Galway have secured an impressive win over Limerick this afternoon, defeating the All-Ireland champions on a scoreline of 0-26 to 1-17 at Pearse Stadium.
This match was billed as a meeting between the main two contenders in for the Liam MacCarthy in 2021 by many, and while it is early in the season, this is a big boost for the home side.
They led for the vast majority of the game, although this point from Gearoid Hegarty was the pick of the early goings.
Incredible score from Gearoid Hegarty for @LimerickCLG v @Galway_GAA in Round 2 of the Allianz Hurling League! #GAANOW pic.twitter.com/ylOGzfW8Ul
— The GAA (@officialgaa) May 16, 2021
He was in the thick of the action again a few moments later.
This time he picked out Seamus Flanagan after a powerful run, who in turn slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
Excellent play from Gearoid Hegarty ending in a GOAL from Seamus Flanagan for @LimerickCLG v @Galway_GAA in the Allianz Hurling League! #GAANOW pic.twitter.com/hdZ0jG57tE
— The GAA (@officialgaa) May 16, 2021
However, Galway would take the initiative from here.
They maintained their lead throughout the second half, with a couple of excellent scores from midfielder Cathal Mannion helping them over the line.
The first came less than five minutes after the interval, with the player splitting the posts from a massive distance.
Cathal Mannion scores a long range point for @Galway_GAA v @LimerickCLG in the Allianz Hurling League! #GAANOW pic.twitter.com/hR311jxsxh
— The GAA (@officialgaa) May 16, 2021
Joe Canning would come in the 51st minute, making his return after the injury he suffered against Limerick in the All-Ireland semi-final last year.
He would score two points of his own, also playing a big role in Mannion's second score. He set off on a winding run, picking out his teammate who then pointed from a tight angle near the sideline.
Brilliant play from Joe Canning finished in a top class Cathal Mannion score for @Galway_GAA v @LimerickCLG in the Allianz Hurling League! #GAANOW pic.twitter.com/4JNNpcpn1I
— The GAA (@officialgaa) May 16, 2021
Not bad.
Shane O'Neill's side would power home from here, ultimately emerging as six-point winners.
Galway have now won their opening two games in the division, while Limerick are still searching for their first victory having drawn with Tipperary last week.