Fintan O'Toole
Reports from SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh
Limerick 1-21
Cork 2-17
LIMERICK HAVE RETURNED to the Munster hurling summit, Peter Casey’s 72nd minute score proving the moment that settled this tight and tense decider against Cork.
In a game that unfolded on a damp Leeside afternoon and on a greasy surface, Limerick mounted a vital scoring charge in firing four of the last five points to reel Cork in.
A brilliantly-worked Brian Hayes goal early in the second half pushed Cork five clear, 2-12 to 1-10, but Limerick remained in the hunt against the home side to land the silverware before a crowd of 43,209.
Alan Connolly’s 66th minute free nudged Cork two clear, yet with just a single score from play in the second half, it was clear where their struggles lay as they failed to pack a punch of sufficient strength up front. Amidst escalating pressure and with the prospect of extra-time looming, Limerick got the job done.
Cian Lynch lifts the Munster senior hurling trophy. James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
The outstanding Diarmaid Byrnes nailed a ’65 to drag them within one before a powerful run and offload by Kyle Hayes paved the way for Gearoid Hegarty to at last bring Limerick level, just as normal time was elapsing.
Casey, a quiet influence for long stretches, then exploded to life as he lofted over a glorious strike from the right wing as the action entered injury-time. Diarmuid Healy drew the free that Connolly slotted to bring Cork level, Limerick countered with Casey clipping over another point.
That served the end of the scoring run, yet the action rolled on through a series of frantic passages of play. Limerick created a couple of chances to go further clear, Hegarty knocking one against the upright, and Cork had one last-gasp opportunity from a long-range free to deliver extra-time.
Goalkeeper Patrick Collins knocked it sideways and short to Mark Coleman, the ball was transferred in to Tim O’Mahony as he launched it forward, yet time was called and Limerick’s resilient showing was rewarded with the spoils as they celebrated with gusto.
Limerick's Shane O'Brien in aciton with Cork's Niall O'Leary. Tom O’Hanlon / INPHO
Tom O’Hanlon / INPHO / INPHO
The scoreboard gap stood at two at the break, 1-11 to 1-9, a position that was more satisfactory from a Limerick viewpoint. They strung together the last four points of the half – a pair of Aidan O’Connor frees, combined with one apiece from Cathal O’Neill and Shane O’Brien.
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That ensured they had chipped away at the advantage Cork had constructed, Rob Downey’s rousing score in the 30th minute when he fetched a Nickie Quaid puckout and despatched the ball between the posts had sent them six clear at that stage.
Both teams enjoyed the uplift of a first quarter goal. Mark Coleman drilled home a penalty for Cork Brian Hayes had been wrestled to the ground. Limerick responded, Gearoid Hegarty’s opportunism on show as he caught a Diarmaid Byrnes free that dropped short and deftly flicked a one-handed stroke to the net.
Cork conjured up a stunning goal early in the second half with Healy, Shane Barrett, Coleman and Tommy O’Connell involved in an intricate sequence of passes, prising apart the Limerick defence for Hayes to finish impressively.
Brian Hayes celebrates after scoring Cork's second goal of the game. James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
It transpired not to be the moment that served as a springboard for success, Limerick rising to the challenge as the second half progressed, adding Munster glory to their league triumph in April.
They march on to the All-Ireland semi-final stage in early July, Cork are back out in action in a fortnight against Offaly.
Scorers for Limerick: Aidan O’Connor 0-8 (0-5 frees, 0-2 ’65), Gearoid Hegarty 1-1, Peter Casey 0-3, Diarmaid Byrnes 0-3 (0-2 frees, 0-1 ’65), Tom Morrissey 0-2, Shane O’Brien 0-1, Barry Nash 0-1, Cian Lynch 0-1, Cathal O’Neill 0-1.
Scorers for Cork: Alan Connolly 0-7 (0-7 frees), Tim O’Mahony 0-4 (0-3 ’65, 0-1 free), Brian Hayes 1-1, Mark Coleman 1-0 (1-0 pen), Diarmuid Healy 0-2, William Buckley 0-2, Robert Downey 0-1.
Limerick
1. Nickie Quaid (Effin)
2. Seán Finn (Bruff), 3. Dan Morrissey (Ahane), 4. Barry Nash (South Liberties)
5. Diarmaid Byrnes (Patrickswell), 6. William O’Donoghue (Na Piarsaigh), 7. Kyle Hayes (Kildimo-Pallaskenry)
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Casey hits winner as Limerick's late surge lands Munster hurling title against Cork
Limerick 1-21
Cork 2-17
LIMERICK HAVE RETURNED to the Munster hurling summit, Peter Casey’s 72nd minute score proving the moment that settled this tight and tense decider against Cork.
In a game that unfolded on a damp Leeside afternoon and on a greasy surface, Limerick mounted a vital scoring charge in firing four of the last five points to reel Cork in.
