WITH consummate ease, Limerick accounted for All-Ireland champions Tipperary, 0-36 to 0-21, in the National Hurling League at a well-populated (attendance 15,000-plus) Semple Stadium, Thurles.
For the Shannonsiders, it represented a 13th straight competitive win against Tipp.
John Kiely’s side had the outcome wrapped up early, and the red card shown to Willie Connors just after half-time mattered little as Limerick were way out in front, 0-20 to 0-7.
Aidan O’Connor again led the scoring brigade (0-11), with other fine contributions too from Shane O’Brien (0-6) and Peter Casey (0-4).
In all, a dozen players scored for the winners.
Another satisfactory note was the safe return from injury of Kyle Hayes.
Limerick, who are now serious contenders for a final berth, are out next against bottomless Offaly at O’Connor Park, Tullamore on Sunday (2pm).
“There’s plenty of newer players, plenty of older players who want to get to a league final,” commented captain William O’Donoghue afterwards. “We’ve Offaly next, and they’ve had some really good performances and that’s all I am worried about right now.”