Limerick absolutely bolted out of the traps but Waterford were doing their best to cling on.
The Allianz Leagues Hurling Final was rip-roaring fare and All-Ireland champs Limerick raced into an 0-8 to 0-2 lead over the Deise.
Stephen O'Keeffe had to be at his most brave, and reckless, to prevent Alan Gillane from rippling the back of his net after only six minutes. Gillane looked dead set to score but O'Keeffe raced from his line and heedlessly flung his body ay the ball.
https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1112341444885385216
Still Limerick pressed and they were making hay with scores in the early stages. Jamie Barron was starting to find space, though, and Stephen Bennett was finding his range as Waterford got their act together.
They got back to within a point of Limerick when Gillane scored an absolute gem of a goal.
Tom Morrissey drove the sliothar in on a low trajectory and Gillane, having lost his marker, knew exactly what he was up to. His flick had to be spot on to beat O'Keeffe and that it was.
https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1112346461835005952
The reaction to Gillane's flicked goal said it all.
https://twitter.com/BrianTimmytron6/status/1112347623707602945
https://twitter.com/FTYFAN1/status/1112345776150196225
https://twitter.com/Jimmy25white/status/1112346679834038272
https://twitter.com/CoitirMac/status/1112346647370129408
The Limerick forward was close to un-markable in the first half as he scored with impunity.
It is a real joy to watch him in full flow.
