Limerick and Waterford went toe-to-toe at Croke Park to determine the Allianz National Hurling League Division One winners earlier and it's fair to say that the first half was a rather bitty affair.
In a game that was in danger of being dominated by the whistle of Wexford man James Owens, Waterford had kept pace with the All-Ireland champions and trailed only by one after 26 minutes, before a bit of magic was sprinkled on the affair by Limerick duo Tom Morrisey and Aaron Gillane.
The wing half forward sent in a sumptuous raking ball into Gillane at the edge of the square and, well, what the corner forward did next caught more than Waterford netminder Stephen O'Keeffe on their heels.
Cúl aimsithe ag Aaron Gillane - ach cad é sin mar pas ó Tom Morrissey?!@LimerickCLG @MunsterGAA @GAA__JOE #AllianzLeagues pic.twitter.com/sl7HALk85y
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) March 31, 2019
The goal would prove the catalyst for John Kiely's side to power on to a five-point lead at half-time - a lead that they would only extend in the second thirty-five, eventually being crowned champions after a comfortable 1-24 to 0-19 victory.
Gillane would finish the day with a personal haul 1-09 and picked up the man of the match award.
Quizzed about his wonderful strike in the post-game interview, the Patrickswell man joked the Morrisey may have "mishit" his wonderful pinpoint pass.
Laoch na hImeartha, Aaron Gillane!@LimerickCLG @MunsterGAA @GAA__JOE #AllianzLeagues pic.twitter.com/4WMxfBnUxK
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) March 31, 2019
I'd say Tom actually mishit it, you know. I don't know what I was doing, I jus kind of flicked it. I'd say it was the only thing I hit on target all day - I'd enough wides as well, so I'm just delighted it went in.
Both sides will now turn their attention to the Munster Hurling Championship. The Deise will open their summer campaign at home to Clare on May 12th whilst the All-Ireland champions will tackle provincial champions Cork in their opening salvo a week later on May 19th.
