Despite an extra three thousand seats being made available for the clash of League and All-Ireland champions, the 21,000 lucky supporters in Cusack Park was dwarfed in numbers by those vying for entry to Ennis.
A town heaving in colour ready to beckon in the start of the 2024 championship, kicking off with a bang between the favourites and their fiercest challengers. After finishing so close in successive provincials deciders before claiming a first national success in eight years, could Clare land the first telling punch in the fabled ‘drive for five’.
Heading to a trad session to ease some of the match day nerves, it was almost a normal build up to a Munster hurling clash in Ennis. Yet, for me, it was as different a matchday experience I’ve ever had.
As Grace rung out in McGinty’s in North Queensland, 10,000 miles away, the Limerick and Clare faithful were just waking up to seemingly the first warm day in months!
Having set off for Sydney, Australia in late October last year, the first Limerick championship outing missed in six years started to hit home. Settling into the couch in the remote City of Cairns as the clocked ticked towards 11pm on Sunday evening, Colm Lyons readied to throw in the sliotar as my unknowing neighbours were about to endure an eventful couple of hours.
With work only a couple of hours away, nothing could distract from the second hand plasma screen in front of us, Limerick vs Clare, over to you Marty Morrissey and Michael Duignan.
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Rarely has a first round clash of any sort ever garnered so much interest but from the moment that Limerick were paired with Clare in their Ennis fortress for the opening game of the 2024 Munster Hurling Clash, April 21st was instantly a day to look forward to.
Ever before Limerick flexed their muscles in the early rounds of the League, or that first chink in the armour in their disappointing Spring defeat to Kilkenny who were subsequently overturned by Clare in the decider, the meeting of the Shannonside neighbours was sure to serve up another telling chapter in their storied rivalry.
Back to back Munster finals were seen as the prequel to an even more prestigious date in Croke Park but twice the Cats of Kilkenny usurped the Banner men to quash any hopes of an All-Munster Celtic Cross decider.
But, following their national success earlier this month, Clare welcomed the record breaking All-Ireland champions to Cusack Park with a pep in their step. Despite Limerick becoming only the third team to reach four successive All-Ireland titles, during that span, the Banner have always proved tricky opponents with their previous four meetings wielding two draws (in normal time) and a win each.
Even wit a number of other championship games taking place across the weekend, really, there was only one show in town.
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As was the case in last year’s round robin game, the only championship outing that Limerick have lost since 2019, an early ball into the Clare defence caused issues with Eibhear Quilligan and co needed immediately to prevent the green flag.
This inaccuracy wasn’t a solo incident for John Kiely’s men and while the chances racked up for the boys in green, the scoreboard stayed motionless as the Banner sensed an opening. Led by the imperious Shane O’Donnell, they seized the upperhand which was compounded by the first goal of the game, Aidan McCarthy firing past Nickie Quaid after being set up by the Eire Og man.
At the half, it was advantage Clare, leading by five.
Again, Limerick started with intent but the number of wides continued to stack up. Suddenly the prospect of needing to go three wins on the bounce just to survive the province become a real prospect as Clare’s lead grew to nine points.
Yet, as champions do, Limerick never panicked and with Clare so close to the finish line, the Treaty men sent out a timely reminder of who the top dogs are. Four unanswered points suddenly shifted the atmosphere (or so it seemed) in Ennis.
With ten to play, the gap had exponentially closed to less than two scores. Minutes later, it had been evaporated, three green flags raised and the first test in the drive completed.
“You come at the king, you best not miss.”
Clare had their chance but owing to inaccuracies on their part and Limerick eventually finding their groove, that opportunity came and went.
When needed most, Hurlers of the Year Gearoid Hegarty and Cian Lynch stood up, alongisde the returning Sean Finn, who showed more than glimpses of why he was one of the best corner backs off all time before his ACL injury.
Nickie Quaid, Barry Nash, Kyle Hayes and Dan Morrissey were others who stood tall but outside of that, there is much scope for improvement, something John Kiely will use this week in training for Tipp.
Not only was the result seismic for Limerick, their path to a sixth successive Munster final and that date in Croker appear far more straightforward. Clare would have been their toughest task on paper but that was hurdled with relative ease in the end.
The other result on Sunday, Waterford’s first meaningful Munster championship win in four years, does hint at an open province. But for now, Limerick are still the benchmark
Outing one of hopefully seven crossed off, roll on Tipperary this Sunday (or the early hours of Monday morning depending on location!)
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