As manager Justin McCarthy commented afterwards it was a case of his charges either sinking or swimming in those close 35 minutes.  

Crucial to Limerick's recovery was a positive start to the new half. Limerick had the first score, and it was hugely significant; James Ryan created the chance for Breen who billowed the net with his first ever championship score.

“The goal was vital.  David Breen was struggling with an injury for the last few weeks so we took a chance on bringing him on.  It was vital that he made an impression around the square,” reflected McCarthy.

Again at the death, Breen had a half-chance to steal everybody's thunder when his effort forced a reaction out of Waterford's Clinton Hennessy.

Two other forward replacements were introduced, namely Donncha Sheehan (for Donie Ryan, half-time) and Paul Browne (for O'Shaughnessy, 68 minutes) and the pair will both be seriously challenging for starting berths when the team is being selected by McCarthy and his fellow mentors.   

One player who will definitely hold his place is James Ryan, who knocked over two invaluable points.

Pat Tobin, who warmed-up a few times, is another who could come into the reckoning for the nod.

Although off-target with a few efforts, Niall Moran still finished as Limerick's top scorer with four points, and is expected to retain his 'free'-taking duties.

Limerick's mid-field pairing of Donal O'Grady and Seamus Hickey isn't expected to be broken-up, as the duo had their shoulder to the wheel all through the drawn encounter.

That Waterford weren't out of sight by the break was down to the stubbornness of the Shannonside defence, in which Brian Geary gave another exhibition in the centre-back berth.  

Alongside Geary for the 70 minutes was the evergreen Mark Foley who excelled, and that defensive line was truly brilliant when Denis Moloney was sent into the action around half-time.

John Mullane hit four points in the opening-half for Waterford, but was kept silent once Damien Reale was switched to the left-corner back position.

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