Ahane and Adare off the mark in Limerick hurling championship

Tom Morrissey seals it late for Ahane while Adare find the net five times

Tom Morrissey in action for Ahane during the 2024 Limerick SHC. Pic: Kieran Ryan-Benson

In the final brace of games in the opening round of the Limerick SHC, Ahane and Adare collected valuable victories.

Ahane had a stunning Tom Morrissey goal on they way to a come-from-behind win, as they trailed by four points at half-time to defeat neighbours Monaleen. It finished 1-23 to 2-18.

John Meskell’s side won the second-half by six points and it was enough to tag the spoils at a dry and superb-looking TUS Gaelic Grounds.

Meanwhile, Adare hit five goals on their way to a 17-point victory over Garryspillane, who were making the return to the senior grade.

The supporting cast has grown for Ahane, with Jack Cosgrove, John O’Connor and Mark Donnellan all chipping in with scores. Donnellan picked off four fine points.

For Monaleen, and new manager Ken Dunne of Toomevara, they had quality contributions from Andrew La Touche Cosgrave, Shane Hassett and Lochlann McHale. Goals from Eoghan O’Driscoll and Dara Ferland put them in the driving seat.

Having missed out on a top-four, and thus quarter-final, spot with a missed penalty last season, Ahane are now on their way with a vital opening weekend success.

Four points on the trot to start the second-half levelled the game as Mark Donnellan, Morrissey (free) and John O’Connor all pointed before they assumed control in the third quarter.

They survived a late free from Mark O’Dwyer, who hunted a game-winning goal, only for Cathal Ryan to block the powerful effort. It was a first championship meeting between the teams since 2019 and, given the crossover of schools, college and work in their localities, Ahane savoured the victory.

Ahane, who are celebrating their 100th year, will meet Ballybrown in the second round, while Monaleen have champions Na Piarsaigh on the horizon.

In the curtain-raiser at the TUS Gaelic Grounds, a brace of goals from John Fitzgibbon and Patrick Kearney, as well as another from Brendan O’Connor, saw Adare ease to a 5-23 to 1-14 success over Garryspillane. This group two clash sees the second-tier six meeting, but there are only two knockout spots up for grabs.

It was a chastening return to the grade for the Premier Intermediate winners who claimed a first-half goal from Cian Ryan. Hugh Flanagan was limited to nine converted frees. Fellow Limerick panellist John English got two points in consolation.

Adare moved 2-11 to 1-7 ahead by half-time as John Fitzgibbon’s nonchalant goal to close the period put daylight between the sides. Brendan O’Connor’s quick thinking had seen him find the net for Mark Foley’s side. Without Declan Hannon through injury, last year's beaten quarter-finalists had too much in hand in a dominant second-half.

Youngster Patrick Kearney finished two powerful goals from close range, with the second volleyed to the net with an improvised finish. Fitzgibbon added further gloss with a finely taken penalty.

Adare meet Kildimo Pallaskenry in round two next weekend. Garryspillane face a crucial tie with Newcastle West.