Munster MHC Semi-finals/Tipperary 2-23 Limerick 3-8: Tipperary powered their way past Limerick with an impressive showing in the Munster minor hurling championship semi-final at Thurles last night.

Although they suffered a first-minute setback when Shane O'Donnell scored a goal for Limerick, Tipperary went on to dominate the opening half.

A goal by Niall Bergin after four minutes set Tipperary on course and they opened a six-point league by the end of the first quarter.

Michael Ryan revived Limerick's challenge with a 19th-minute goal but Tipperary stayed in control and a goal by Tony Dunne in the 28th minute helped them to an interval lead of 2-12 to 2-5.

Ryan scored his second goal in the 14th minute of the second half to again raise Limerick's hopes but Tipperary responded with eight points to Limerick's one in a one-sided closing quarter.

Eoin Hogan, Thomas Stapleton, Seamus Hennessy, Patrick Burke, Joey McLoughney and Bergin figured prominently for an impressive Tipperary.

Limerick's best were Cian Cagney, John Riordan, Brian Quinn, O'Donnell and Ryan.

TIPPERARY: J Ryan; M Cahill, P Fitzgerald, J O'Keeffe; E Hogan (0-2), T Stapleton, W O' Dwyer; J McLoughney (0-5), B Maher; S Hennessy (0-4), N Bergin (1-3), G Ryan; S Callanan (0-3), T Dunne (1-1), P Burke (0-3). Subs: M Gleeson (0-2) for Fitzgerald, S Burke for Bergin, N McGrath for G Ryan, D Maher for O'Keeffe.

LIMERICK: N Quaid; P Behan, C Cagney, J Riordan; P O'Brien, B Quinn, B Moloney; D O' Connor (0-2), G Collins; J Carroll, S O'Donnell (1-1), D. Quaid; M Ryan (2-4), T Ryan (0-1), T O'Brien. Subs: D Walsh for Carroll, T Crawford for O'Brien, E O'Brien for O'Connor.

Referee: C. McAllister (Cork).