GAA Moments of the Year | Limerick Minor Footballers bridge a 23-year gap to reach Munster final

As 2021 draws to a close, Jack Neville looks back on some of the most memorable GAA moments of the year.

While the year proved largely forgettable for most as the pandemic continued to grip the world, for the fans of Limerick GAA, there was a number of incredible moments throughout 2021 that will live long in the memory

And ahead of the new year, look back at some of the most memorable.

Limerick GAA’s Moments of the Year.

Today, we reflect on the Limerick minor footballers year as they reached the Munster final

The minors began their campaign with a 2-9 to 1-9 victory over Tipperary with goals in either half from Marc Nolan and Ruairi Cronin proving vital to the home side in the Gaelic Grounds.

Next up were Clare in Ennis as the Banner looked for a fourth final appearance in five years. But awaiting them was a blitz from Kevin Dienihan’s men as they were comprehensive 3-11 to 0-12 winners.

11 August 2021; Limerick goalkeeper Craig MacInnes celebrates a point for his side during the Electric Ireland Munster minor football championship final match between Cork and Limerick at Semple Stadium in Thurles, Tipperary. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Darragh Murray’s penalty helped Limerick into a 1-8 to 0-5 lead at the break. Clare repsonded but the Treaty men never looked like relinquishing their lead with goals either side of the water break by Ronan Quirke and Emmet Rigter sealing the win.

That set up a first Munster final for Limerick since 1998 as they travelled to Thurles to take on Cork.

The heavy favourites moved into an early 1-1 to 0-0 lead but Limerick’s response was exemplary and the gap was just one at after 16 as they kicked three on the trot.

Cork settled again and were 1-6 to 0-5 ahead at the half.

But Limerick dominated the third quarter and outscored their opponents 0-7 to 0-2 in this period to take a lead into the final waterbreak.

Cork replied but a Murray free had Limerick ahead with ten to play. But Cork’s finish was emphatic as they reeled off eight on the bounce to secure the 1-17 to 0-13 win and deny Limerick a first crown since 1956.

Nonetheless, it was an exceptional season for Kevin Denihan’s men who look like they have a bright future ahead in the green jersey.

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