THE cobwebs and accumulated dust of the long winter lay-off was very evident in this Allianz NHL opener in chilly Limerick yesterday, as both the new-look home side and an equally-experimental Cork team struggled to find any kind of hurling fluency.

A LEADING GAA official has warned there can be no repeat of the infamous “Martin Johnson snub”, if Croke Park is opened up to other sports.

ALL-ACTION Ahane signalled that they are ready to re-claim the Limerick SHC title from Adare with an electrifying performance in dispensing with the challenge of one of the championship favourites Kilmallock 5-12 to 1-6 at Caherconlish last evening.

Ahane 2-9

Limerick 2-17 Laois 3-10

Limerick 1-12

DIARMUID O’SULLIVAN, who recently announced he was quitting football to concentrate on hurling, will miss Cork’s Allianz NHL clash with Wexford at Wexford Park on Sunday because of a groin injury.

Cork 0-15 Limerick 0-14

THE Limerick County Board has sought a change of date for their first round Munster SFC clash with champions Cork on May 25 due to demands on their dual players.