​A ruthless performance saw Limerick return to the top of hurling’s pecking order as they claimed the county’s 13th All-Ireland title with a comprehensive 1-29 to 1-18 victory over Galway.John Kiely’s men last held the title in 2023 for what was their fifth in sixth years – beginning with a 2018 victory over Galway – and made up for two disappointing years to complete a clean sweep of honours in 2026.It capped a fine season for a Limerick side that had question marks hanging over them following last year’s quarter-final defeat by 14-man Dublin, but with renewed vigour in 2026, they produced the goods to see themselves home.While they had edged home in the Munster final and again in the semi-final against Clare, this was a throwback performance from the Treaty men who tore into the game, suffocated Galway and gradually powered clear.Galway just couldn’t reproduce the form of their Leinster title win and last four victory over Cork for what turned into a day to forget as they lost Ronan Glennon to a red card in the second period.However, the writing was long since on the wall as a goal from Cathal O’Neill eight minutes into the second period had saw Limerick turn their dominance into a commanding lead.With some questions to answer coming into the final, they emphatically answered them across the board for what must be one of their finest wins.Treaty on top in the opening periodGearoid Hegarty was trice denied by Darach Fahy in the opening half [Getty Images]Questions were answered early on as Jason Rabbitte drew a foul from Mike Casey that was punished by Aaron Niland which was a settler for both and this was repeated on another two occasions by the 11th minute which saw Casey booked.That was a problem for Limerick as Rabbitte was proving a handful, but at the other end, questions of Aaron Gillane’s form were also answered.The Patrickswell man notched their first point before twice putting Gearoid Hegarty through on goal, only for Darach Fahy to save on both occasions.The first led to a 65 which Diarmaid Byrnes converted for the first of his three first-half scores, while Gillane would also notch three from play in the opening period.Limerick were finding holes and winning some big turnovers as Galway’s tendency to take the ball into contact was causing themselves problems, as Limerick hassled and harried.Galway’s deep-lying style left them outnumbered at the other end with Niland finally scoring their first from play on 18 minutes and he would account for but one of their eight first half points – the other by Rabbitte who availed of an advantage when fouled by Finn.Two scores from play in the opening period highlighted their issues while Limerick were in a better flow as Adam English and Aidan O’Connor chipped in with two apiece, while Peter Casey, Cathal O’Neill and Cian Lynch also contributed as the Treaty led 0-13 to 0-8 at the break.O’Neill goal helps Limerick turn the screwO’Neill found the net eight minutes into the second period [Getty Imag