Limerick star Gearoid Hegarty 'embarrassed' by league red card

Limerick forward Gearoid Hegarty said he was embarrassed by his dismissal during the league defeat to Galway earlier this year, describing his actions as "stupid".

The 2020 Hurler of the Year was dismissed by referee Fergal Horgan in the February defeat to the Tribesmen for retaliating against Joseph Cooney.

From there on in, it was Galway who assumed control of the lively contest, but the red card gave those who have questioned Limerick's discipline over the last couple of seasons further ammunition.

Last year Seamus Flanagan and Peter Casey saw red during the championship, while Aaron Gillane and Flanagan were fortunate to escape dismissals in the Munster final victory over Tipperary.

Hegarty said that while he and his team-mates play on the edge like most successful teams, he admitted the first red card of his inter-county career was reckless and should have been avoided.

"It was stupid. I was embarrassed," he said. "It’s a horrible feeling. I’ve never gotten a straight red before (with Limerick).

Gearóid Hegarty of @LimerickCLG sees red. pic.twitter.com/f6lIojm13L

"We were in the game at the time and I felt like I was hurling really well at the time and then to be sent off around 45 minutes and have to watch the lads for the last 25 minutes knowing you’re after leaving your team-mates down, knowing you’re after leaving down everyone that’s after coming in to watch the game, my family were there watching it and it’s just awkward.

"You nearly don’t even want to go home and look them in the eye after doing something so stupid."

Limerick’s bid for three-in-a-row All-Ireland titles begins this weekend against Cork in a repeat of last year’s All-Ireland final.

Many have pegged the Leesiders and league champions Waterford as the