GAME AT A GLANCE

MAN OF THE MATCH

Eoin Murphy (Kilkenny)

That Kilkenny were still in contention at the end owed much to their goalkeeper who made a series of excellent saves, as well as getting in at least two crucial interceptions. Four goalkeepers remain involved in the All-Ireland race but any of them will have to produce some heroics to beat Murphy for the All-Star award.

TALKING POINT

Are Limerick the real deal, the group who could end the 45-year wait for All-Ireland glory? The signs are very positive, even if they were well beaten by Clare in their final round robin game in Munster. Yesterday was a defining occasion in terms of whether they could hold their nerve under intense pressure, which they certainly did after Kilkenny took the lead in the 64th minute.

REF WATCH

Kilkenny had every reason to feel aggrieved on two fronts. John Donnelly looked to have been fouled when Kilkenny were leading by a point in the 66th minute but James McGrath waved play on and a Limerick counterattack yielded the levelling point. It was, in effect, a two-point turnaround. Also, McGrath adjudged a Richie Hogan handpass in the 50th minute to be illegal. He was the only player to be whistled back for a handpassing offence, even if a great many other transfers looked just as illegal.

MATCH STATISTICS

WIDES

Limerick 9 (3 in first half) Kilkenny 16 (8)

FREES

Limerick 6 (4 in first half) Kilkenny 6(4)

YELLOW CARDS Limerick 1 (D O’Donovan 11) Kilkenny 1 (P Murphy 31)

ATTENDANCE

18,596

WHAT’S NEXT?

Limerick play Cork in the All-Ireland semi-final on the weekend after next; Kilkenny’s season is over.