Allianz NHL Semi-Final- Main Talking Points

MAIN MAN

TJ Reid (Kilkenny)

Even in his advancing years, the Shamrocks supremo continues to display utter brilliance on the field and last Saturday was no different as he helped himself to 1-8 including netting a stunning goal where he claimed a brilliant catch over the head of Limerick corner back Barry Nash before scoring. While the likes of Adrian Mullen, Cian Kenny, John Donnelly and Tommy Walsh all performed admirably as well, Derek Lyng may be pleased most by the sizeable impact from the new faces of Luke Hogan, Shane Murphy and Jordan Molloy who all stood up to the mark.

HIGHLIGHT

Kilkenny’s first half goal threat really had the Limerick defence at sixes and sevens. TJ, Eoin Cody and Luke Hogan were the luck ones to score past Nickie Quaid but on another day they could have easily scored a few more too.

TALKING POINT

For Kilkenny, getting the Limerick monkey off their back even overtakes the importance of making a league final. Another defeat to the Shannonsiders here and a fourth in two seasons would have been a blow ahead of the championship and black and amber belief levels will only increase on the back of this success.

TURNING POINT

Eoin Cody's dismissal two minutes into the second half would have been fatal for many a team but it only seemed to inspire the Cats as they held off their opponents in great style.

WHAT’S NEXT

Kilkenny will go in search of league glory when facing Clare in the final the weekend after next. Limerick on the other hand are away on a training camp in Portugal this week ahead of their Munster campaign.