Kilkenny legend discusses Limerick's Allianz League final win

It'd been a while since a team had followed up an All-Ireland win with Allianz Hurling League glory.

But this Limerick side have achieved that feat. They beat Waterford in Sunday's decider and it's set them up nicely for the Munster Championship.

There is plenty to learn for the Deise as Kilkenny legend Tommy Walsh told us.

He feels they got their tactics wrong against Limerick.

"You're playing against the guys who are more set up than anyone to beat the sweeper system," he said.

Walsh explained that Limerick's excellent movement and style means a sweeper system is almost redundant.

"Total wrong thing to do"

"The Limerick guys don't hit the ball blind. They work the ball up as far as midfield until they can see what's going on," he said.

"Then they strike. So if the sweeper is in the way, they'll keep it short. Hit the ball to Cian Lynch, hit the ball to Tom Morrissey and then it's a point.

"If the sweeper's not in the way, then they'll drive it in. So I think they will just bypass that sweeper."

He also feels Waterford got it wrong at the other end.

"It does appear that Waterford, if they play the sweeper or not, definitely only left a couple of forwards up there. Maybe 5 vs 6 which in my opinion is the total wrong thing to do against a Limerick team," he said.

"Because you need to be taking them guys on man for man. And Limerick are the top team. To win an All-Ireland and to win a Championship or a national title, you have to go and play 6 vs 6 or 5 vs 5. Or even it up, up there.

"This could be the best thing ever to happen Waterford if they learn from it. These guys have won Minor All-Irelands and Under-21 All-Irelands. Get these boys into 1 vs 1, man for man battles and that's where Waterford will have their best chance. And put Austin Gleeson in a position that it's him vs his man."