Two goals in the last seven minutes by former senior Owen O'Neill steered Limerick to their first All-Ireland intermediate hurling title when they defeated Kilkenny at Thurles on Saturday.

But Limerick had to fight hard to succeed. They were on top early on and led 1-8 to 0-9 at half-time thanks to a James Butler goal after nine minutes. Kilkenny took over in the third quarter. A Henry Shefflin goal taking them five points clear inside minutes.

Back came Limerick, inspired by an Andrew Ryan goal in the 14th minute, and the sides were level with 10 minutes to go before O'Neill's double strike.

Limerick: P Horgan; N Murphy, W O'Brien, J Kiely, P Neenan (0-1), G Galvin, P Cahill, D Carroll, P Keyes, D Murphy, A Ryan (1-9) J Cormican (0-2), J Butler (1-1), O O'Neill (2- 2), M O'Brien (0-1). Sub: M Quaid for Murphy.

Kilkenny: M Carey, D Roche, P Farrell, J Walsh, M Bookle, P Brophy, S Moran, D Maher (0-3), J Bulger, H Shevlin (1-6) A Cleere (0-2), B Phelan (0-3), T Shevlin (0-1), B Barcoe, R Shortall (1-1). Subs: C Connery for Roche; R Moore for Moran; O O'Connor (0-1) for Barcoe.

Referee: J Cooney.

The Oireachtas hurling match between Tipperary and Dublin scheduled for Thurles on Saturday was called off.