Limerick encouraged with 0-33 to 2-19 Win but will Expect different Cork in Munster Semi Final

Limerick registered their first win of the league campaign following a 0-33 to 2-19 win over Cork at the Gaelic Grounds this evening and while this result will count for nothing in four weeks time, the manner in which Limerick went about their business will give John Kiely huge cause for optimism.

The performance saw some good shooting, a reduced free count (helped by a referee intent on letting the game flow) and a return to that disciplined tackling and pressure. For a Limerick side looking to generate some momentum, it was a big performance, for Cork, we have learned little and will be ready for an entirely different performance in the Munster semi final.

Despite wides from Will O’Donoghue & Cian Lynch with wides inside opening 60 seconds Limerick showed plenty of intent right from the off. An Aaron Gillane free followed up by a fine Will O’Donoghue score under pressure saw Kiely’s charges in to a two point lead inside 3 minutes.

Damian Cahalane repsonds for Cork with their opening point before Gillane (free), Byrnes (free) and two Cian Lynch points saw Limerick lead by 0-6 to 0-1.

Cork responded well as Shane Kingston and Conor Cahalane landed points before Jack O’Connor followed up on Cahalane’s blistering shot that rattled the crossbar to shoot past Barry Hennessy to level the game 1-3 to 0-6.

Cork’s revival didn’t last long as Peter Casey landed two quick fire points, the second of which was off balance and under intense scrutiny from the Cork defence.

Tom Morrissey capitalised with a point from play as another Cork puck out broke down. Ballybrown debutant Colin Coughlan didn’t look out of place as he landed a brace fo scores to extend the lead to 0-11 to 1-3.

Cork kept in touch with a free from Declan Dalton to move on to 1-4. Again Limerick responded with a flurry of points form Gillane (2 frees), Pat Ryan, Tom Morrissey and Barry Nash moved Limerick on to 0-17.

Mark Coleman with two pointed long frees to make it 1-6 for Kieran Kingston’s side. Ryan, Lynch and another Gillane free before the break bookended a Declan Dalton free for Cork as the half time whistle blew. Limerick 0-20 Cork 1-7 and easily the best opening half of Limerick’s season.

Pat Horgan marks his introduction with a free, followed up by a Robbie O’Flynn score off a turnover and a Jack O’Connor point when a goal looked the more likely outcome.

Aaron Gillane with Limerick’s first point of the half following a trip on Pat Ryan. A pull back on Cian Lynch’s hurley afforded Gillane with his second placed ball of the second half and the Patrickswell man made no mistake to make it 0-22 to 1-10.

Shane Kingston landed Cork’s best score of the evening from an acute angle to move on to 1-11 but points from Tom Morrissey and Diarmaid Byrnes restored Limerick’s ten point lead.

Limerick were now in full flow dominating possession and taking scores at ease. Diarmaid Brynes landed a 65′ from below the Mackey Stand to move Limerick on to 0-25. Another Cork malfunction from the restart gave Gillane a routine free from dead in front to move on 0-26.

Richie English then pulled off a miraculous goal line clearance as Cork looked certain to raise their second green flag of the evening. The resultant puck out was worked up field to Darragh O’Donovan who knocked over point number 27 for Limerick.

Cork’s Jack O’Connor registered his second goal of the evening. The corner forward gathered a superb cross field ball, beat two Limerick defenders and avoided a hook with a batted finish past Barry Hennessey to make it 2-11 to 0-27.

Three Pat Horgan frees moved the Lee-siders on to 2-14 just seven points off their hosts. Aaron Gillane (free) and Tom Morrissey moved Limerick to 0-29.

Pat Horgan landed another Cork point but Limerick responded as Adrian Breen knocked over the blackspot following another forced turnover.

Cathal O’Neill moved Limerick past the thirty point mark with a fine score from open stand sideline. A misplaced Cork pass found Cian Lynch who fished over the bar for Limerick’s 32nd point of the evening.

A Pat Horgan free, point form play and a 65′ moved Cork on to 2-18 but Cathal O’Neill responded with another point to move Limerick on to 33 points and a nine point lead. Horgan would have the last say with a 65 but it finished Limerick 0-33 Cork 2-19.