By Cian O'Connell

Momentum being maintained by Limerick

Expectation is attached, standards set, but most importantly of all, a winning habit has been acquired.

Limerick are currently clearing every hurdle being placed in front of them with the latest feel good story happening at Nowlan Park.

For much of the past two decades the splendid Kilkenny venue has tested the most talented teams, but Limerick continue to find a why.

The workrate, passion, and purpose of Limerick's display was illustrated perfectly in the early moments after half-time.

Buoyed up by a couple of opportunistic goals Barry Murphy executed a brave hook before calmly stroking the sliotar over the bar from an acute angle.

It was one of those flashes in which the drive and desire of a whole team was evident.

Limerick fought long and hard to secure Allianz Hurling League Division 1A status and in a strange way because of their epic Championship adventure their spring exploits were forgotten.

It is now, though, that Limerick are benefitting from operating in the top tier and an accomplished collection of players are enjoying the experience.

There is no disguising or denying the depth of John Kiely's panel, but all the players appear to be utterly keen to produce in the green and white jersey.

Undoubtedly it is a busy time of the year with the Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup carrying serious weight, especially in Limerick with UL, Mary I, and LIT so relevant.

Kiely has used his panel carefully and wisely. Competition for places is critical for any high flying outfit.

A demanding summer awaits down south, but the early signs are encouraging for Limerick.

Galway's mix of established and emerging players worked well

It was a most satisfactory Sunday afternoon by the sea for Galway in Salthill.

How Galway dealt with Dublin's challenge at Pearse Stadium augurs well as Micheal Donoghue's mixture of emerging and established players carved out a sound win.

While Dublin surprisingly never got to the pitch of the game that was chiefly due to the pumped up home outfit, who dictated the agenda in front of a decent 6,983 western crowd.

Galway didn't miss a chance until a minute before the break and by that time 13 efforts had been smartly converted.

Cathal Mannion decorated Galway's win with four delightful points showcasing his skill and willingness to shoot from deep.

Joe Canning mined eight points from frees, but his general play throughout was selfless repeatedly fashioning opportunities for a busy attack.

Sean Bleahene is viewed as a strong developing figure with plenty of potential and his two points were noteworthy.

Elsewhere the calm and composed Padraic Mannion was assured, while Gearoid McInerney's second half offered a reminder of his qualities.

A week after inspiring Oranmore-Maree to AIB All Ireland Intermediate glory McInerney and Niall Burke were back on the inter-county beat, eager to help Galway.

This was the most experienced team Galway fielded in 2019 and Micheal Donoghue's outfit could reflect on a diligent and dynamic display.

Prolific Horgan delivers for Cork

Even when things were going against Cork in the opening period John Meyler's team kept battling away.

Patrick Horgan's free taking ensured Cork stayed in touch and when the late opportunities presented themselves the home team prevailed at Pairc Ui Rinn.

Following disappointing losses to Kilkenny and Wexford the fact that a victory was gleaned brought a drop of optimism.

Ultimately Horgan's precise conversion from frees was the reason Cork triumphed as the Glen Rovers clubman struck a staggering 0-16 total.

15 of those scores arrived from frees meant it was a setback for Clare with joint manager Donal Moloney acknowledging that they committed too many fouls.

"That was probably one of the main headlines, it’s something we’re going to have to look at."

Having performed with such confidence against Kilkenny, Clare have suffered away losses either side of that game to Tipperary and Cork.

It was a strange reversal for Clare because Tony Kelly nailed six points from play, while Ian Galvin and John Conlon were also prominent.

Next on the agenda is an interesting tussle at Cusack Park when Davy Fitzgerald brings Wexford to Ennis.

There won't be any shortage of sub plots, while Cork will be 25 miles down the road at the Gaelic Grounds facing Limerick.

Plenty happened when they collided at Croke Park last July.

Spirited Wexford stirring again

"Winning games like this at Wexford Park is very important for us," Davy Fitzgerald reflected after Wexford finished with a flourish.

In an edgy and exciting finish Aidan Nolan rifled over the winning score after Diarmuid O'Keeffe's third of the afternoon restored parity.

Wexford took the spoils and the home supporters left enthused as Fitzgerald's team chalked up a second successive victory.

"We had a very big crowd and a lot of young people there. The more big games we win the better, and confidence-wise for our lads."

In Fitzgerald's first year in charge in 2017 confidence and momentum mattered so much to what happened.

Stirring come from behind League triumphs over Limerick and Galway set the tone and when the campaign ended Wexford's achievements were decent.

Promotion was secured, a Leinster Final reached, and an All Ireland Quarter-Final appearance, but now Wexford and Fitzgerald want more.

That is the clearest sign of Wexford's progression, but taking the next step will be difficult. Taking Cork's scalp by the Lee and beating Tipperary means there is optimism again.

Fitzgerald has integrated promising players into the set-up since taking charge and the remainder of this spring should be valuable on and off the field for Wexford.

Waterford accumulating wins

Pauric Fanning is completely aware that Waterford's most demanding Allianz Hurling League Division 1B fixtures were the last two.

Still the Deise are motoring along nicely accumulating convincing victories over Offaly, Laois, and Carlow.

On a wretched Saturday evening at Fraher Field in Dungarvan Stephen Bennett added another 1-8, while brother Shane also planted a goal.

Austin Gleeeson and Jamie Barron were back involved as Waterford prepare for a tricky trip to Parnell Park next Sunday afternoon.

A clash with Galway will conclude the group stages of the League for Waterford, but Fanning has reasons for optimism.

Waterford exited the 2018 Championship in June so the players are brimful of intent and a lengthy League run could be beneficial.

With a sizeable Ballygunner contingent also due to return shortly these are interesting times for Waterford, who will relish the upcoming encounters.a