Five talking points from Limerick's epic Munster final showdown with Cork

LIMERICK and Cork produced an extraordinary game of hurling on Saturday evening in the Munster final. The Munster SHC final produced full time, extra time and a penalty shootout. The sides were level seventeen times over 94 minutes.

Limerick suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Cork on penalties, as the Rebels clinched their first Munster SHC title since 2018

1. First championship game to be decided on penalties 

Saturday's Munster senior hurling was the first ever championship game to be decided on penalties. After Limerick and Cork couldn't be seperated after full time and extra time, the sides headed for penalties. Diarmaid Byrnes and Aaron Gillane hit the net for the Shannonsiders during penalties. Tom Morrissey's effort was saved by Cork goalkeeper Patrick Collins, while Declan Hannon and Barry Murphy's penalties went to the wrong side of the post.

2. Limerick looked to be in control at the end of full time and extra time 

On 69 minutes, Darragh O'Donovan pushed Limerick 2-19 to 1-21 in front then Patrick Horgan replied to send the game to extra time. It looked as if Limerick sharpshooter Aaron Gillane had did enough when he put the home side 2-27 to 2-19 ahead, man of the match Darragh Fitzgibbon made no mistake from a 65 in the last puck of the game in extra time. 

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3. John Kiely's first defeat in a Munster final 

Saturday evening was John Kiely's first defeat as Limerick senior hurling manager in a Munster final. Kiely's side were aiming to win their seventh Munster title but Cork's victory brought an end to Limerick's dominance in Munster. 

4. Bench makes an impact 

Limerick's bench contributed 1-6 in the Munster senior hurling final. Shane O'Brien was a constant threat on the edge of the square scoring 1-2, while Cathal O'Neill, Darragh O'Donovan, Peter Casey and Declan Hannon all chipped in with 0-1. Kiely will face some major decisions regarding his starting XV.

5. All-Ireland quarter-final up next

Cork will now advance directly into the All-Ireland senior hurling semi-final, while Limerick will enter the All-Ireland series at the quarter-final stage. The Shannonsiders will face Dublin or Kildare in the All-Ireland quarter-final on June 21. 2018 was the last time Limerick came through the quarter-final route.