Final takeaways: The worry for the rest is that when they reach this pitch, Limerick look unstoppable

Limerick’s half-back turned the screw and took over. Diarmaid Byrnes ruled the skies. Kyle Hayes was utterly devastating on the other wing

FOURMIDABLE: Skipper Cian Lynch celebrates with the Liam MacCarthy Cup at Croke Park. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Limerick weather bright start once again

It started with a boomer. Paddy Deegan found a pocket of space under the Cusack Stand and smashed over a long-range score. Tom Phelan received a royal welcome to his first All-Ireland final, dropping a ball early on and being opened up by a thunderous tackle from William O’Donoghue in the first few minutes. He recovered to land two points from play shortly after. Just before his second, the Conahy Shamrocks man forced a break and Eoin Cody collected the loose ball at the top of the D. The captain finished the move by rifling into the bottom corner. Kilkenny were 1-4 to 0-3 up midway through the half.