Limerick captain Tom Morrissey celebrates at the Gaelic Grounds.
Bord Gais Energy Munster Under 21 Final
LIMERICK 0-16 CORK 1-11
By Jackie Cahill at the Gaelic Grounds
Limerick were crowned Bord Gáis Energy Munster U-21 hurling champions tonight – as Pat Donnelly’s charges edged past Cork by two points.
Defeat for the visiting Rebels denies the county a Munster ‘clean sweep’ – after a glorious summer saw U-17, minor and senior titles collected.
But Cork failed in their quest for a first U-21 crown in 10 years, as Limerick marched on to an All-Ireland semi-final clash with Galway on August 20.
A massive crowd, 11,774, was present at the Gaelic Grounds to witness Limerick claim their eighth Munster U-21 title in all.
And Cian Lynch claimed the man-of-the-match award on the back of an industrious performance.
It was that kind of night for Limerick, in marked contrast to their 11 and 13-point victories over Tipperary and Clare in previous outings.
This was much more of a dogfight for Limerick, but they emerged to claim the silverware, as Aaron Gillane top-scored with six pointed frees.
They had roared into a 0-7 to 0-0 lead within 14 minutes, before Cork rallied to trail by just four points at the break, 1-4 to 0-11.
The goal for the Rebels was a real tonic, scored by Tim O’Mahony in the 26th minute.
Barry Nash, Limerick, and John Cashman, Cork, during the Bord Gais Energy Munster Under 21 decider.
Mark Coleman, a leading contender for the Young Hurler of the Year award, helped to create it with some excellent work inside his own half.
Paul Leopold moved the ball inside to O’Mahony and he got inside his man before beating Eoghan McNamara at his near post with a one-handed strike.
But Limerick, who turned to play into the breeze in the second half, would ultimately prevail, despite going 18 minutes without a score from the 39th minute.
That allowed Cork to work their way back to within two points – 1-9 to 0-14 – before a Gillane free with three minutes left stopped the Limerick rot.
Gillane lofted over another to give Limerick a four-point cushion, but Cork hit back with points from senior stars Coleman (free) and Shane Kingston.
But this was a night when, bar O’Mahony’s effort, Cork found goal chances at a premium.
Kyle Hayes operated effectively in the sweeper role for Limerick, and the Leesiders struggled to break through.
Declan Dalton was Cork’s semi-final hero with a massive 1-12 haul against Waterford – but he was restricted to just two pointed frees here.
Meanwhile Derry were crowned Ulster champions following a comprehensive 3-17 to 1-9 win over Down at Corrigan Park.
Two late goals from substitute Corey Riley sealed Derry's victory.
Down started well with Oisin McManus netting a goal, but Brian Cassidy responded with a Derry major before the break.
Scorers for Limerick: Aaron Gillane 0-6 (6fs), Ronan Lynch (2fs), Thomes Grimes, Peter Casey and Barry Nash 0-2 each, Mike Mackey and Tom Morrissey 0-1 each.
**Scorers for Cork: **Tim O’Mahony 1-1, Shane Kingston 0-3, Mark Coleman (2fs), Michael O’Halloran and Declan Dalton (2fs) 0-2 each, Robbie O’Flynn 0-1.
**LIMERICK: **Eoghan McNamara; Sean Finn, Darragh Fanning, Dan Joy; Ronan Lynch, Kyle Hayes, Thomas Grimes; Colin Ryan, Robbie Hanley; Aaron Gillane, Mike Mackey, Cian Lynch; Barry Nash, Peter Casey, Tom Morrissey.
Subs: Paudie Ahern for Casey (43), Conor Boylan for Mackey (47), Barry Murphy for Morrissey (56), Lorcan Lyons for Hanley (60+2).
CORK: Patrick Collins; David Griffin, Eoghan Murphy, John Cashman; Sean O’Donoghue, Mark Coleman, Darren Browne; David Lowney, Paul Leopold; Chris O’Leary, Michael O’Halloran, Shane Kingston; Declan Dalton, Robbie O’Flynn, Tim O’Mahony.
**Subs: **Jack O’Connor for O’Leary (40), Dave O’Neill for Lowney (56), John Looney for O’Mahony (57), Conor Cahalane for Cashman (60+2).
**REFEREE: **Rory McGann (Clare).
