GAA - SHC Dublin 3-13 Limerick 0-18:Perhaps Dublin rode their luck a little and no doubt Limerick will wonder what might have been but, in the end, Anthony Daly's side showed enough to book their place in the All-Ireland hurling semi-final for the first time since 1948.
Massive crowds spilled into Semple Stadium and, as the sun split the skies above the Thurles venue, the day’s curtain-raiser became an absorbing encounter.
The sides on show may not be the finished articles but under Donal O’Grady Limerick have made great strides, while the Dublin odyssey under Daly continues.
Ryan O’Dwyer was an inspirational figure for Dublin, especially in the absence of the their injured talisman, Conal Keaney. In the end O’Dwyer’s three first half goals proved the difference for as the game wore on Limerick were undoubtedly in the ascendancy and dictated play as Dublin became disjointed.
For all their chances, particularly in the second half, Limerick will rue too many wides. In the closing stages the margin was reduced to a two-point game but once again O’Dywer stepped in with a timely point, while Shane Ryan tagged on a late score to ensure the famous win for Dublin.
They will now take on Tipperary at Croke Park on August 7th while Waterford, who defeated Galway this afternoon, will meet Kilkenny the following weekend.
O'Dwyer’s first half goals came in the fourth, 10th and 23rd minute and by that stage it looked as though Daly’s charges would enjoy an easy day in the sun. A rejuvenated Limerick had other ideas with teenager Declan Hannon converting six first half points.
Limerick’s best chance on goal came in the first period when Sean Tobin was denied by a fine block from Dublin keeper Gary Maguire. Although Limerick scored the last four points of the half to give an indication of what was to come, they trailed 3-06 to 0-10 at the break.
In the second period O’Grady changed it around and the new attacking shape caused all sorts of problems for Dublin.
Hannon would go on to reach a personal 0-11 tally but the Treaty men were never able to get ahead despite Dublin showing signs of nerves. Paul Ryan offered plenty for the Dubs and his 0-08 contribution kept the scoreboard ticking over all afternoon.
When the game was finely poised it was O’Dwyer who came up with the goods but moments later he was injured and had to be taken off.
With a four point advantage, and the clock ticking down, Dublin were able to see it out to record the memorable win.
Defending champions Cork to meet Mayo
GAA - SFC Quarter-final draw:The draw for the All-Ireland SFC quarter-final was made this evening with defending champions Cork to take on Mayo.
Munster champions Kerry will meet Limerick, who were last gasp winners over Wexford last night.
Ulster champions Donegal will play Ciaran McGeeney’s Kildare, who were impressive in their qualifier victory over Derry yesterday.
The final match-up sees Dublin wait to play the winner of Tyrone versus Roscommon.
Dates and times will be confirmed by the GAA's CCCC in the coming days, with matches scheduled for weekend of July 30th-31st.
SFC Quarter-final draw
Kerry v Limerick
Donegal v Kildare
Dublin v Tyrone/Roscommon
Cork v Mayo
SFC Semi-final draw
Kerry/Limerick v Cork/Mayo
Dublin/Tyrone or Roscommon v Donegal/Kildare