Shane Stapleton gives his player ratings for Limerick as they regained the All-Ireland title with a 0-30 to 0-19 win over Waterford at Croke Park.
Nicky Quaid — 8
Dealt with everything that came his way, be that high balls or goal attempts. Sensational with puckouts which put the Treaty on the front foot from the start. Guaranteed All Star now.
Sean Finn — 8
Won a number of 50-50 balls and never looked unduly bothered by the threat of Waterford’s forwards. On the shortlist of best corner-backs in the game, and marshalled what is an otherwise new-look full-back line.
Dan Morrissey — 8
Out in front for a couple of key balls in. Settled into the full-back line very well and delivered on the big day once more.
Barry Nash — 7
Had a couple of nervy moments but, overall, was very good. Has adjusted to an unusual position with relative ease, and looked good both in man-to-man situations and when covering.
Diarmaid Byrnes — 8
A colossus at the back throughout. Hit a point and could have had more. A fair man to pull a ball out of the air.
Declan Hannon — 8
As graceful a centre-back as there is in the game just now. Made it look easy, once more.
Kyle Hayes — 9
A machine at wing-back, and another incredible All-Ireland final display. A brilliant option from short puckouts, and Waterford struggled to deal with his driving runs.
Darragh O’Donovan — 7
Knitted the play together rather well.
William O’Donoghue — 8
Puts his body in where it isn’t meant to go, throws the ball around to the right man, and did the right thing (in terms of game management) with a cynical foul late on.
Gearoid Hegarty — 9
Leave it so! A powerhouse of a wing-forward, who pitched in with 0-7 from play.
Cian Lynch — 7
Got on a ball through the game and was always a thorn in Waterford’s side.
Tom Morrissey — 9
Another out-of-this-world display for the Ahane man. He took over the semi-final against Galway and did something similar here. Hit 0-5 and set up so much more.
Aaron Gillane — 8
There were concerns coming into the game about Gillane’s fitness, but he belied any worries with this display. Scored 0-4 from play and knocked over his frees.
Seamus Flanagan — 7
Scored 0-3 to justify his inclusion once more, and gave Shane McNulty a tough time of it.
Graeme Mulcahy — 5
Didn’t quite happen for the Kilmallock man.
Subs:
Peter Casey for G Mulcahy (49) — 7
David Reidy for D O’Donovan (59) — 6
Pat Ryan for S Flanagan (63) — 7
Adrian Breen for A Gillane (69) — NR
Paddy O’Loughlin for K Hayes (70+1) — NR
Get the Limerick commemorative hurley now via this link: https://etsy.me/2VIeA2A
