GAA: Limerick start championship title defence with win over Rebels

Limerick made a perfect start to their championship campaign with a win over Cork in the Munster Hurling Championship.

There was a late change for Cork with Conor Cahalane coming in for Seamus Harnedy.

The Rebels were hot off the mark with Shane Kingston scoring a goal just 16 seconds into the game. Kingston's side went on to lead 1-02 to no score after six minutes.

An instant goal for @OfficialCorkGAA in The Munster Senior Hurling Championship! #GAANOW pic.twitter.com/PGGFiu1Zib

— The GAA (@officialgaa) April 17, 2022

However, some long range frees from Diarmuid Byrnes and a goal from Kyle Hayes put the All Ireland champions right back in it.

A second Limerick goal came in the first-half from Aaron Gillane.

Despite the Rebels' efforts, Limerick led by four points at half-time.

Cork then levelled the game three minutes after the break. Limerick responded with five points unanswered points.

The Treaty County never looked back from there, finishing the game out to win 2-25 to 1-17.

Cian Lynch with a fantastic point for @LimerickCLG in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship! #GAANOW pic.twitter.com/XSjXj2BseU

— The GAA (@officialgaa) April 17, 2022

Earlier, Waterford opened their Munster Hurling Championship account with a win on Sunday.

They pulled away from Tipperary at the end to beat the Premier County 2-24 to 2-20.

Tipperary were ahead 1-12 to 0-11 when the second half was just under way. Mark Kehoe with the goal for the Premier County.

However, Waterford closed the gap after Michael Kiely and Dessie Hutichinson both found the back of the net.

A second goal for @WaterfordGAA Courtesy of Dessie Hutchinson! #GAANOW pic.twitter.com/SbKA3Dg6Lc

— The GAA (@officialgaa) April 17, 2022

After 60 minutes there was just a point