GALWAY'S show of power in Salthill let the chasing pack know that Limerick can be caught.
But Shane O'Neill insisted that ending a four year wait for victory over the Treaty men was not the driving force for the Tribesmen's winning display yesterday.
The hosts deserved their win, going toe to toe with the reigning league and All-Ireland champions, who suffered defeat for the first time since July 2019.
In Galway 's case, you had to go back to the League semi-final of 2017 for their last win, but Evan Niland's 14 point haul - all from frees - kept them out of touch. Limerick led in the first minute, and never did so again.
"It’s only been brought up today, it isn’t something we discussed at all as a group with the players," said Galway boss O'Neill of the four-year drought.
"Maybe they had it in their heads themselves but it isn’t something we discussed at all.
"The nature of the competitions this year, we’ve five league games in six weeks, then a three-week break and then championship so you’re really going from week to week.
"We’re focusing on Tipp on Saturday, a half one throw in as well. really, really short turnaround so we have to get lads right for that.
"I’m sure they’ll be up for it. it’s the nature of the league."
After their recent exploits, many have put Limerick on a pedestal but Galway will fancy their chances of saying something about that in the summer.
David Burke was excellent until he had to come off at half-time, by which time Limerick were still in it courtesy of Seamus Flanagan's goal, created by the ever-dangerous Gearoid Hegarty.
While it was a tough baptism for highly-regarded 18-year-old Cathal O'Neill in the Limerick forward line - he came off at the break - the visitors had reduced the deficit to one point.
But even the introduction of Aaron Gillane couldn't turn the tide as Cathal Mannion was imperious in midfield and Joe Canning, making a late cameo appearance, had some big moments in midfield - including his run to set up Mannion's superb score, and his own free from well inside his own half.
"We weren’t out to put a dent in Limerick at all," shrugged O'Neill, when asked if the champions' aura had been damaged by the defeat.
"We were out to perform. If we got a win fantastic – it is great to get the win. We’ve played two matches. 100% record so far.
"That’s what we’re going to try and continue next weekend. Again if we perform exceptionally well and we don’t quite get the win we’re not too bothered because it’s preparation for the championship as far as we’re concerned."
Limerick boss John Kiely will have Declan Hannon back for next week's clash with Waterford and he said: "None of us enjoy the taste of defeat and yes, it's quite some time since we have had to take it on the chin...it doesn't taste very good.
"We weren't the best team here today, Galway were the better team. That was clear throughout.
"The scoreline reflected their quality over ours. We've just got to go back and work harder in training and come back next weekend and go after it again."
