Job done, but positional posers remain for Cork

Cork 1-18 Limerick 2-12

Yet, the inescapable fact is that underdogs Limerick lost the momentum they had gained over the course of a spirited first half display and struggled in the face of a rising Cork challenge.

To their great credit and thanks to the astute preparation of manager Padjoe Whelahan they were still in contention when the whistle sounded in the 40th minute.