Limerick 3-32 Cork 1-22: Limerick player ratings

Ian O’Riordan hands out the marks for the champions after imperious final display

1 Nickie Quaid

Shattered Cork with the range and consistency of his puck outs, made one excellent save late on from Patrick Horgan. Caught a little off guard for the Shane Kingston goal early on, otherwise another safely standout performance for the Effin player. Rating: 8

2 Seán Finn

Once again reminded us why he is one the best corner backs in the land, lording his area with physicality to boot. Caught briefly off pace for the Cork goal, otherwise kept Robbie O'Flynn and company properly quiet and the Bruff man is certain now to add a third All-Star. Rating: 8

3 Dan Morrissey

The Ahane man made the full back his proper home, leading with spirit and versatility and making sure Patrick Horgan only a rare sniff at goal. Incredible energy and consistency throughout the game and made sure Nickie Quaid had little to worry about. Rating: 8

4 Barry Nash

Brilliantly tenacious and secure throughout the game, the South Liberties man also helping himself to an excellent long range point from play in the first half. Phenomenal work rate and distribution skills never let him down. Rating: 7

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5 Diarmaid Byrnes

Displayed every ounce of his attacking and defensive game, scoring an excellent long range point in the first half, adding a free in the second half, the man for Patrickswell also poised for another All Star. Rating: 8

6 Declan Hannon

Another stellar display from the Adare man, equalling Christy Ring's record of winning three All-Irelands as team captain, his point from in both halves a reminder of his central role and value to the Limerick team. Ran himself into the ground and set up several other scores and kept Cork's scoring threat to mere hints and patches. Standing ovation deserved. Rating: 9

7 Kyle Hayes

Made all his natural athleticism and 6ft 6in presence felt, attacking from wing back whenever the opportunity arose, even if the accuracy of his shots at goal let him down. Marked and played the Cork half forwards out of the game. Rating: 7

8 William O’Donoghue

Kept the Limerick engine motoring smoothly and cleanly throughout with typical model of consistency, did all the simple things perfectly right, the Na Piarsaigh man bossing the Cork midfield with physicality they simply couldn't match. Rating: 8

8 Darragh O’Donovan

Tidy and efficient as ever and a master of calm distribution throughout, helped himself to a magnificent point in the first half, his strength as a player also the heart of the Limerick team. Rating: 8

10 Gearóid Hegarty

Contender again for Hurler of the Year, his two goals and two points in the first half crushed whatever hopes Cork had of getting settled into the game, the amazing thing being he could have added 1-2 more with a little more accuracy. Outstanding composure throughout and a joy to watch. Rating: 9

11 Cian Lynch

Amazing. Set the tone and tempo from the gun with his startling point after just 11 seconds, before adding five more from play in the second half, off his left and right, each as magical to watch as the next. Man of the match and probably his finest performance in a Limerick jersey, bossing over Cork in every sense too. Rating: 9

12 Tom Morrissey

Brought his A-game to the party, scoring two terrific points in the first half, adding a third later on, his work rate and calm distribution and sheer physicality now another central part of this Limerick team. Made all the right decisions and a master of the turnover. Rating: 7

13 Aaron Gillane

Moved into full forward and was right back to his brilliant best, creating and executing scoring chances and finished with 1-6, including two frees, the pace and tactical astuteness and possession of the Patrickswell man caused Cork all sorts of problems. Rating: 9

14 Séamus Flanagan

As hard working and committed as ever, helped raise the Limerick attack to a new level again, scoring a point early on to help make sure all six forwards had scored by the time of the water break. Attack is also the best form his defence and won several key turnovers too. Rating: 8

15 Peter Casey

Had a brilliant first half scoring four points from play, off his right and left side, a torture in the heart of the Cork defence. Injured his knee just before the break which forced his replacement, but his winning statement had already been made. Rating: 9

Management

A third All-Ireland in four years for John Kiely, a nagging feeling it could have been four, and a record score in a final. Peak performance at its most spectacular and already the most successful manager in Limerick hurling history. Combined confidence and hunger perfectly. Rating: 10

Subs

With Graeme Mulcahy, David Reidy and Pat Ryan adding points from play, the strength and depth of the Limerick team further impresses, with young Colin Coughland getting a suitable taste of what is to come too. Rating: 8

Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan is an Irish Times sports journalist writing on athletics