FOR the majority of Easter Sunday’s 100th Anniversary National Hurling League Final at a packed Gaelic Grounds, Limerick had the measure of Cork and eventually triumphed 1-27 to 1-21.
It represented a 15th such win for the Shannonsiders in the competition.
It was Limerick’s first ever defeat of Cork in a League decider, having lost on previous such occasions in 1970, ‘72, ‘74 and ‘80, following a replay.
With a strong breeze, Limerick quickly built up a nine-point lead and were four points to the good at the turnaround, 1-13 to 1-9.
Limerick’s goal was a wonderful effort from Aaron Gillane.
Cork threatened for patches in the closing period, but determined Limerick sprinted for the finishing line with important late scores from man of the match Gillane and David Reidy.
It was Limerick’s first ever defeat of Cork in a League decider.
The counties will collide again in the Munster Championship at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in a fortnight’s time.
Limerick: Nickie Quaid, Seán Finn, Mike Casey, Barry Nash; Diarmaid Byrnes (0-3), William O’Donoghue, Kyle Hayes; Adam English (0-3), Cian Lynch, captain;Gearóid Hegarty (0-2), Aidan O’Connor (0-8), Cathal O’Neill (0-2); Aaron Gillane(1-7), Shane O’Brien (0-1), David Reidy (0-1).
Substitutes used: Peter Casey, Darragh O’Donovan, Ethan Hurley, Colin Coughlan.