Two games, two defeats for Limerick in this year's league campaign.
Having gone undefeated through all of 2021 it has certainly been out of character start for John Kiely's side, who came up short against Galway this evening.
It was a very close game throughout, with both sides matching each other stride for stride. Despite this, an incident at the start of the second half would have a big say in the outcome.
In the 38th minute, a massive melee between both sets out of players broke out near the sideline after some choice words were exchanged between Gearóid Hegarty and some members of the Galway team.
Gearóid Hegarty sent off as Limerick lose to Galway
A number of players became involved, although Hegarty was singled out for his actions. The 27-year old was sent off for seemingly striking out at Joseph Cooney.
You can watch the incident below.
Gearóid Hegarty of @LimerickCLG sees red. pic.twitter.com/f6lIojm13L
— RTÉ GAA (@RTEgaa) February 12, 2022
READ HERE: How Return To Junior Hurling Brought Gearóid Hegarty 'Back Down To Earth'
Hegarty can certainly have few complaints about the decision based on that footage.
This proved to be a key turning point in the game, with Galway taking the lead in the closing stages. Henry Shefflin's side would ultimately run out as six point winners.
Speaking on RTÉ after the game, Donal Óg Cusack said that punishment for an incident such as this was a long time coming to Hegarty.
It wouldn't take you long to go back and five other incidents like that. You can't use that hurley like that.
We've all spoken very highly of him and Limerick over the last few years, but he has a fierce habit of flicking back with the hurley. You can't do it.
He has been very lucky over the last few years. I'd actually say that when John Kiely sits down and looks at that, he will nearly feel relieved in some ways that it happened to him out here.
Limerick were lucky that it didn't happen in a big game last year and it could have had a bigger impact on the outcome in the Munster final.
This was coming to Hegarty and they were lucky that it happened to them tonight.
Limerick certainly won't be pressing any panic buttons as of yet, although they will be hoping to arrest this slide as soon as possible.
As for Galway, this will be a massively encouraging result. Having run out comfortable winners against Offaly last week, they will point to this result as proof that they can compete with the top teams in the country over the course of 2022.
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