Limerick make easy work of Kerry

Limerick 4-24 Kerry 0-2

Limerick, inspired by centre-back Damien Moloney, were on top in every sector. Kerry were simply outclassed, leaving one to wonder at the wisdom of throwing them like lambs to the slaughter.

The writing was on the wall at the half time as Limerick had built up a 14 point lead even though they were playing against the strong wind.

Limerick had jumped 0-6 to 0-1 clear at the end of the opening quarter thanks to points from Brian O’Sullivan, Michael Noonan, David Moloney, the impressive Cathal Mullane and a 65 from John Kelly.

Then Limerick, who were quicker to the ball, struck for two goals from Brian O’Sullivan in the 24th minute and another superb strike in the 28th minute after great work by Seamus Hickey.

The game turned into a turkey shoot in the second-half as Limerick sent on all their subs and all the forwards got in on the act with goals from Cathal Mullane and substitute Gavin O’Mahony. Kerry on the other hand, for whom Reggie Galvin and Darren Dineen tried everything, were unable to get a single score from play and really the final whistle was the sweetest sound of the night.

Scorers: Limerick: B O’Sullivan 2-4, C Mullane 1-4, M Noonan 0-5 (0-2 frees), G O’Mahony 1-0, David Moloney, A Brennan and J Ryan 0-3 each, J Kelly 0-2, ‘65’s.

Kerry: D Dineen 0-2 frees.

LIMERICK: M Fitzgerald, Denis Moloney, D Gardiner, S Hickey, J Kelly, Damien Moloney, W McNamara, L O’Dwyer, D Hanley, David Moloney, M Noonan, B O’Sullivan, E Ryan, A Brennan, C Mullane. Subs. J Butler for Denis Moloney, T O’Donoghue for C Mullane, G O’Mahony for E Ryan, D O’Neill for S Hickey, J Ryan for A Brennan.

KERRY: M Dineen, P Barrett, M Quilter, J M Pierce, P Bowler, J O’Connor, D Walsh, Kieran Dineen, D Dineen, R Galvin, M Griffin, K Dineen, A Dineen, J Hussey, E Egan. Subs: P Fitzmaurice for M Griffin, F Keane for E Egan.

Referee: Ger Hoey (Clare).