Limerick have secured a spot in this year's Munster final, coming second in the round robin phase after their 3-25 to 1-30 victory over Cork this afternoon.
John Kiely's side entered the game knowing that a victory would be enough to ensure they would progress to the All-Ireland series, although Tipperary's shock loss against Waterford meant that this result booked their place in the decider against Clare.
The game against Cork was a hard fought affair, one that could have went either way. The Leesiders were the better team for much of the opening half, although a second half run from the Liam MacCarthy holder gave them a decent lead going into the closing stages.
However, a comeback from the away side would get them right back into the game and ensure a nervy finish at the Gaelic Grounds.
In the end, Limerick would run out one-point winners.
Jackie Tyrrell feels referee error cost Cork against Limerick
In a game decided by the slimmest of margins, one questionable call from the officials in the second half proved to be a costly one.
In the 43rd minute, Limerick were awarded a penalty after Sean O'Donoghue was adjudged to have fouled Aaron Gillane in the box.
However, footage of the incident would seem to indicate that both players were involved in pulling and dragging in the area, with Gillane perhaps the bigger culprit. In fact, the Limerick man conceded a free for an almost identical incident a few moments earlier.
Despite this, the penalty was given, with Diarmaid Byrnes going on to score from it.
46 Limerick 3-15 Cork 0-20
Absorbing fare at the Gaelic Grounds
📺 https://t.co/ZfZ9mA9XTY
💻 https://t.co/ThdYW020TW #RTEgaa pic.twitter.com/KEfvdrhXWY— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) May 28, 2023
Certainly a harsh decision.
Speaking on RTÉ after the match, Kilkenny legend Jackie Tyrrell said that Cork perhaps had a right to feel aggrieved that this 'pivotal' decision went against them.
Shortly before that, a ball went into the square and Aaron Gillane was penalised for a pretty similar act where he caught Sean O'Donoghue's hand. He caught the hurl and hung onto it. That was a great spot from the referee.
Then a couple of minutes later, he did it as well. The second frame here will pick this up, but for some reason he gave a penalty to Limerick instead.
He just grabs onto the hurl and the hand of Sean O'Donoghue. Sean O'Donoghue sort of leaves it in there for him, which is kind of wily on Aaron's side.
For me it wasn't a penalty and it was definitely an inconsistent approach, because they were similar.
Diarmuid Byrnes just puts this were no keeper in Ireland stops it.
I thought this was quite pivotal.
The game certainly could have turned out differently had this decision gone Cork's way.
Pat Ryan's side may well feel they deserved something from the game, although their 2023 campaign has now drawn to an early finish.
As for Limerick, they will be aiming for a fifth consecutive Munster title when they face Clare in the final.
SEE ALSO: "Great Relief" As Wexford Retain Place in Liam MacCarthy Cup
