LIMERICK hurling has secured the Munster double. For the first time in 73 years, Limerick are the Minor and Senior hurling champions of the province.
Limerick’s Minors secured their first title since 1984 with a 1-20 to 4-8 win over Waterford on Tuesday night in the Electric Ireland Munster hurling final replay.
This game had it all. A pitch invasion before and after the game. (The 6,500 strong crowd had to walk across the pitch pre match to find free seats), a failed scoreboard and a hat trick of goals from Waterford forward Stephen Bennett.
Limerick started with Ronan Lynch at centre back, moving from full forward in the drawn game. The tactic worked a treat. Limerick’s equalising goal hero from nine days ago, Tom Morrissey, was picked to start as Limerick dominated the opening exchanges.
Cian Lynch once more impressed on the 40, while Pat Ryan, Barry Nash and David Dempsey all added to Limerick’s scoring prowess.
Limerick deservedly lead 1-7 to 2-2 at half time. The second half saw Waterford show why they are are still a contender for All Ireland glory despite this loss. The Desise went into a 3-6 to 1-9 lead.
Limerick once more showed a never say die spirit and immediately replied in force to turn the game in their favour.
There was still time for drama however. As the scoreboard suffered a power failure, Waterford came back to draw once more. 4-8 to 1-17.
The Limerick side, much like their senior counterparts, battle to the end and points from Ronan Lynch, David Dempsey and Pat Ryan ensured Limerick lifted the cup for the first time in 29 seasons.
Limerick will now play the winners of a Galway and Laois on August 18 as a curtain raiser to the senior game.
SCORERS – Limerick: Ronan Lynch 0-6 (five frees), Cian Lynch 1-2, Tom Morrissey, Pat Ryan, Barry Nash 0-3 each, David Dempsey 0-2, Dean Coleman 0-1.
LIMERICK – Colin Ryan; Sean Finn, Stephen Cahill, Richard English (capt); Andrew La Touche Cosgrave, Ronan Lynch, Sean Flanagan; Jamie Butler, Darragh O’Donovan; Cian Lynch, David Dempsey, Barry Nash; Dean Coleman, Tom Morrissey, Pat Ryan. Subs: Edward Doyle for Dean Coleman (29mins), Michael Casey for Stephen Cahill (38mins), Lorcan Lyons for Jamie Butler (53mins), Dean Coleman for Edward Doyle (58mins).
