Allianz Hurling League Semi-Final

LIMERICK 1-19 DUBLIN 1-16

By Cian O’Connell at Nowlan Park

These are exciting and encouraging times for Limerick, who married graft with craft, when securing a solid semi-final success.

There was little wrong with Dublin’s attitude or application, but Limerick just had the requisite steel and skill to cope.

Limerick finished the match with1-19 from 38 attempts, but they were worthy victors against a spirited Dublin.

Substitute Seamus Flanagan’s 60th minute goal was the decisive score on a satisfactory afternoon for Limerick, who advance to their first Allianz Hurling League showpiece since 2006.

An interesting opening period wasn’t short on passion as Limerick eventually departed at the interval armed with a slender 0-10 to 0-9 advantage.

How Dublin coped, though, with four injury enforced departures was impressive as Mattie Kenny’s outfit demonstrated resilience during the first half.

Different questions were posed by the All Ireland champions, who were prompted by the selfless approach of Graeme Mulcahy.

The Kilmallock corner forward mined three points before the break, while also making a string of splendid hooks and flicks forcing turnovers which John Kiely’s charges profited from.

At the opposite end of the field Dublin were causing Limerick some bother too as Danny Sutcliffe and Eamon Dillon enjoyed some productive moments.

Limerick were that tiny bit slicker converting chances as they took 0-10 from 16, while Dublin struck 0-9 from 17 prior to the turnaround.

As the break approached Dublin had edged a point in front, but Gearoid Hegarty levelled and a brilliant Kyle Hayes run manufactured space for Aaron Gillane, who nudged them in front.

Still the issue was delicately poised when the teams returned, but Dublin just couldn’t inflict sufficient damage.

Limerick’s well organised defence was able to adequately deal with Dublin, who were eventually fended off by the Treatymen.

Having edged five clear by the 60th minute Limerick pounced for a daring and delightful goal illustrating their class.

Diarmuid Byrne’s inviting delivery located Cian Lynch, who executed a gorgeous fetch and then drilled a cute pass to substitute Seamus Flanagan.

Within seconds the Dublin net was dancing and all that needed to be determined was Limerick’s winning margin.

Byrnes added a decorative score from distance, but Dublin did grab a consolation when replacement Ronan Hayes batted a 64th minute major.

Limerick, though, weren’t overly perturbed. Another high profile national decider now beckons.

Scorers for Limerick: Aaron Gillane (3fs) and Diarmuid Byrnes (4fs) 0-5 each, Graeme Mulcahy 0-3, Seamus Flanagan 1-0, Darragh O’Donovan 0-2, Cian Lynch, Peter Casey, Gearoid Hegarty, and Tom Morrissey 0-1 each.

Scorers for Dublin: Paul Ryan 0-6 (6fs), Eamon Dillon and Danny Sutcliffe 0-3 each, Ronan Hayes 1-0, Chris Crummey, David Treacy, Tomas Connolly, Sean Moran (f) 0-1 each.

LIMERICK: Nickie Quaid; Tom Condon, Sean Finn, Richie English; Diarmuid Byrnes, Dan Morrissey, Paddy O'Loughlin; Cian Lynch, Darragh O'Donovan; Gearoid Hegarty, Kyle Hayes, Tom Morrissey; Aaron Gillane, Peter Casey, Graeme Mulcahy.

Subs: David Dempsey for T Morrissey (53), Seamus Flanagan for Mulcahy (54), Conor Boylan for Hegarty (59), Mike Casey for Condon (65), Barry Murphy for Hayes (66)

DUBLIN: Alan Nolan; Daithi O’Connell, Eoghan O’Donnell, Paddy Smyth; Chris Crummey, Sean Moran, Shane Barrett; Daire Gray, Sean Treacy; Cian Boland, Danny Sutcliffe, Eamon Dillon; Riain McBride, John Hetherton, Oisin O’Rorke.

Subs: Paul Ryan for O’Rorke (11), Tomas Connolly for Gray (14-35, blood), Fergal Whitely for Treacy (21), Jake Malone for McBride (25), Ronan Hayes for Hetherton (43), David Treacy for Boland (51).

REFEREE: John Keenan (Wicklow).