Eight hurling championship observations: Limerick can hurt you in every way imaginable

In every single championship game since Cork's 2022 quarter-final defeat, Séamus Harnedy has scored. His total now stands at 9-144.

Limerick can mix the short game with the long. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

As Limerick’s panel endured a punishing running session on the Gaelic Grounds field, manager John Kiely made his way out of the dressing room and began to identify the issues they encountered during the National League. One stood out above all else.

“It was a very poor performance really. Just lacked energy,” he said after the defeat to Wexford last March. “Flat as you say, lacked intensity.” Energy. Their secret sauce. That night Kiely spoke about the massive challenge that is ahead of his group. When asked about some silver linings, he pointed to Darragh O’Donovan’s return: “That is a positive out of tonight. His energy was good.”