Goal-hungry Kilkenny dethrone Limerick to reach league final

Kilkenny's goal threat and gritty 14-man performance into a second-half gale ended Limerick’s Allianz Hurling League reign, sending the Cats into another final.

The Treaty defence was opened up in a manner never seen during their four-in-a-row domination with first-half goals from Eoin Cody, Luke Hogan, and evergreen man-of-the-match TJ Reid, who finished with 1-08.

Cody was sent off for a second booking after half-time but in the 18 minutes they were short a man, Kilkenny outscored Limerick by a point, 0-06 to 0-05.

Once Peter Casey received a straight red card for swinging his hurley back at Paddy Deegan, Kilkenny’s victory felt secure. They can now prepare for a final against either Clare or Tipperary in a fortnight's time.

Ahead of their Munster opener against Clare, Limerick have a month to work on their defensive solidity after conceding three goals in consecutive visits to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Among their seven changes, a welcome note was the minutes gained by cruciate-victim Seán Finn in his first appearance for 10 months, although their entire inside line had their hands full throughout.

Derek Lyng has placed a greater value than most on consistency of selection this spring. Cody, Adrian Mullen, Tommy Walsh, and David Blanchfield have played every minute, barring blood subs and Cody's red card, while Cian Kenny has started all six matches.

Kilkenny would have wanted to make hay with a strong breeze from the off. Instead, they were five down within four minutes.

A Cillian Buckley spill under an aimless Barry Nash free allowed Aaron Gillane a clear run at goal. His finish sent the white flag flying from its rigging and had the opposite umpire reaching for the green flag.

Incredibly, Kilkenny struck back with the