Limerick began their bid for a third successive All-Ireland title with a convincing 11-point defeat of Cork in their Munster SHC opener at Pairc Ui Chaoimh this afternoon.

In what was a repeat of last year's All-Ireland final which they won by 16 points, the holders prevailed with considerable ease once again - 2-25 to 1-17 - to send out a warning to all their rivals for the remainder of the campaign.

Cork could not have asked for a better start to the game as Shane Kingston blasted past goalkeeper Nickie Quaid 14 seconds in to hand the Rebels a 1-2 to 0-0 lead.

Limerick exploded into life in the 15th minute when Kyle Hayes, operating at full-forward, found himself in acres of space down the left flank to crash home his side's opening goal and Aaron Gillane grabbed a second on the stroke of the short whistle to fire John Kiely's impressive charges into a 2-9 to 1-8 half time lead.

Kieran Kingston's side briefly made a fight of it on the resumption, four points in-a-row via Robbie O'Flynn, Shane Barrett and Conor Lehane (2) had them back on level terms (2-9 to 1-12).

Moments later, Cork were back on the offensive for a goal chance, but All-Star netminder Quaid was equal to Barrett's effort and pulled off a magnificent save.

An outstanding save by Nicky Quaid to deny Shane Barrett and @OfficialCorkGAA a second goal in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship! #GAANOW pic.twitter.com/ukry5oWwys

— The GAA (@officialgaa) April 17, 2022

From there, the Treaty County stepped up a gear as they rifled over five unanswered scores to establish a firm foothold on proceedings.

Kiely's men finished with twelve different scorers over the 70 minutes with Patrickswell man Gillane (1-4) leading the way and long-range sharpshooter Diarmaid Byrnes next best on 0-6.

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