Limerick show their class to eliminate Waterford

Limerick booked their spot in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship final following a 0-30 to 2-14 win over Waterford at the TUS Gaelic Grounds.

John Kiely's men turned on the style in the final quarter to each the provincial decider for the sixth year running.

Shane Bennett goals in either half had given Waterford hope of a surprise win but Limerick had too much in the tank.

Stephen Bennett opened the scoring for Waterford in the opening minute but a long range strike from Diarmaid Byrnes soon had Limerick on equal footing.

Barry Nash then put Limerick in front with Aaron Gillane and Kyle Hayes hitting the target to see the score at 0-04 to 0-01 in the home side’s favour after seven minutes.

However, Limerick were guilty of some wayward shooting with nine wides in the opening quarter keeping Waterford in the game.

Davy Fitzgerald’s men took full advantage with Stephen Bennett, twice, and Paddy Leavey raising white flags to level the game for a second time.

The Deise then hit the front when Stephen Bennett mishit a free but his brother Stephen was on hand to divert the ball past a wrong footed Nickie Quaid.

Limerick responded with the next four scores to take hold of the game once more with efforts from David Reidy, Cathal O’Neill and championship debutant Shane O’Brien saw the game squared up for a third time.

Tom Morrissey then got in on the act to put Limerick ahead but his score was soon met by a Waterford response courtesy of Jamie Barron.

O’Brien napped a second score to put Limerick one clear again and that was followed up by a Hayes beauty from the sideline. Morriseey then chipped in to see Limerick three ahead with 26 minutes played.

Hayes sent over a third to stretch that advantage to four but Bennett replied for