Cork pip Limerick to secure Munster league final berth

Cork 0-20 Limerick 1-16

Cork's Brian Hayes struck an injury-time winner at the expense of Limerick in Group B of the Co-Op Superstores Munster Senior Hurling League at Páirc Uí Rinn on Sunday afternoon.

Cork laid down an early marker ahead of next month’s meeting with the Shannonsiders in the opening round of this year’s National Hurling League.

In terms of early season progress, Pat Ryan’s side is through to a Co-Op Superstores Munster Hurling League final following their recent victory over Kerry.

The Rebels led by a point at the conclusion of an even first half. Conor Lehane and David Reidy exchanged frees during a fractious opening period. The home team enjoyed a purple patch as Lehane, Brian O’Sullivan and Conor Cahalane efforts made it 0-4 to 0-1 after 13 minutes.

Limerick were slow to settle but a Shane O’Brien point preceded a long delivery from midfielder Darragh O’Donovan that ended up in the back of Cork goalkeeper Patrick Collin’s net.

Creditably, Pat Ryan’s side responded positively to that setback. Cormac Beausang, Brian Hayes, Conor Lehane and Luke Meade fired over four consecutive points to edge the Rebels back in front, 0-8 to 1-2.

A lively half’s tempo increased heading towards the break as the All-Ireland champions warmed to their task. Aidan O’Connor and Shane O’Brien split the posts before a third David Reidy free levelled matters once again.

Beausang and Lehane continued to shine for Cork and added a couple of points prior to Aidan O’Connor landing a beauty from wide on the left. David Reidy (free) and Conor Lehane concluded the first half scoring to leave Cork 0-11 to 1-7 in front.

David Reidy (two) and Conor Lehane (two) each raised white flags at either end from frees to begin the second period. A scrappy