Kilkenny started their All-Ireland campaign in menacing fashion as they put Limerick to the sword in a one-sided contest in Rathkeale. The Cats were too sharp for the home side, who failed to register a score from play, hitting them for a series of early scores that moved them in a lead they would not lose. Helped on their way by an Aoife Doyle point, Peter Cleere’s side pushed on with quick points from Miriam Walsh and Katie Nolan, while captain Aoife Prendergast slotted over two long-range frees to make it 0-6 to 0-0.
Limerick struggled to retain possession as they passed the sliotar back to their opposition on multiple occasions. Their cause wasn’t helped when they lost Dearbhla Egan with a broken collarbone. The Treaty side’s first score of the game came courtesy of a Caoimhe Costelloe free after 25 minutes, but Katie Nolan and Aoife Doyle helped Kilkenny finish off the half with a good lead (0-10 to 0-2).
Things did not improve for Limerick after the break as Kilkenny settled in to cruise control from the off, three Aoife Prendergast frees putting more daylight between the sides. These scores were followed by a solo goal from substitute Steffi Fitzgerald, who had just been introduced to the fray, leaving Kilkenny 1-13 to 0-2 up after 40 minutes. A second yellow card for Caoimhe Costelloe took the wind out Limerick’s sails completely.
Rebecca Delee assumed the free-taking duties and scored two points, but that was as good as it got for the hosts. Kilkenny’s subs.
