Waterford’s Munster Senior Hurling Championship campaign is over following a 2-29 to 2-20 defeat to Limerick at the TUS Gaelic Grounds this afternoon.

In a game that summed up much of Waterford’s season, the Déise produced long spells of excellent hurling and led at half-time, but were ultimately overpowered by a ruthless Limerick side in the closing stages.

Peter Queally’s men travelled to Shannonside knowing only a win would keep slim qualification hopes alive, but despite a spirited display, Waterford now exit the championship alongside Tipperary.

Waterford started slowly as Limerick raced into an early lead through Adam English, Aidan O’Connor, and Darragh O’Donovan, but the Déise gradually settled into the contest.

Calum Lyons was outstanding throughout and helped drag Waterford back into the game with a series of excellent scores from deep, while Shane Bennett was clinical from placed balls and play.

A strong second-quarter display saw Waterford turn the game around, with scores from Sean Walsh, Kevin Mahony, Dessie Hutchinson, and Bennett helping the visitors into a deserved lead.

Waterford’s work-rate and intensity caused Limerick problems for large periods of the opening half, and they went into the break leading 0-16 to 0-15 after a hugely entertaining opening 35 minutes.

However, with the breeze at their backs in the second half, Limerick gradually began to take control.

Aidan O’Connor and Cian Lynch dictated the tempo for the hosts, while Waterford struggled to maintain their scoring output after the restart.

Austin Gleeson made his return from injury off the bench and briefly reignited hopes with a superb long-range point to edge Waterford back in front entering the final quarter.

But the game ultimately swung decisively in Limerick’s favour in a devastating two-minute spell.

First, Peter Casey reacted quickest to finish to the net after excellent work from Gearóid Hegarty, before Hegarty himself fired home moments later after being set up by Aidan O’Connor.

Those goals pushed Limerick clear, and Waterford simply had no response as the Treaty men powered into the All-Ireland series.

Shane Bennett did convert a late penalty after Austin Gleeson was fouled in the square, but it proved little more than consolation for the Déise.

Despite the disappointment, there were positives for Waterford to take from the campaign. Younger players such as Sean Walsh, Reuben Halloran, and Mikey Kiely showed encouraging signs throughout the championship, while Calum Lyons once again underlined his importance with another outstanding display.

But ultimately, injuries, inconsistency, and an inability to close out big moments proved costly across the Munster campaign.

For Limerick, attention now turns towards another Munster final push and the All-Ireland series, while Waterford are left to reflect on another season that promised moments of quality but ended in frustration.

Our Big Match is brought to you by  George Corbett Motors Skoda

For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.