LIMERICK'S REIGN as Munster hurling champions came to an end in Thurles yesterday. They managed to leave the scene, temporarily we assume, with as much dignity as they have graced it. Although there was a margin of 10 points dividing them from Tipperary at the end of this Guinness hurling championship game in Semple Stadium, they have no reason to feel that they have excuses or explanations to make to lovers of hurling.

A crowd of 49,165 people paid in to see Tipperary produce a competent if not stirring display - proof positive that the public responds to the old game with as much if not more, passion, than it has ever done.

Even more encouraging was the fact that so many young people were there - they may have boosted the actual attendance to nearly 60 000 indicating that the future of hurling is secure and in safe hands.

The match was far from being a "classic" if that term means anything. But the players from both sides approached it in a way which was, quite honestly, inspiring.

The first half was contested in such a way that a draw at the end seemed a distinct possibility.

The teams matched each other point for point, and the speed and dedication of the players was such that neither side could claim an advantage.

Even after Tipperary had scored a crucially important goal in the 22nd minute, Limerick seemed to shrug their shoulders and dismiss the event as an irritant rather than a disaster.

They surged back to cut the Tipperary lead down to a point, and even at half time, when the score stood at 1-8 to 0-8, they had every chance of winning the match.

There were distinct signs, however, looking at the event in hindsight, that Tipperary had taken the measure of the opposition and were confident of themselves to the extent that, even though one or two of their players were not making much impress ion on the Limerick defence, they were content to keep the ship on an even keel and not give any indication of anxiety.

In the early stages of the second half Tipperary began to pull away, and after the first 15 minutes of the second half they were six points clear at 1-13 to 0-10.

By that stage Limerick had called upon the services of Mike Galligan. After he was left out of the starting lineup during the week he made no secret of the fact that he was, to say the least, "miffed". He was called in to replace Brian Tobin, who was having a thin time in the right corner of the Limerick attack against Michael Ryan, who can be a very difficult proposition, even for the most adept of hurlers.

Galligan's arrival was followed by other alterations in the Limerick attack. Shane O'Neill was subsequently replaced by Pat Heffernan at halftime. Two members of the full forward line which started were now on the bench of the three originally named only T J Ryan managed to score, and that a mere point, although beautifully struck.

In contrast, Tipperary were firing on all cylinders. All six of their attackers had made an impression on the scoreboard by half time, none more so than Michael Cleary who had accounted for a goal and two points.

In this context, the performance of Kevin Tucker on the right wing of the Tipperary attack was notable but Declan Ryan must be given - most of the kudos as far as putting pressure on Limerick was concerned.

His reading of the game and his shrewd appreciation of where his colleagues were and what was needed to keep Limerick under pressure were inspirational.

Much, if not most, of the credit for Tipperary's strong position on the scoreboard at this stage must be given to their half back line and midfield. To deal with the latter first, it must be conceded that John Leahy is not yet back to his best but, with significant assistance from championship debutant Aidan Butler, he did have a significant effect on the outcome.

The half back line? Raymie Ryan was outstanding. Time after time he soared over opponents to grab the ball and effect a clearance. Colm Bonnar in the middle of the line and the captain Conor Gleeson on the left were not far behind in terms of excellence.

There were times when Limerick seemed to be capable of launching a comeback and cutting down the Tipperary lead. Kirby, who did not have a distinguished day for Limerick, nevertheless comforted the faithful with scores from frees.

Galligan, too, made a difference in the Limerick attack and contributed two fine points, but it is significant that the two wing backs, Dave Clarke and Mark Foley, and mid fielder Mike Houlihan contributed four points between them - the six first choice forwards could muster only three points from play.

That statistic just about sums up Limerick's display, but it is fair to say that much of the credit for that must go to the Tipperary defence.

A word here, too, for both goalkeepers, Brendan Cummins of Tipperary and Joe Quaid of Limerick. Both made saves which showed great courage. No fault for Tipperary's goal rests with Quaid, who made a pointblank stop from John Leahy only to see the rebound trundled to the net by the inrushing Cleary.

One is left with the distinct impression that Tipperary will improve on this performance. By the end they were in control all over the pitch as Limerick seemed to lose heart.

By that stage all the best efforts of the immaculate Steve McDonagh, the combative Nash brothers, the effervescent Dave Clarke and the totally committed Ciaran Carey and Mark Foley had failed to stem the Tipperary tide, but Limerick can hold their heads high.