GAA SHC Qualifiers: Limerick and Galway convincingly booked their place in tomorrow's third phase of the All-Ireland SHC qualifier draw with respective wins over Wexford and Clare.
A Joe Canning-inspired Galway performance kick-started their season as they ran riot against a hapless Clare to win at a canter, 4-25 to 0-20.
Limerick were good value for their win over Wexford after they came through 1-21 to 2-13 at the Gaelic Grounds where the throw-in was delayed.
At Pearse Stadium Clare couldn't handle the Tribesmen and by the break the writing was well and truly on the wall.
Goals from Damien Hayes, Ger Farragher and Canning gave Galway a commanding 3-13 to 0-12 lead at the break.
In didn't get any better in the second period as Clare's James McInerney was sent off while Canning and company turned on the style.
In the second period Alan Kerins grabbed a fourth goal as Galway on this performance go into tomorrow's draw with a whole new lease of life.
Earlier in the day Limerick were good value for their win in front of the home crowds - at least when said home crowds were able to get into the Gaelic Grounds.
The throw-in was delayed by almost 15 minutes after organisers didn’t open all the turnstiles. Entry was only possible through the Mackey Stands, which left supporters queuing in their droves to get into the ground.
When play eventually got under it was Wexford who started better in the high-tempo opening exchanges.
Wexford’s Eoin Quigley scored the opening goal of the game in the first period.
Limerick had to wait until the second half before they found the net through Graeme Mulcahy, while Declan Hannon was on top form firing over frees for fun in the second period.
Rory Jacob scored a consolation goal for Wexford in injury time but Limerick already had the game wrapped up by that stage.
In all, the Shannonsiders scored 1-10 in the second half to ensure their passage while their opponents with feel disappointed with the under par performance.
Saturday's Results
SHC:Limerick 1-21 Wexford 2-13
SHC:Galway 4-25 Clare 0-20