Kilkenny will meet Cork in the National Hurling League Division 1 final on May 5th after victories over Limerick and Tipperary respectively in today’s semi-finals.
Reigning league champions Tipperary proved a major disappointment as Cork ran out comfortable eight point winners at Pairc Ui Chaoimh on a scoreline of 0-21 to 1-13.
Cork led by 13 points at one stage but Tipperary staged a second-half revival of sorts and hit seven unanswered scores.
Eoin Kelly’s goal ten minutes from time sparked belief into Nicky English’s players as the champions began to find their rhythm.
But Cork - inspired by man-of-the-match Gerry O’Connor - stood their ground and held out for a much deserved victory.
Cork will play Kilkenny in the final a fortnight today after the Brian Cody’s side got the measure of Limerick at the Gaelic Grounds.
Both sides failed to finish the game with a full compliment of players.
Kilkenny had Eddie Brennan and Philly Larkin sent off in the second half while Limerick’s Donnie Ryan received his marching orders minutes from time.
Limerick got off to a decent start and led their opponents by three points after 20 minutes. The game, however, soon turned on its head when Kilkenny sharp shooter Henry Shefflin found the net from the penalty spot.
Limerick were now firmly on the back foot but nevertheless found themselves trailing by only two points at the break despite Martin Comerford’s goal on the stroke of half-time.
The Limerick forwards were easily contained by the well drilled Kilkenny defence and failed to make an impact on the scoreboard late in the game despite waves of pressure.
The highly influential and impressive duo Shefflin and Comerford pointed late in the game to secure their side’s place in the division 1 final.
Antrim have won through to the division 2 hurling final after a tidy 4-14 to 3-8 win over Kerry in Newbridge. They will play Laois in the decider after the Leinster county beat Down 2-12 to 2-9.
Meath were today relegated from life in division 1 after losing out in extra time to Derry on a scoreline of 2-16 to 2-12.
Results
NHL Semi-finals
Kilkenny 2-14 Limerick 0-15
Cork 0-21 Tipperary 1-10
NHL Division 1 Relegation play-off
Derry 2-12 Meath 2-12
(a.e.t.)
(Meath are relegated to Division 2)
NHL Division 2 Semi-finals
Antrim 4-14 Kerry 3-8
Laois 2-12 Down 2-9
NHL Division 3 Semi-final
Longford 3-13 Donegal 2-5
Leinster U21 Football Championship Final
Dublin 1-17 Wicklow 2-4