That’s what these lads are capable of.
Every one of the 45 hurlers who took to the Gaelic Grounds on the Bank Holiday Monday should be proud of themselves. Whether they played for 100 minutes or two minutes, each one of them played a part in what was the most thrilling game of hurling we’ve been lucky enough to see in ages.
Thrilling, high octane, we even got a few scraps for good measure but the best thing about this grudge clash wasn’t the excitement. And that’s saying something.
It was the skill. The skill displayed by both sides from Alan Kelly’s first whistle to his very last was from another planet entirely.
Clare are a joy to watch when on form. From the word go on Monday the Banner boys were a sight for the sorest of eyes.
Tony Kelly is back. The Ballyea man has at times struggled to live up to the lofty heights he set for himself in that famous 2013 season. Limerick learned the hard way that he’s rearing for it now. Dashing onto breaks, gliding past opponents, floating over points. That’s the Tony Kelly we know and love. That’s the weapon Clare have now.
Colm Galvin alongside him has to be the calmest presence in hurling. Give him the ball and something good will happen.
Peter Duggan may not be as easy on the eye but Jesus the big Clooney-Quin man, scorer of 0-21, is as effective as any of his teammates. He’s a defender’s nightmare.
Against the wind, Limerick were struggling but Cian Lynch’s industry in the engine room kept them alive. At times, the Patrickswell man can be gulity of overplaying the ball, but that’s usually because he’s just being too clever for his own good. He played a more direct game on Monday.
Aaron Gillane inside flourished because of that. Lynch’s club mate is cut from the same cloth. The Mary I pair are two of the game’s most sanctified artists.
Gillane’s off the cuff goal just highlighted that.
Aaron Gillane fires it past Donal Tuohy! Goal! pic.twitter.com/vfe3etvcGT
— The GAA (@officialgaa) March 19, 2018
Lynch can do whatever the hell he wants with the ball. He’d rather flick it into his hands than bend his back to rise it. Why wouldn’t he when he can do it like this?
That’s the type of thing most hurlers would struggle to do when out on the pitch messing for a few pucks.
Sár scil léirithe ag Cian Lynch. How about that?
Craoladh BEO ar chluiche ceathrú ceannais. #GAABEO @LimerickCLG v @GaaClare #AllianzLeagues pic.twitter.com/fjd4niZ3PL— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) March 19, 2018
CREDIT: TG4.
Podge Collins, another of the game’s aristocrats, went out and topped Lynch’s effort.
That’s what lads do when they’re messing with the ball in their room.
😂 that’s just out of order Podge #AllianzLeagues @GAA_BEO pic.twitter.com/yJpGT2moAS
— Roger Ennis (@roger_ennis) March 19, 2018
CREDIT: TG4.
Podge and Lynch can do it in the cauldron of one of the most intense games of hurling so far this year.
Gracefully, effortlessly. Amazing.
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