To the Limerick hurlers and management, thank you

THANK you! The joy, pride and lift the Limerick team captained by Declan Hannon and led by John Kiely has given to the city and county since 2018 is inestimable.

After 45 years of unlimited heartbreak, they had our hearts beating out of our chests for the last seven years. They gave a new-found confidence, brought life to lockdown and men and women went to their God after seeing Liam MacCarthy lifted by a Limerick man.

From Nickie’s flick to Kyle’s goal against Tipp. From Peter’s exhibition of point scoring to Gillane’s goals. From Cian’s on his knees score to the homecomings – there is a treasure trove of memories. 

It was all soundtracked by The Cranberries and Dolores O’Riordan’s haunting vocals. Our Dreams did come true. And it isn’t over yet.

John Kiely said after Sunday’s All-Ireland semi-final, “I have no doubt Limerick will regroup and come back in 2025, refreshed and ready to go again. There’s no reason why they can’t”.

However, he did say “there will be probably some people in that (dressing) room that may not be there come next year”.

One wonders what the late, great Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, the man described as the “High King” of Irish broadcasting would have said after watching Limerick being dethroned by Cork on Sunday. Heavy is the head that wears the crown but Limerick wore it with class and humility.

Micheál, who passed away two weeks ago, witnessed his beloved Kerry fail in their bid to win five-in-a-row in 1982. In his lovely soft lilt you could imagine him saying at the final whistle on Sunday, “The blood and bandage may have won the day but the Treaty never went away”.

Limerick have won five All-Ireland, six Munster, three League titles, five Hurler of the Year awards and countless All-Stars since 2018. The team’s success made fans confident but never arrogant as those of a certain generation know the bitter feeling of defeat all too well. 

A real quote from Micheál reads: “Once an All-Ireland final is over, especially the last one of the year, it’s like closing in something but you’re already looking forward to the resurrection. And like the flowers that grow after the flowers dying with the frost of the winter, the new ones will come if you’re lucky enough to be around for them.”

READ MORE: Limerick success provided huge lift

This piece may read like an obituary but far from it. Limerick were reeling in Cork just like in 2018 but just came up short after a performance for the ages by the Rebels, and good luck to them.  It’s the madness and wild beauty of hurling – one slip, one save, one sliotar drifting agonisingly wide.

So as supporters come to terms with this strange feeling of losing we can look back with a smile and look forward with promise. 

Luimneach Abú.