Massive win for Limerick.
It was going so well for Galway at half-time. As the Tribesmen and Limerick trudged off after the opening 35, Galway were sitting pretty with an eight-point advantage, 1-15 to 1-7.
Cathal Mannion had been particularly impressive, scoring 1-4 from play after just 28 minutes. Jason Flynn had enjoyed a productive first half, too, notching five points for the home side.
But Limerick refused to give up. Rejuvenated after the interval, John Kiely’s charges fired their way back into the reckoning with points from Aaron Gillane (free) and David Reidy.
Gillane was far from done, firing three frees in a row to extend his account for the afternoon to 1-6. Then, with the score at 1-16 to 1-12, Limerick substitute Kyle Hayes trimmed the deficit with a goal.
Bearing down on goal, Hayes looked to fire into the far corner, only for a mishit to send the sliotar bundling into the net at the near post. It was a fortuitous moment for Limerick but one that brought them right back into the game. You had to feel for Galway keeper James Skehill who, expecting a powerful drive, simply couldn’t plan for Hayes’ mishit.
WATCH:
The best of the early second half action as @LimerickCLG score another goal against @Galway_GAA in the Allianz Leagues #AllianzLeagues #GAA pic.twitter.com/MxKmOwDp6G— eir Sport (@eirSport) March 11, 2018
Soon after that score, David Reidy clipped a point for Limerick before Joe Canning returned for Galway.
Then, with a surge of inspiration, Seamus Flanagan’s fifth point of the game drew the visitors level at Salthill before Cian Lynch and Paul Ryan fired late scores, secure a massive win over the All-Ireland champions at Pearse Stadium.
Trailing by eight points at the break, it was a thoroughly impressive show of character by Kiely’s young side, one which sealed their promotion to Division 1, back in the top-flight after eight years in the second-tier.
Despite a ten-point deficit at one point in the first-half, they never gave in and it’s a testament to their immense hunger and desire that they kept going right until the bitter end.
A huge win for Limerick. They got some luck along the way with Hayes’ goal – but they certainly deserved it. Nobody can begrudge them this sweet, sweet victory.
Limerick manager https://t.co/gyj592jLVw
— GAA BEO TG4 (@GAA_BEO) March 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/sullylimerick1/status/972868306909696001
That’s an upset for Limerick over the All Ireland champs, Galway Inspiration for @NapGAA v @CualaCLG next Saturday #AllianzLeagues #Hurling #TheToughest
— Ben O'Sullivan (@Spinnaker0_1) March 11, 2018
What a win for Limerick! I haven’t seen a Limerick team to grind out a win like that in years. Every man was counted and fought to the death. Delighted! 🤠 #AllianzLeagues
— William Shanahan (@William_S23) March 11, 2018
Every year since 2012 limerick have failed to win the key game to escape 1B. To play the top quality games required to improve them, they needed to win one against that top quality opposition. Mission finally accomplished.
— Michael Foley📚🖊 (@MickFoley76) March 11, 2018
