Cork are through to the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final after a stunning victory over Limerick.
They beat defending champions Limerick 1-28 to 0-29 at Croke Park this afternoon to end the Treaty's bid for a fifth consecutive title.
Limerick are known for going up a gear in the third quarter of matches to seal convincing victories, but it was Cork who made their mark in the vital period of this semi-final, with 0-13 to Limerick's 0-5.
At half-time, Limerick led on a 1-11 to 0-16 scoreline.
Darragh Fitzgibbon, Declan Dalton, Seamus Harnedy, Shane Barrett and Patrick Horgan were among the crucial second-half scores for Cork.
Patrick Horgan’s fourth point in the 57th minute gave Cork a seven-point lead.
Limerick fought valiantly, but ultimately Cork's energy was too much for them as they ran out winners to set up a mouthwatering All-Ireland final tie against Clare.
Speaking after the game, Cork manager Pat Ryan paid tribute to Limerick.
“This is a fantastic Limerick team, what a team they’ve been for the past seven years, they’ve driven up the standards and a credit to the game.
“We thought they were gonna come back and beat us like they anyone! Lads will celebrate tonight, we need to enjoy it. We will look after what happens with Clare next week. We’re just delighted to get over it.”
