The Rebel pair dislocated their shoulders in a game where both sides held a five point lead at different stages, but ultimately had to be content with a share of the spoils.
Buoyed by a facile victory over Wexford last weekend, Cork flew out of the traps and led by 0-7 to 0-2 after eleven minutes, with free-taker Darragh Fitzgibbon to the fore from play and from placed balls.
Limerick didn’t play a league game last weekend and their rustiness showed but a goal from William O’Donoghue settled them into the game after 19 minutes when the Cork defence switched off.
Corner forward Patrick O’Donovan showcased his ability for John Kiely’s side before the break, shooting three from play to give them a 1-7 to 0-8 lead at the interval.
The faceguards on the helmets of Barry Murphy of Limerick and Alan Connolly of Cork tangle as they tussle during the Allianz Hurling League Division 1A match between Cork and Limerick at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
The less than ideal conditions impacted the flow of the game, turning it into a real battle, with referee Sean Stack issuing nine yellow cards on the night - five to Cork and four for Limerick.
But the Treaty men took over the game to go 1-11 to 0-9 in front after 40 minutes, through points from youngsters Shane O’Brien, Adam English and Aidan O’Connor.
All-Star Shane Barrett stepped up with a well taken goal for Cork just as the game appeared to be getting away from them, showing his speed and finishing ability to reduce the gap to two.
Limerick looked on course to see it out as a brace of Jason Gillane frees kept them in the ascendency while new captain Cian Lynch struck his second from play.
But Brian Hayes thundered into the game with two white flags in two minutes for Cork before Darragh Fitzgibbon held his nerve with a couple of late placed balls.
Niall O'Leary of Cork leaves the pitch with a ripped jersey after the drawn Allianz Hurling League Division 1A match between Cork and Limerick at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Afterwards, manager Pat Ryan explained that both Lehane and Power suffered dislocated shoulders.
“I think he [Power] probably dislocated his shoulder, himself and Conor Lehane,” Ryan said as per the Echo.
“There were really tough conditions there, like, you know, really wet conditions. So there was a lot of fellas slipping and falling. But I think, look, I think it kind of popped in kind of handy enough.
