Cork player ratings v Limerick: Hayes and Collins lead the way for the Rebels 

PATRICK COLLINS: His puckouts were instrumental in the win over Limerick in May. 

He varied his puckouts here but found the Limerick half back line a tougher nut to crack this time around. 

The Ballinhassig man made a superb stop in the 23rd minute when his defence was under the cosh. 

A Limerick goal at that juncture would have been extremely fanzine, but he rushed off his line to foil Seamus Flanagan. 

Made another vital save in the second. Superb. 9 

NIALL O’LEARY: Fabulous display from the Castlelyons man. 

Was a ball magnet throughout, and defused so many Limerick attacks. 8 

EOIN DOWNEY: Booked for a tussle with Seamus Flanagan early on, but was rock solid at full back and Flanagan was called ashore in the 52nd minute. Says it all. 8 

SEÁN O’DONOGHUE: Captain fantastic. Had a huge battle with Aaron Gillane, and came out on top. 7 

TIM O’MAHONY: The Newtown man gave his all before making way for Ethan Twomey. Showed his class. 7 

ROBERT DOWNEY: Commanded the Croke Park skies and broke Limerick’s strongest line. 

A colossal display from the Glen man, and his early score was inspirational to the cause. Brilliant. 9 

MARK COLEMAN: the best performance of the year from the Blarney man.

Oozed class on the ball and battled like a lion when up against the likes of Hegarty. Scored a crucial point also. 8 

CIARÁN JOYCE: Took on a midfield role after his hamstring injury and really brought his physicality to the role, which Cork have been crying out. Showed great leadership throughout. 8 

DARRAGH FITZGIBBON: Definitely in the running for hurler of the year after another barnstormer of a display where he notched three priceless points. 8 

DECLAN DALTON: Worked so hard in his wing forward role, making a lung bursting run at one point to hook a rampaging Kyle Hayes. Rifled over four huge points from distance in a fantastic display. 8 

SHANE BARRETT: The heart beat of this team, and another that must be in the conversation for hurler of the year. Scored three and set up Brian Hayes for a superb first half goal. Ran the Limerick defence ragged all day. 8 

SEAMUS HARNEDY: What a work horse. Never ever stopped working. Always offered himself as an outlet and chipped over four points in a wonderful display. Such a leader. 8 

PATRICK HORGAN: Struggled to really impact this one but he owes Cork nothing, and still slotted five points, which were needed. 6 

ALAN CONNOLLY: Unlucky not to goal in the first half. He kept the Limerick defence honest throughout and lobbed over three crucial points. 8

BRIAN HAYES: Unplayable. Caused so much problems to Limerick in May, and did so again her. He scored a brilliant 1-1 in the opening half, and 1-4 in total, and caused Limerick a huge amount of problems for Limerick in the air, particularly at the start of the second half. Mike Casey, Dan Morrissey and Sean Finn will have nightmares re the Barrs man. 9 

SUBS:

SHANE KINGSTON: On early as a blood sub and replaced Dalton late on. 7 

ETHAN TWOMEY: Replaced O’Mahony in the 58th minute and provided energy for the kick for home. 7 

PÁDRAIG POWER: Not on long enough to impact.

ROBBIE O’FLYNN: On for Harnedy late on and battled away. 7