, the spoils were shared. However, both counties will be chomping at the bit to get stuck into each other when their Championship clash comes around this summer.
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Ruthless Tipperary struck at crucial times
Liam Cahill’s Tipperary were given a potentially tricky opening day assignment for their Allianz Hurling League campaign in 2024 when they were scheduled to face Dublin in Parnell Park on Saturday. However, the Premier men showed their skill and their experience, but most importantly, they struck two major blows to Dublin at pivotal times. In the first half, Tipperary built themselves a nice lead through mainly Gearóid O’Connor’s seemingly flawless accuracy, and at the interval Tipperary were in a healthy position.
A fightback was inevitable from Dublin, and this is where Tipperary struck the first of their decisive blows. After Dublin had landed a couple of points, a slip up in the Dublin defence led to an opportunity for Seán Ryan, and he buried it into the bottom corner of the Dublin goal. When the Dubs staged a major fightback after this to reduce the gap from 10 points down to 4, it was the turn of Jake Morris to land the second major blow when he rifled his shot past Eddie Gibbons in the Dublin goal after a glorious pass by Willie Connors. This goal really put the final nail in Dublin’s coffin, and guaranteed Tipperary their opening day victory. They struck the decisive blows at the vital stages in this game to get the job done and they went on to win by 11 points. A fantastic start for Liam Cahill’s Tipperary side in 2024.
Congratulations to todays Man Of The Match Jake Morris @nenagheireog pic.twitter.com/0pjEVE01lL
— Tipperary GAA (@TipperaryGAA) February 3, 2024
Limerick flex their strength in reserve
As Limerick stand on the precipice of being the greatest hurling team of all time, John Kiely and Paul Kinnerk will want to make sure that they have a bulging panel of talent for when the Championship comes around. Three players who were on the fringes of the Limerick panel last season in Donnachadh Ó Dálaigh, Shane O’Brien and Adam English all started in the full-forward line together for their league opener against Antrim in Semple Stadium. The Saffrons never stood a chance with these three eager forwards desperate to make an impression. Between them, the full-forward line shot 1-22 out of Limerick’s dominant victorious tally. A truly impressive tally, and one that Kiely and Kinnerk will definitely take as food for thought going into future fixtures. Limerick truly have an embarrassment of riches at their disposal.
Clare win 3 in a year against Cork at Cusack Park
In a roller coaster of a game between Munster rivals Clare and Cork at Cusack Park in Ennis, a late goal by Séadna Morey guaranteed the victory for the Banner County. With this victory, Clare have now won three in a row against Cork at their home in Ennis inside the space of 12 months. This confidence will be vital to Brian Lohan’s side going forward, who on top of this look to have addressed one key flaw in previous seasons gone by: Mark Rodgers’ free-taking has been spectacular. Rodgers hit 0-13 against Cork, 11 of those from placed balls. His accuracy cannot be questioned, and with that being such a problem area for Clare over the years, it’s safe to say that this opening round of the League has been a very positive start for Brian Lohan’s men.
