Limerick come good to hold off Tipp's challenge

Another second-half onslaught from Limerick buried hopes of a Tipperary victory on Leeside as John Kiely's side rubber-stamped their place in next year’s seven-team Allianz Hurling League Division 1.

The unbeaten Treaty are in pole position for a place in the semi-finals, too, although a last-puck goal from Jake Morris closed the final deficit to one point.

The biggest blow for Tipp, however, was a serious looking knee injury sustained by Séamus Kennedy in this game that was moved to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh due to remedial pitch works at the Gaelic Grounds.

Kiely made six changes from their victory over Dublin, including first involvements of 2024 for Cian Lynch as captain, Hurler of the Year Aaron Gillane, and Peter Casey. Barry Murphy was a late addition in midfield as Darragh O’Donovan didn’t tog out.

Liam Cahill opted for 11 changes from the experimental side that defeated Westmeath. Morris and Eoghan Connolly were back from injuries to start, as was half-time replacement Bryan O’Mara, although Mark Kehoe missed out.

It was a first half with defences on top as savage work rate met short-passing moves. A swirling wind posed further problems, with as many shots missed as scored in the first half.

Gearóid O’Connor and Jason Forde were carrying the Tipp effort, splitting their opening four points between them. Forde would finish with 1-07 to his name.

Limerick only scored twice from play in the opening 30 minutes, via Donnacha Ó Dálaigh, who was battling to shake change out of Michael Breen, and Lynch. While Diarmaid Byrnes was wrestling with the wind, Aaron Gillane popped his five close-range frees.

Tipp missed a handful of frees from distance, too, as their entire first-half total came from play.

On the half-hour, they had