Limerick 1-20
Galway 0-17

It will be Limerick versus Wexford in this year's All-Ireland U-21 HC final after the Shannonsiders came out on the right side of a pulsating encounter against Galway in the second of today's semi-finals at Semple Stadium.

Played in front of an attendance of 7,563, Tom Morrissey's 49th minute goal helped to put down a large deposit on the Munster champions' final ticket and the full-forward was a worthy recipient of the 'man-of-the-match' accolade after finishing the game with 1-3 to his name.

The sides finished the first-half level on 0-10 apiece after a strong second quarter showing from the team in maroon and white but Limerick enjoyed the better of the second-half exchanges when outscoring their opponents by 1-10 to 0-7.

Galway were chasing the clean sweep with their minors and seniors already through to their respective finals but it was the Munster men who set the early pace and the scoreboard read 0-9 to 0-4 in their favour at the 15 minute mark.

Despite conceding the game's opening score to Dan Nevin, the Treaty County made all the early running. Having said that, they were grateful to goalkeeper David McCarthy who pulled off a fine save in the 8th minute to deny Jason Flynn a Galway goal.

At the other end of field, their industry and endeavour was rewarded with points from Diarmaid Byrnes (2), Morrissey (2), Colin Ryan, Darragh O'Donovan, Barry Nash, Ronan Lynch (sideline cut) and Gearoid Hegarty.

Cian Lynch then got in on the Limerick scoring act in the 18th minute but the second quarter belonged to Galway as they hit six points without reply to go in level at the break.

Senior ace Flynn inspired the Galway comeback with four points (including a sideline cut and a 65) while Shane Cooney and Brian Molloy also played their part.

Nevin also drew first blood for Galway in in the second-half but the Barry O'Connell captained Limerick responded in impressive fashion with points from Ronan Lynch (free), O'Donovan and David Dempsey.

With three quarters of an hour played, the game was delicately poised with Limerick just in front by 0-17 to 0-15.

Ronan Lynch gave the Munster champions a three point cushion when landing a long range free in the 48th minute and, seconds later, Morrissey struck for the game's only goal.

Initially, the full-forward looked to have been fouled for a penalty but he somehow managed to get his shot away, despite having a number of Galway defenders for company, and it was very much advantage Limerick with 10 minutes left on the clock.

Try as they might, Galway were unable to engineer the goal they badly need to revive their challenge in the closing stages and Limerick's management, players and supporters celebrated securing a first final appearance in the grade since 2002 at the final whistle.

Limerick - D McCarthy; S Finn, R English, M Casey; D Byrnes (0-2), B O'Connell, G Hegarty (0-1); D O'Donovan (0-2), P Ryan; R Lynch (0-3, 2f, 1sl), C Lynch (0-1), D Dempsey (0-4); C Ryan (0-3), T Morrissey (1-3), B Nash (0-1). Subs: A La Touche Cosgrave for P Ryan, P Casey for B Nash, M O'Callaghan for M Casey, J Kelliher for T Morrissey.

Galway - G Loughnane; D Cronin, P Killeen, B Keane; S Sweeney, S Cooney (0-1), E Burke; K McHugo, D Nevin (0-2); E Brannigan (0-1), C Mannion, C Whelan (0-1); B Molloy (0-5), R O'Meara, J Flynn (0-7, 2f, 2'65, 1sl). Subs: M Mullins for R O'Meara, J Kennedy for E Brannigan, J Ryan for K McHugo, B Burke for J Kennedy.

Referee - F Horgan.

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