Fourteen-man Cork powered their way to the final at Semple Stadium in Thurles last evening where they outplayed a disappointing Limerick side.

In a sensational start to the game Cork had midfielder Kieran Murphy sent off. However, his cousin, Kieran Murphy, produced a splendid display of point-taking and his 26th-minute goal gave Cork a 1-7 to 0-4 interval lead.

Limerick rallied briefly after the restart but Setanta O hAilpin's goal put Cork back in control. Ross Bennis scored a late consolation goal for Limerick.

SCORERS: Cork: K Murphy (1-11), S O hAilpin (1-2), T O'Leary, J Gardner (0-1 each). Limerick: N Moran (0-6), R Bennis (1-0), M O'Brien (0-2, P O'Dwyer, E Kennedy, P Kirby (0-1 each).

Referee: P Moore (Limerick)