Limerick produced a ruthless attacking display at the TUS Gaelic Grounds, sweeping Tipperary aside on a 5-27 to 0-25 scoreline to secure their place in the Munster senior hurling final against Cork on Leeside on June 7.
A crowd of 29,069 paid into the Ennis Road venue, where John Kiely’s side once again underlined the strength of their round-robin form on home soil. It was Limerick’s third Championship win in succession and it sends them into an eighth consecutive Munster decider, extending their remarkable run of provincial final appearances since 2019.
The tone was set almost immediately. Aaron Gillane struck the opening goal inside the first 15 seconds, finding space straight from the throw-in before driving a low finish to the net. From there, Limerick rarely looked in danger of being reeled in.
Aidan O’Connor added Limerick’s second goal in unusual fashion when his low delivery from a 65 travelled all the way through a crowded goalmouth and ended up in the net. With Gillane also claiming another green flag later in the contest, and O’Connor finishing with a brace of his own, the Limerick full-forward line carried a constant threat.
Kiely had restored Cian Lynch to the starting team after his influential showing against Waterford, while Mike Casey was also handed a start. Shane O’Brien and Barry Nash were named among the substitutes, but Limerick’s reshuffle did little to interrupt their rhythm.
All six starting forwards were on target before half-time, with Gearóid Hegarty, Tom Morrissey, Cathal O’Neill, Lynch, Gillane and O’Connor all contributing as the home side built a commanding platform. Casey also chipped in from defence as Limerick moved 2-6 (12pts) to 0-4 ahead during the opening half.
Tipperary, despite having surrendered their All-Ireland crown eight days earlier, did offer resistance before the break. Stefan Tobin impressed with his movement and accuracy, while Darragh McCarthy, Noel McGrath, Jake Morris and Eoghan Connolly helped Liam Cahill’s side stay within range.
A run of Tipperary scores briefly brought life to the travelling support, with Tobin proving a willing outlet and McCarthy reliable from placed balls. Connolly landed a long-range effort late in the half, but Diarmaid Byrnes responded with a free of his own to leave Limerick 2-12 (18pts) to 0-14 in front at the interval.
The second half, however, belonged almost entirely to the Treaty. Limerick tightened their grip around the middle third and began to punish every gap in the Tipperary defence.
Byrnes dispatched a penalty after Kyle Hayes was fouled by Connolly, a moment that also resulted in a black card for the Tipperary player. During that spell, O’Connor struck again before Gillane completed his double, turning a competitive-looking contest into a heavy defeat for the Premier County.
Late points from Tobin, Connolly and substitute Paddy McCormack added to Tipperary’s total, but they did little to alter the complexion of the afternoon. The result leaves Tipperary fifth in the Munster table, below Waterford on scoring difference, while their wait for a Championship win over Limerick continues.
For Limerick, this was a statement performance: five goals, a 17 point winning margin, and another Munster final date secured.
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