Cork and Limerick share spoils in tetchy affair

On a wretched night for hurling, Darragh Fitzgibbon's 80th-minute free secured a share of the spoils for Cork against Limerick in front of 23,402 fans at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Seven added minutes had been advertised as the Rebels left it late, with Fitzgibbon making it a one-point game in the 77th minute.

Seán Stack, having booked a second member of the Limerick management, allowed one more play and blew for the decisive free after Brian Roche collided with Colin Coughlan.

Cork, having given up an early five-point lead, completed their comeback from five down with Fitzgibbon’s 10th white flag.

The crowd on Leeside brought back memories of last year’s Munster Championship classic but this contest was played on different terms. The greasy surface, crossfield wind, and constant drizzle made it a battle of wills.

Cork began with eight of last year’s championship starters compared to Limerick’s seven.

With Declan Dalton suspended for two weeks and Robert Downey and Seán O’Donoghue injured, Pat Ryan made four changes from their win over Wexford with Eoin Roche, Ciarán Joyce, Ethan Twomey, and Alan Connolly drafted in.

John Kiely handed Jason Gillane his debut in the number one jersey in the race to replace injured Nickie Quaid and he landed two eye-catching frees.

Kyle Hayes started at centre-back while a new-look attack featured impressive performances from Aidan O’Connor and Patrick O’Donovan.

The first half was a curious affair as Cork burst out of the traps with seven points inside 12 minutes but only scored once more for the remainder of the half.

Luke Meade had been called up after Robert Downey’s withdrawal and he scored the opener before winning a free for Fitzgibbon to convert. Twomey made it a three-point head start.

O’Co