Allianz League holders Limerick seek clean sweep:

By Siadbh Redmond Limerick Leader Sport

LIMERICK will look to secure a semi-final place in Division 1B of the Allianz Hurling League this Saturday when facing Galway at Pearse Stadium in Salthill.

The All-Ireland champions have won all their group fixtures to date after a one-point victory over neighbours Tipperary last Saturday evening in Cork. when the Shannonsiders’ emerged victorious on a 0-26 to 3-16 scoreline.

Next up for John Kiely’s side is a trip to Salthill this Saturday to play their final group game of the league against Henry Shefflin’s Galway.

The game had been due to take place at the TUS Gaelic Grounds but was switched to Salthill ‘due to work at the TUS Gaelic Grounds.’

Speaking after the Tipperary game, manager Kiely spoke about the fixture change saying: “Of course we would love to be playing at home and I have to say it’s not anyone’s fault that we are not playing in the Gaelic Grounds, it’s just unfortunate.

“We value all our fans that have travelled for the games and the lads really appreciate it and always perform for them. ”

Galway have only lost one game so far in group one against Tipperary and will be determined to secure a home win on Saturday.

Looking ahead to the game, Kiely said: “Everyone is making progress week on week and everyone is working hard. Galway have had a very good start to the season, they are very solid, found a good few new players.
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“We have always had great battles with them up in Pearse Stadium, so we are looking for something similar. It’s another week on and another game to improve in, so we are looking forward to the challenge of it.”

The All-Ireland champions were given a scare late in injury time on Saturday evening when Jake Morris’ late goal had Tipp trailing by a single point.

However, the clock was on Limerick’s side as match referee Liam Gordon blew the full-time whistle after the goal.

Kiely said the most disappointing aspect of the game from Limerick’s point of view was their number of unforced errors the league champions made.

Kiely added: “Things like dropped balls, misplaced hand passes and missed pick-ups. It’s a piece of work for us to go back to now this week. We conceded three goals and that won’t be good enough for championship. In all three cases we would be very disappointed with the way we conceded those goals, it was mistakes on our part, but we will go back and look at that this week.

“We are improving and we are definitely fitter and stronger but we have a lot more work to do. I think we worked ourselves into a good rhythm eventually, but it took us a while to get there. It was nice to see after half-time the up-take in execution.”

A win against Galway this Saturday will guarantee Limerick a place in the knock-out stages of the league where they will face the second place team in Division 1A of the league.