Sunday evening saw the Limerick squad standing on the fringe of the Croke Park pitch, huddled near the tunnel’s entrance. They turned towards the Hogan Stand, clapping in the direction of the fans occupying the seats.
Not a single person remained seated. The arena echoed with the applause from Limerick supporters, showing appreciation for their warriors who may have lost the match but gained lifelong memories. It was a scene of mutual admiration – players expressing gratitude towards their fans, who in turn expressed their thanks back.
Despite missing the mark for a fifth successive victory, the Limerick team’s splendid journey and accomplishments can’t be erased. The question of hurling supremacy – between Limerick and Kilkenny, often debated in pub circles – is yet unsolved. Those in favour of Kilkenny believe they have come closest to ultimate triumph. However, records confirm that both teams have clinched four consecutive victories and any further claims merely constitute personal views.
To edge past Limerick this Sunday, Cork had to provide a performance that will linger in memory. They managed to augment their lead to seven points twice during the second half. Nevertheless, Limerick consistently challenged the course of the game by reducing the lead.
Limerick notably scored eight points out of the ten that followed the first-half goal by Brian Hayes of Cork. Upon reflection, Limerick may feel some of their strategic decisions could’ve been improved, particularly the consistency in scoring. Moreover, they struggled to cope with the pace of their Cork rivals.
Limerick also seemed unprepared for Patrick Collins’s lightning-fast puckouts. The speed at which the Cork goalkeeper launched the sliotars almost gave the impression of them being fired from a Nerf Pinpoint Blaster gun rather than a hurl.
Despite trailing by six points with only six minutes of usual play left, Limerick demonstrated their tenacity. They managed to score the final four points of the match, refusing to surrender without a fight.
Here is what we garnered from the recent GAA weekend: The audacious determination of Cork led to its triumph. After the match, both coaches showed respect for the other team, with John Kiely commending Cork and Pat Ryan extolling Limerick. “The game has been elevated by them, pushing us all to improve and upgrade the quality of our play, both on and off the pitch,” Ryan commented after the match. Few would dispute those words. Limerick, from goalkeeper Nickie Quaid to forward Aaron Gillane, steered their way into history, manifesto of an exceptionally gifted and dedicated team of hurlers.
Often hailed as the indomitable green wall of the hurling game, Limerick’s mid-fielders frequently posed an impenetrable challenge to rivals. The pillars of Limerick’s formidable reputation were constructed here. Despite their size, a common intimidating factor for opponents, the team has never failed to exhibit excellent hurling finesse. Regardless of how you chose to challenge Limerick, be it through a physical or tactical approach, they were always one step ahead. The task of dethroning the green giants of hurling wasn’t easily solved, it has indeed taken many attempts.
“There’s something quite special about being a trendsetter in a sport, encouraging others to emulate your strategies,” Kiely observed. “There’s no shortage of brilliant players and teams out there who might adopt the methods we have employed or those that Paul [Kinnerk] might have conceived and perfected with the guys. That’s the most gratifying homage, don’t you think?”
To suggest that Limerick’s successful streak has come to an end would be hasty. While the coveted five-in-a-row title is off the table, and some athletes may retire, the team retains a young core. Cian Lynch, Tom Morrissey and Seán Finn are all 28. Gearoid Hegarty is 29, Aaron Gillane is 27, and Kyle Hayes is set to celebrate his 26th birthday later in the month.
[ A gallery of ten Inspirational images demonstrating how Cork halted Limerick’s bid for hurling distinction while carving their own piece of history.]
Emerging talents are beginning to shine through in Limerick’s side. On Sunday, substitutes contributed four of the final seven points for Limerick, with Shane O’Brien and Adam English scoring a couple each. Both individuals showed their highly regarded skill in the tense atmosphere, confidently taking on the key role of striking the ball.
Within the team, Cathal O’Neill has stood out this season. Meanwhile, players such as Donnacha Ó Dálaigh, Aidan O’Connor, and Colin Coughlan are predicted to receive increased playing time in the forthcoming seasons. Whether Kiely will continue his role as leader for the 2025 season is uncertain, and it’s possible there may be some reorganisation within the staff. However, Limerick fans are hopeful for his return.
“Dedication is hallmark of the lads in that changing room, as Kiely praised his team. He maintains a strong belief in their ability to regroup and return to the pitch in 2025, revitalised and eager to perform. He affirms there is no hindrance to their potential success.
When the team returned to Colbert Station late on Sunday night, a crowd of fans were there to welcome them with applause, expressing gratitude for the renewed pride and confidence they brought to the county in the last few years.
As the players descended from the carriages, eager fans optimistically told them, ‘We’ll be back’, confident that their journey was not at its end, but merely paused. For the people of Limerick, these players are more than just fallen heroes – they are indeed everlasting heroes.