Limerick's silverware drought ended at Semple Stadium, Thurles courtesy of a great 2-16 to 2-12 win over Tipperary in the Munster Intermediate Hurling Final.

The marvelous victory represented a first win at this grade since the All-Ireland success of Frankie Costello's men exactly a decade ago, and manager Gerry Molyneaux will be hoping for a repeat of that run this time around.

In a new departure this year, Limerick were permitted to field players from senior clubs, one of whom was the multi-decorated Ciaran Carey who shone brightly once more in the full-back berth. The inside forward-line for Limerick were superb, grabbing a brilliant 2-6, only three points of which came from dead-ball situations.

The goals arrived courtesy of David O'Neill and Paudie McNamara, one in either half and the latter a most crucial score in this always close affair.

Wing forward Denis O'Connor of Granagh/Ballingarry, an exciting minor and U21 exponent of recent times, was magnificent all through, hitting six points, split evenly between frees and general play. All of Limerick's starting forwards came away from the venue with scores to their credit, along with former senior panelist and mid-fielder Andrew Brennan.

Tipperary captain Noel Hogan, however, was the game's top scorer with a wonderful personal contribution of 2-5, however Limerick were thankful in the end for a number of Hogan's missed opportunities.

O'Neill's 20th minute goal established Limerick with a substantial advantage of 1-7 to 0-2 but Tipp dragged themselves back into the affair with the first of Hogan's three pointers only a couple of minutes later.

Limerick were ahead by eight points on three separate occasions in the opening-half and were seven to the good at the break, 1-12 to 1-5.

Tipp needed a bright start to the new half and went close a few times in terms of grabbing a goal, but instead it was Limerick who found the net through McNamara.

That big score arrived with ten minutes left and while the home side negated it through Hogan, Limerick had enough in reserve to keep the hosts at arm's length for the rest of the trick journey. "It's a great, great win for us," declared Limerick manager Molyneaux. "A huge amount of effort went into winning this championship, and now our sights are on All-Ireland glory.

We're not getting too carried away, but will give the All-Ireland Championship a right good rattle."

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