Limerick’s new green wave

Limerick 0-16

But, much more impressively, they overcame the effects of that potentially damaging defeat in Croke Park last Sunday to such devastating effect that they totally outplayed the provincial champions almost from start to finish.

It was tribute both to the outstanding character of the team and the managerial skills of Liam Kearns and you had to be there to appreciate the magnitude of their achievement.

Starting with the wind behind them Cork got the opening two points.

However, it was noteworthy that their second in the 10th minute, from wing-back Noel O'Leary, proved to be their only one from play until corner-forward Micheal O Croinin got their last score ten minutes into the second half.

Once Limerick had drawn level by the 13th minute, and gone ahead immediately afterwards through Stephen Lavin, they mounted a challenge which had the ultimate effect of almost suffocating an uninspiring home attack and subjecting the defence to continuous pressure.

John Galvin and John Quane achieved their predictable dominance in the middle.

Jason Stokes was to also contribute hugely until injury forced him off near the end of the half, and, probably more important than any other single factor, team captain Muiris Gavin inspired the team with his free-taking.

As happened in their opening championship game against Kerry last year, Limerick's ability to monopolise midfield provided the platform from which to launch their offensive.

The fact that their opening three scores came from the half-forwards signalled their successful play in this area and, combined with their general team play, it meant that the attacking potential of Martin Cronin and Eoin Sexton in the Cork defence was severely curtailed.

Additionally, the tactic of the Limerick half-forwards dropping back to support the defence had the added benefit of crowding out the Cork forwards.

Crucially, full-back Diarmuid Sheehy enjoyed significant success in obviating the threat from Colin Corkery, while Jason Stokes' commanding play in the centre was complemented by his facility to support the midfielders.

Galvin was the more forceful of the two, but John Quane, too, exerted a huge influence.

After 26 minutes play, Limerick enjoyed a three points lead, but their advantage in play was significantly greater.

Cork were limited to only occasional raids and while the likes of Brendan Jer O'Sullivan won some good ball, he did little positive with it and by and large, there was no cohesion in the attack.

Tom Kenny looked out of his class, Fionan Murray was making no impact with Tommy Stack sensibly playing him from the front and O Croinin played well below his League form.

Corkery's role was largely limited to his free-taking typically accurate, with the exception of one kick and it kept Cork in touch to a degree. At the break it was 0-10 to 0-5.

While nothing really happened in the second half to put a Limerick victory in any doubt, Cork did manage a substantial improvement at midfield, through Derek Kavanagh, and later substitute Maurice McCarthy.

Jim O'Donoghue was a good addition to the attack, while both Lynch and O'Brien stepped up on their displays at the heart of the defence.

On the other hand, Brian Begley was to play a more convincing part at full-forward.

Some poor finishing frustrated Cork before Corkery promised a goal in the 52nd minute, but after winning a pass from Murray near the end line he was shouldered over it by goalkeeper Seamus O'Donnell's timely tackle.

Limerick never relaxed their grip, always dangerous in breaks from the back.

They had the fitness, the resolve and most tellingly of all the confidence to sustain their effort, with Stephen Lucey proving more than adequate replacement for Stokes.

And, nearing the end after Cork had Murray red-carded for use of the foot when Gavin blocked his way as he was about to kick a free Limerick could have had the ball in the net.

But, substitute Johnny Murphy opted to take his score when Pat Ahern was loose at the edge of the square.

*Brian White refereed the game effectively, working with a good team at both ends and on the sidelines.

Scorers: Limerick M. Gavin 0-9 (0-8 frees); S. Kelly, S. Lavin, C. Fitzgerald, M. Reidy, J. Quane, B. Begley and J. Murphy 0-1 each.

Cork: C. Corkery 0-4 frees; N. O'Leary and M. O Croinin 0-1 each.

LIMERICK: S. O'Donnell; M. O'Riordan, D. Sheehy, T. Stack; C. Mullane, J. Stokes, D. Reidy; J. Quane, J. Galvin; S. Kelly, M. Gavin (capt.), S. Lavin; C. Fitzgerald, B. Begley, M. Reidy. Subs: S. Lucey for Stokes (injured, 33rd minute); J. Murphy for Fitzgerald (65th); P. Ahern for M. Reidy (67th); P. Browne for O'Riordan (71st).

CORK: K. O'Dwyer; S. O'Brien, A. O'Connor, A. Lynch; N. O'Leary, M. Cronin, E. Sexton; N. Murphy, D. Kavanagh; B.J. O'Sullivan, T. Kenny, A. Cronin; F. Murray, C. Corkery, M. O Croinin.

Subs: M. McCarthy for Murphy (second half); J. O'Donoghue for Kenny (48th); C. Crowley for A. Cronin (55th); J. O'Shea for O Croinin (60th).

Referee: B. White (Wexford).

*Att: 8,000 (approx).