Limerick 3-23 Tipperary 2-16
Limerick march onto a Munster final and at this rate, it will take something special to stop them.
John Kiely’s team put in a well-rounded performance to send Tipperary for the back door and to set up a Munster final meeting with Waterford in a fortnight’s time.
A brace of goals from the irresistible Aaron Gillane put daylight between themselves and the All-Ireland champions and by the end, they were good value for their nine point win.
Limerick started the better with Gearoid Hegarty picking up from where he left off last week. The big St Patrick’s club man scored an early point and won a number of possessions to set up some fine Limerick scores.
From midfield, William O’Donoghue chipped in with two long-rangers while Cian Lynch, in his new station at centre forward, scored two and set up a number.
The wind was at their backs and Limerick made it count, with Gillane in particular, posing a serious headache for the Tipperary full back line. Declan Hannon was dominating the centre and alongside him, his new partner at right half back Kyle Hayes, kept it all quiet down that flank.
Aaron Gillane gets @LimerickCLG's first goal of the game just moments later! pic.twitter.com/vg97tYixMX
— The GAA (@officialgaa) November 1, 2020
Tipperary hit in bursts though with a brilliant Seamus Callanan pass setting up Jake Morris for a goal that would offer them a lifeline. But Liam Sheedy’s team would have it all to do in the second half, heading into the break with an eight point deficit.
Seamie Callanan doesn't want anything to do with a pointpic.twitter.com/qTRJZtUUpd
— GAA JOE (@GAA__JOE) November 1, 2020
And despite a bright start to it, with Jason Forde reeling off a couple of frees, Limerick looked the better team once again. They were rewarded when, despite having taken 10 steps on his way to the goals, Gearoid Hegarty was fouled for a penalty. Aaron Gillane brilliantly and cleverly rifled his shot low into the slippy Páirc Uí Chaoimh sod, and Brian Hogan was left with no chance.
Facing a ten point deficit, Tipp were standing at the bottom of Everest. They began climbing with the impressive Noel McGrath scoring one and setting up another for Michael Breen, who looked energetic off the bench. Then, the Premier County got a lucky break as despite having picked the ball up off the turf, Noel set up his brother John for a goal.
Brilliant pick-up from Noel McGrathpic.twitter.com/lMV1cvv1sA
— GAA JOE (@GAA__JOE) November 1, 2020
Limerick were too good though, with Seamus Flanagan and Pat Ryan thundering into the game off the bench. Cian Lynch was still directing proceedings while in defence, Diarmuid Byrnes seemed to emerge with every dropping ball. Seamus Flanagan rounded off his performance with a well-taken goal as Limerick headed for home and Tipp head for the qualifiers.
WATCH: Liverpool BOTTLED the title race 🤬 | Who will win the Premier League?