A brilliantly-worked Brian Hayes goal early in the second half pushed Cork five clear, 2-12 to 1-10, but Limerick remained in the hunt against the home side to land the silverware before a crowd of 43,209.
Alan Connolly’s 66th minute free nudged Cork two clear, yet with just a single score from play in the second half, it was clear where their struggles lay as they failed to pack a punch of sufficient strength up front. Amidst escalating pressure and with the prospect of extra-time looming, Limerick got the job done.
The outstanding Diarmaid Byrnes nailed a ’65 to drag them within one before a powerful run and offload by Kyle Hayes paved the way for Gearoid Hegarty to at last bring Limerick level, just as normal time was elapsing.
Casey, a quiet influence for long stretches, then exploded to life as he lofted over a glorious strike from the right wing as the action entered injury-time. Diarmuid Healy drew the free that Connolly slotted to bring Cork level, Limerick countered with Casey clipping over another point.
That served the end of the scoring run, yet the action rolled on through a series of frantic passages of play. Limerick created a couple of chances to go further clear, Hegarty knocking one against the upright, and Cork had one last-gasp opportunity from a long-range free to deliver extra-time.
Goalkeeper Patrick Collins knocked it sideways and short to Mark Coleman, the ball was transferred in to Tim O’Mahony as he launched it forward, yet time was called and Limerick’s resilient showing was rewarded with the spoils as they celebrated with gusto.
The scoreboard gap stood at two at the break, 1-11 to 1-9, a position that was more satisfactory from a Limerick viewpoint. They strung together the last four points of the half – a pair of Aidan O’Connor frees, combined with one apiece from Cathal O’Neill and Shane O’Brien.
That ensured they had chipped away at the advantage Cork had constructed, Rob Downey’s rousing score in the 30th minute when he fetched a Nickie Quaid puckout and despatched the ball between the posts had sent them six clear at that stage.
Both teams enjoyed the uplift of a first quarter goal. Mark Coleman drilled home a penalty for Cork Brian Hayes had been wrestled to the ground. Limerick responded, Gearoid Hegarty’s opportunism on show as he caught a Diarmaid Byrnes free that dropped short and deftly flicked a one-handed stroke to the net.
Cork conjured up a stunning goal early in the second half with Healy, Shane Barrett, Coleman and Tommy O’Connell involved in an intricate sequence of passes, prising apart the Limerick defence for Hayes to finish impressively.
It transpired not to be the moment that served as a springboard for success, Limerick rising to the challenge as the second half progressed, adding Munster glory to their league triumph in April.
They march on to the All-Ireland semi-final stage in early July, Cork are back out in action in a fortnight against Offaly.
Scorers for Limerick: Aidan O’Connor 0-8 (0-5 frees, 0-2 ’65), Gearoid Hegarty 1-1, Peter Casey 0-3, Diarmaid Byrnes 0-3 (0-2 frees, 0-1 ’65), Tom Morrissey 0-2, Shane O’Brien 0-1, Barry Nash 0-1, Cian Lynch 0-1, Cathal O’Neill 0-1.
Scorers for Cork: Alan Connolly 0-7 (0-7 frees), Tim O’Mahony 0-4 (0-3 ’65, 0-1 free), Brian Hayes 1-1, Mark Coleman 1-0 (1-0 pen), Diarmuid Healy 0-2, William Buckley 0-2, Robert Downey 0-1.
Limerick
1. Nickie Quaid (Effin)
2. Seán Finn (Bruff), 3. Dan Morrissey (Ahane), 4. Barry Nash (South Liberties)
5. Diarmaid Byrnes (Patrickswell), 6. William O’Donoghue (Na Piarsaigh), 7. Kyle Hayes (Kildimo-Pallaskenry)
9. Darragh O’Donovan (Doon), 11. Cian Lynch (Patrickswell – captain),
10. Gearóid Hegarty (St Patrick’s), 14. Aidan O’Connor (Ballybrown), 12. Cathal O’Neill (Crecora-Manister)
13. Aaron Gillane (Patrickswell), 24. Shane O’Brien (Kilmallock), 15. Peter Casey (Na Piarsaigh)
Subs
Cork
1. Patrick Collins (Ballinhassig)
3. Damien Cahalane (St Finbarr’s), 2. Niall O’Leary (Castlelyons), 4. Seán O’Donoghue (Inniscarra)
7. Mark Coleman (Blarney – captain). 6. Robert Downey (Glen Rovers), 5. Eoin Downey (Glen Rovers)
8. Tim O’Mahony (Newtownshandrum), 9. Tommy O’Connell (Midleton),
10. Barry Walsh (Killeagh), 11. Shane Barrett (Blarney), 12. Diarmuid Healy (Lisgoold)
13. Alan Connolly (Blackrock), 14. Brian Hayes (St Finbarr’s), 15. William Buckley (St Finbarr’s)
Subs
Referee: James Owens (Wexford)
*****
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Cork GAA Hurling Limerick Shannonsiders