Cork 0-20
Limerick 0-18

Stephen Walsh reports from Páirc Uí Rinn

CORK RETAINED THE Munster intermediate hurling title for the second year in a row after a two point victory in Páirc Ui Rinn in front of 1,774 spectators tonight.

Cork had the better start getting the scoreboard moving going 0-3 to 0-0 ahead after nine minutes. Limerick relied on four pointed frees from Willie Griffin throughout the opening half to stay within range of the defending Munster champions.

Cork dominated proceedings with further points from the accurate Noel McNamara and Murphy who proved a handful for Limerick’s defence.

The Limerick midfield won possession nearing half time and senior panellist Tom Morrissey made best use of the ball scoring four points to leave Limerick trailing 0-11 to 0-8 at the break against the wind.

Cork intermediate boss Ronan Dwane James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

The visitors used the wind to their best of their advantage in the second half with Diarmaid Byrnes excelling for Limerick at centre back scoring 0-5.

Cork was reliant on McNamara’s frees to keep the scoreboard ticking over to put 0-16 to 0-12 ahead on 43 minutes. Cork substitute Kevin O’Neill scored two points to keep the lead to five points.

With five to go Limerick were five down and despite reducing the lead to two points with points from Byrnes and Mike Fitzgibbon, time ran out ensuring Cork retained the cup.

Scorers for Cork: Noel McNamara (0-8, 7f), Tony Murphy (0-4), Willie Leahy, Kevin O’Neill, Donncha O’Donovan (2f) (0-2 each), Michael Collins, Shane McCarthy, (0-1 each)

Scorers for Limerick: Willie Griffin (4f), Diarmuid Byrnes (2f) (0-5 each,) Tom Morrissey (0-4), Robert O’Donnell, Richie English, Mike Fitzgibbon, Darragh O’Donovan (0-1 each)

Tom Morrissey hit 0-4 for Limerick tonight. Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

Cork

1. Paudgie Buckley (Mallow)

2. Barra Ó Tuama (Castlemartyr)
3. Ed Finn (Ballinhassig)
4. Greg Murphy (Newcestown)

5. Kevin Kavanagh (Carrigaline) (Capt)
6. Donnacha O’Donovan (Ballinhassig)
7. Tomas Lawerence (Brian Dillons)

8. Martin Brennan (Fermoy)
9. Shane McCarthy (Ballinhassig)

10. Willie Leahy (Aghada)
11. Michael Collins (Ballinhassig)
12. Luke Meade (Newcestown)

13. Noel McNamara (Kilworth)
14. Fintan O’Leary (Ballinhassig)
15. Tony Murphy (Carrigaline)

Subs
20 Kevin O’Neill (Watergrasshill) for Brennan (31)
19 Ciaran O’Brien (St. Ita’s) for Finn (38)
23 Andrew Cagney (Charleville) for O’Leary (55)
21 Aaron Sheehan for McNamara (59)

Limerick

1. Brian Murray (Patrickswell)

2. Sean Finn (Bruff)
3. Barry O’Connell (Kildimo-Pallaskenry)
4. Mike Reidy (Dromin-Athlacca)

5. Denis Moloney (Doon)
6. Diarmuid Byrnes (Patrickswell)
7. Barry Lynch (Feohanagh-Castlemahon)

8. Robert O’Donnell (Pallasgreen)
9. Andrew Brennan (Caherline)

10. Darragh O’Donovan (Doon)
11. Kevin O’Brien (Patrickswell)
12. Mark Carmody (Patrickswell)

13. Willie Griffin (Adare)
14. Tom Morrissey (Ahane)
15. Mike Fitzgibbon (Feohanagh-Castlemahon)

Subs
22 Ronan Lynch (Na Piarsaigh) for K O’Brien (27)
21 Richie English (Doon) for Moloney (37)
19 Mike Fitzgerald (Doon) for Griffin (42)
23 Colin Ryan (Pallasgreen) for O’Donovan (57)

Referee: Damien Fox (Clare)

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