It was odds-on the game would head for extra-time until Mark O’Meara struck a late winner for the home side, who had entered the second-half three points to the good only to be hauled back to parity by plucky Limerick in a contest in which they were tied on six occasions overall.

At a grade in which Limerick faltered in recent seasons (after enjoying a torrid love-affair with it earlier in the decade), an away trip for the team gave maybe a three point deficit against an emerging team, even if it just featured Seamus Callinan from the Munster Senior Championship winning side of a short few days earlier at Pairc na nGael.

Unlike their senior counterparts, who drowned against Offaly in the All-Ireland Qualifier, this U21 Limerick side (which, in fairness also included a fair share of seniors) won the plaudits of their travelling supporters.

Last season’s Young Hurler of the Year shone like a beacon in the heart of the defence, with the likes of fellow half-backs Cathal King and Gavin O’Mahony–all genuine prospects at the top level–rowing-in also with impressive displays.

In behind, Nicky Quaid made a few notable saves, particularly to deny O’Meara – the subsequent home hero–at an important stage.

Out at halfway, James Ryan and Paudie O’Brien played like a pair of seasoned campaigners, winning their particular battled with consummate ease.

Ryan, out-of-choice with the senior management of late, underlined here his immense potential to Limerick’s future.

Scoring wise there was a plentiful supply of point-takers for Limerick, such as Eoin Ryan, Gavin O’Mahony, Graeme Mulcahy, Bryan O’Sullivan and teenager Sean Tobin.

Shane Bourke’s goal separated the teams at the interval, 1-8 to 0-8, and the gap was still at three points on 40 minutes.

In the last 15, Limerick kept Tipp scoreless and added three points to level the affair before O’Meara’s last-gasp winner ensured another tearful occasion for Limerick’s hurling supporters this year.

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