Kyle Hayes Galway

The Limerick star struck Brian Concannon's faceguard with his hurley in the game with Galway at the weekend.

They conclude the round stages with a home clash against Wexford on March 19. I’ve no doubt there was contact there, but what was the context? Speaking afterwards, Limerick manager John Kiely stressed the “context” of Hayes’ action had to be taken into consideration.

Limerick All Star could be facing a one-game ban after appearing to strike the face guard of Galway's Concannon with his hurl.

Kyle’s back was to me – all I could see was him going like that [putting his arm/hurley back] – and he was looking out at the terrace. I’ve no doubt there was contact there but what was the context? After the ball had gone out over the sideline, Hayes threw back his hurl and caught Concannon.

RTE pundits Joe Canning and Jackie Tyrrell were in agreement that Kyle Hayes should have seen red for a reckless swing of his hurl against Galway.The.

But Morrissey made amends with a stoppage-time brace before substitute Donnacha Ó Dálaigh capped the victory for the Shannonsiders. They were 0-21 to 0-13 ahead with 13 minutes remaining, only for Galway to reel off six without reply to pave the way for a nervy finish. "He's on a yellow card and slaps back with the hurl straight into Brian Concannon's face.

Scorers for Limerick: Tom Morrissey 0-8 (3fs), Micheál Houlihan 0-4 (4fs), Cian Lynch and Kyle Hayes 0-3 each, Shane O'Brien and Peter Casey 0-2 each, Seamus ...

Subs: Darren Morrissey for Grealish (HT), Brian Concannon for O’Shea (HT), Conor Whelan for Flynn (HT), Liam Collins for McManus (68). Subs: Conor Boylan for Houlihan (45), Gearóid Hegarty for Lynch (59), Adam English for O’Donoghue (60), Donnacha Ó Dalaigh for Flanagan (68). Scorers for Limerick: Tom Morrissey 0-8 (3fs), Micheál Houlihan 0-4 (4fs), Cian Lynch and Kyle Hayes 0-3 each, Shane O’Brien and Peter Casey 0-2 each, Seamus Flanagan and Donnacha O’Dalaigh 0-1 each.

Limerick's Kyle Hayes tackles Cianan Fahy of Galway in the game at Pearse Stadium. Inpho/Tom Maher.

And so it was as two in each half cut Tyrone to ribbons and seriously jilted their confidence in the process. Mayo also looked bigger and stronger and if they maintain this form, their name will appear alongside Kerry and Galway as likely Sam Maguire winners this season. They looked to be in cruise control until a Galway rally saw the Tribesmen cut the deficit to two points. Already on a yellow card, he got away with a severe lecture instead of leaving the field to a red card. However, on the day, they were always playing second violin and while the home side were missing half a team, there were several marquee names missing at Pearse Stadium from the All Ireland winners line up as well. Well Henry Shefflin was all smiles with Kiely on the sideline before the match and you get the feeling that if one man and one team know how to beat Limerick, it is the former Kilkenny legend.