Disappointment for Waterford as Limerick claim All-Ireland title for second time in three years

Limerick have won their second All-Ireland final in three years after a resounding 11 point defeat of Waterford.

Limerick dominated throughout the game, getting the first points on the scoreboard and never relinquishing their lead.

The Treaty county was helped by great performances from Gearoid Hegarty, Tom Morrissey and Aaron Gillane among others.

The Limerick half-forward line were immense throughout, scooping up too many of the puck outs from Stephen Bennett.

Waterford’s Stephen Bennett and Jack Prendergast with Dan Morrissey and Kyle Hayes of Limerick
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie

The Limerick attack were taking scores more easily – while Waterford had to work much harder to earn the right to score.

Aaron Gillane and Gearoid Hegarty were very potent going forward.

Stephen Bennett’s superb free taking kept Waterford in the game – securing seven across the first half - 10 in total.

Waterford's task was made more difficult after 20 minutes with the substitution of centre back Tadhg de Burca who looks to have suffered a bad knee injury, Iarlaith Daly coming on for Clashmore/Kinsalebeg player.

Waterford’s Tadhg De Burca injured
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Tommy Dickson

Two big goal chances for Jack Fagan and Stephen Bennet that were both missed – looked like they could prove costly for Waterford by the time the full-time whistle went.

The referee Fergal Horgan leaving the play flow and rarely blowing the game up – despite some questionable hits from the Treaty men.

Stephen O'Keeffe makes two brilliant saves to deny Limerick an opening goal in Croke Park

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Score at the end of the first half Waterford 11 points to Limerick’s 14

By the 43^rd minute, Limerick had extended the lead to eight points through some immense play from their half forwards - the score at half time Limerick 0-20 to Waterford 0-12.

The tackling and harrying from the Treaty county defence was untiring, albeit cynical at times. Many will see the tackling and call for a sin bin to introduced to punish such attempts.

Limerick's ability to work the ball through tight spaces was accurate throughout – always able to offload to an available scorer.

At the second-half water break, the stalwart Kevin Moran came off being replaced by Patrick Curran.

At the resumption of play in the second half, Liam Cahill and the Waterford team will have been acutely aware that a goal was needed if they were to stay alive, but Limerick tackling held strong and closed off any possible avenues.

After 54 minutes, Ian Kenny having picked up a yellow card made way for Shane Fives.

Callum Lyons was denied by Nicky Quaid midway through the second half with one of a number of superb saves.

Nickie Quaid saves another attempt from Waterford - this time from Calum Lyons as Waterford push for a goal #WLRSport ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy pic.twitter.com/pWltdPO8ye

— WLR (@wlrfm) December 13, 2020

Much like in the first half, Stephen Bennett was keeping the Deise in the game, but Limerick always managed to find a man in space and put another ball over the posts.

With the clock in the red and time running out, Limerick yet again exceeded the 30 point mark – proving too much for Waterford to reel in.