Limerick boss singles out young Galway star with huge praise

Fair play!

He was effusive with praise for his own charges and backroom team after a masterclass performance, but also reserved high praise for Galway and Athenry man Jason Rabbitte, who has been lighting up this year's championship.

Kiely said: "They just took control. They really went about their business, it was full of conviction.

"They knew exactly what they had to do. In fairness to Galway, they bring an incredible challenge athletically around the field, the use of the ball, the numbers where they put them around the field.

"They've got Jason (Rabbitte) inside, and he's a tremendous young man. They have a serious side. And like we knew coming in after the back of their last two performances, it was going to be a huge challenge. So I’m just really proud."

Teams and scorers (from Irish Examiner):

Scorers for Limerick: C. O’Neill (1-4); A. O’Connor (0-5, 3 frees); P. Casey, A. Gillane, D. Byrnes (2 frees, 1 65) (0-4 each); A. English, K. Hayes, C. Lynch (0-2 each); B. Nash, D. Reidy (0-1 each).

Scorers for Galway: A. Niland (0-10, 8 frees, 1 65); C. Cooney (1-2, 1-0 pen, 0-1 free); T. Monaghan (0-2); J. Rabbitte, C. Mannion, D. Neary, C. Molloy (0-1 each).

LIMERICK: N. Quaid; S. Finn, M. Casey, B. Nash; D. Byrnes, W. O’Donoghue, K. Hayes; A. English, C. Lynch (c); G. Hegarty, A. O’Connor, C. O’Neill; A. Gillane, S. O’Brien, A. Niland.

Subs for Limerick: T. Morrissey for S. O’Brien (48); D. Morrissey for M. Casey (53); D. Reidy for P. Casey (temp, 57-60); D. O’Donovan for A. English (63); D. Reidy for A. O’Connor (69); C. Coughlan for S. Finn (70).

GALWAY: D. Fahy; J. Ryan, D. Burke, C. Trayers; P. Mannion, D. Morrissey (c), R. Glennon; C. Killeen, G. Lee; P. Mannion, T. Monaghan, D. Neary; A. Niland, J. Rabbitte, C. Whelan.

Subs for Galway: C. Cooney for G. Lee (47); C. Daniels for T. Monaghan (55); J. Fleming for C. Killeen, C. Molloy for A. Niland (both 60); S. Linnane for C. Mannion (70+1).

Red card: R. Glennon (straight, 57);

Referee: C. Lyons (Cork).