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LIMERICK 0-17 KILKENNY 0-11 Gillane’s the key man for Limerick & makes up for disappointment of Kilkenny minor loss
AARON GILLANE exacted sweet revenge on Kilkenny as Limerick’s perfect record in U-21 finals continued in style at Semple Stadium.
With a powerful wind at their backs in the first-half Limerick ran into a conniving seven-point lead at the break and despite an improved effort from Kilkenny after the interval as Alan Murphy lifted their challenge there was no way back.
Defeat to Kilkenny in the minor final three years ago was a tough blow for a much fancied Limerick,
But this time round they wasted little time in taring into the Cats. After 16 minutes they were 0-7 to 0-1 ahead as Gillane and Peter Casey caused huge trouble up front, while a towering display from Robbie Hanley at midfield gave them a great platform.
“There is a lot of things, there is a greasy surface, there is a good strong wind, but it didn’t Limerick,” said Kilkenny manager Eddie Brennan.
“So you can put it down to the pressure lads were under. The tackle, every time there was a pass coming Limerick had an energy about them today and they just chased down everything. I have to say they left nothing on the field, their subs then as well.
“With 15 or 16 minutes to go we had all our subs used. What do you do? You re trying to identify who to come off and there was so many of lads and it didn’t happen for them. That’s sport you know.”
There was a brief kick from Kilkenny before the interval as Billy Ryan and Shane Walsh drilled over three points between them, but Gillane and Ronan Lynch – who hit three monster frees – helped Limerick into a 0-11 to 0-4 lead at halfaffect
time. Hanley and Gillane linked well to extend Limerick’s lead after the break, and finally Kilkenny began to drag themselves back into contention as sub Alan Murphy come on to make a real impact for his side.
A free from Ronan Lynch pushed Limerick’s lead out to eight points with 14 minutes remaining, but Murphy brought a real steady influence to his side.
Kilkenny then had their best period of the game as they hit five of the next six points, four of which came from Murphy, which meant they briefly close the gap to four points.
But Limerick kicked for home and with Kyle Hayes dominant under the breaking ball they managed to finish of the job.
Gillane struck his fifth points from play, before sub Oisin O’reilly battle on through a couple of hooks and tackles to score from close range to wrap up a sixth win at the grade and their seconds in three years.