Four key reasons why Cork defeated Limerick in semi-final showdown

CORK caused a massive surprise on Sunday defeating Limerick 1-28 to 0-29 in their All-Ireland senior hurling semi-final clash at a sold-out Croke Park.

The Rebels will now meet Clare in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final on July 21.

Cork's fast start in the second half

At half time Cork trailed at the break 1-11 to 0-16. On 51 minutes, Cork led 1-24 to 0-20. The victors outscored their opponents 0-8 to 0-4 in the opening 16 minutes of the second half.

Cork's defence limited the Limerick forwards

The last time Cork met Limerick in the Munster Championship, Seamus Flanagan and Gearoid Hegarty caused Cork huge issues. On Sunday, Eoin Downey did a terrific man marking job on Seamus Flanaagan, while Ciaran Joyce limited Gearoid Hegarty.

Flanagan and Hegarty scored 0-1 each from play. In this first half Patrick Collins made a crucial save to deny Aaron Gillane a goal which was a huge moment.

The performances from Cork's big players

Darragh Fitzgibbon and all six of the Cork forwards scored 1-26 out of Pat Ryan's sides 1-28. The threat of Cork's six forwards popping up with big scores at crucial times was a big factor in Cork reaching the All-Ireland final.

Darragh Fitzgibbon was a big match-up Limerick needed to get right and the Charleville popped up with 0-3 from play.

Cork's running game
Down through the years Cork have been known for their running game, this year it has gone to a new level. The pace of Shane Barrett, Seamus Harnedy, Alan Connolly and Brian Hayes makes them a very difficult team to stop.

Their running game creates overlaps which they did on Sunday. This caused Limerick huge difficulty on occasions.