Deadly Downes drives Limerick

IN perfect summer conditions, a powerful Limerick side proved too strong for Clare in Cusack Park yesterday as they booked their place against Cork in next Wednesday’s Munster Under-21 hurling final.

When Limerick step out onto their home turf in the Gaelic Grounds next week it will be for their first Munster decider since 2002 and the heady days of the All-Ireland three-in-a-row.

Limerick had entered the game as underdogs but inspired by the contributions of senior stars Kevin Downes and Declan Hannon up front belied that tag with a performance of subtlety, pace and power.