Limerick agreed to this worthwhile fixture with Galway some months back, one, which marked the official opening of the club’s new dressing rooms, and is the last competitive outing before the crack with next-door neighbours Clare at Semple Stadium in ten days time.

Although Galway came through this competitive exercise on a 0-20 to 0-18 scoreline, Moloney had every reason afterwards to feel pleased with his work rate, exemplified by a feat of holding Damien Hayes scoreless.

There was also encouraging news with relation to Brian Geary, who came in at number six for the closing 20 minutes or so and passed his own personal fitness test.

Moloney, who must surely be pressing hard now for a place on the starting blocks the weekend after next, but he wasn’t the only fringe player given a chance in the west by astute manger Richie Bennis. Mark O’Riordan filled the other-corner-back position, with Stephen Lucey in between the pair for continuity.  An exceptionally young halfback line-up was in place, namely Gavin O’Mahony, Paudie O’Dwyer and Wayne McNamara.

Kevin Tobin and James Ryan were entrusted will roles around the middle of the pitch.

Former captain Barry Foley was Limerick’s top scorer with five points, of which just one came from play, and impressed in a half-forward line that also included Mike O’Brien and Mike Fitzgerald. With Brian Begley now out of the immediate equation through injury, last year’s impact player Niall Moran was utilised at full forward, with 2000 All-Ireland winning U21 skipper Donnacha Sheehan and Pat Tobin in the corners.

In goal was Brian Murray.

The team was minus a great number from that which took to Croke Park last September, the likes of Damien Reale, Seamus Hickey, Peter Lawlor, Mark Foley, Brian Geary, Donal O’Grady, Ollie Moran, Sean O’Connor, Begley, Andrew O’Shaughnessy and Donie Ryan.  Moran did make an appearance late on, and some others to contribute were Eoin Ryan and David Breen.

Unlike other years, Limerick have a depth to their panel this time around, something which is of more importance in today’s game, and also if the sweltering heat of the championship is there at the Theatre of Dreams.

The star of the happenings in Athenry was Ger Farragher for Galway, who slotted home six points, four of which were from play.

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