Limerick got their championship campaign off to a winning start this afternoon, defeating Waterford in Thurles on a scoreline of 1-18 to 0-19 in their opening fixture of the Munster Senior Hurling Championship.
It was an intriguing game, one which Davy Fitzgerald probably feels his side could have gotten something from. They had an opportunity to challenge the All-Ireland champions, especially after they were reduced to 14 men early in the second half.
While there was some excellent hurling on display, it is likely that the post-match conversation will be dominated by one unsavoury moment.
The incident occurred around ten minutes into the second half.
Gearóid Hegarty produced a heavy shoulder on an opposition player, with the Waterford man going to ground after the contact. The Limerick forward had already been booked, meaning he was given his marching orders after receiving a second yellow card.
Limerick down to 14 men after a second yellow card for Gearóid Hegarty. A fair few being handed out now, including to backroom staff
📺 Live on @RTE2 and @RTEplayer https://t.co/ZfZ9mAavJw
📱 Live updates: https://t.co/Ku2ATEL3po
📻 Live on @RTERadio1#GAA #Hurling pic.twitter.com/NCdssh6QDf— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) April 23, 2023
It was a poor hit from the Limerick man, who deserved his punishment. However, it quickly became apparent that he was very unhappy with something that had happened during the ensuing moments on the sideline.
A member of the Waterford backroom team was also sent off, with footage emerging to show that the mentor in question had gone out of his way to strike Hegarty in the aftermath of his challenge.
You can watch the incident below.
Auld lad (on Waterford backroom team?) ran down and hit Hegarty.
Not good enough pic.twitter.com/Z8RFKMC8FV— Smaller Fish GAA (@SmallerFishGAA) April 23, 2023
Not something any coach or mentor should be getting involved in.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Limerick would go on to secure the win after a tightly fought contest.
It's unlikely that we have heard the last of this incident in the day ahead. You'd imagine that the authorities will investigate it, with a potentially lengthy ban incoming.
Limerick will now face Clare next weekend, while Waterford will be tasked with a trip to Cork.
SEE ALSO: 'We Potentially Have Two Games To Create History In Waterford Camogie'
