All-Ireland hurling final ratings: Heroic Hegarty steals show in Croker

Limerick edged out Kilkenny in a pulsating All-Ireland hurling final. With massive performances on both sides, it was Limerick wing-forward Gearóid Hegarty who stood out most.

Nickie Quaid - 7

Had joy with long puck-outs. No real test in first half beyond a couple of dropping balls and Kilkenny's goals were both from close range.

Sean Finn - 7

Played his part in keeping Kilkenny full-forward line tied up. Showed composure on a number of occasions as Limerick played the ball through the lines against a determined Kilkenny attack.

Mike Casey - 8

Stood up to be counted in the frenetic seocnd half. Very strong under a Eoin Cody high ball that led to Conor Boylan point. Committed a silly foul on Browne, which resulted in a blood substitution. Some wonderful fielding but also gave TJ Reid another handy free.

Barry Nash - 7

Detailed with marking TJ Reid on occasion and perhaps not the same influence as previous days. But did his defensive job as always. One superb clearance to set-up a Declan Hannon point and then fouled Reid for a free.

Diarmaid Byrnes - 9

Immense performance. Outrageous flick earned first free of game, which he pointed himself. His second point came from play after he caught an Eoin Murphy puck-out. Then more huge frees either side of half-time. Defensively made a vital interception in 66th minute which led to Cathal O'Neill score.

Declan Hannon - 8

Calmness personified. Hoovered up a lot of breaking ball, showed for passes and scored his customary point with a 30th minute burst from defence to score from distance.

Dan Morrissey - 7

Became sixth half-back to score from play in first half with a point on stroke of 35 minutes after good work by midfielders. Stood up in the cauldron that was the middle third.

William