Banner shortcomings are laid bare

I HEARD a lot of complaints in recent weeks from Clare and Limerick about being in Division 2; on the basis of what I saw in Ennis on Saturday, both counties were where they deserved to be this year.

It was a perfect evening for hurling, a fine crowd, but this was not Division 1 fare. At this stage of the season you’d expect teams to be nearly up to championship pace — neither side was, in the first half especially.

Fumbling in possession, poor shooting, no method to their play — it was all best illustrated by the second Limerick goal, a point attempt by Seamus Hickey that fell short. It should have been meat and drink to any keeper but instead was fumbled by Donal Touhy and ended in the net. That, for me, summed up this game.