GAA
With no sport to keep us entertained for the foreseeable future, it is time to get creative and reminisce about all sport has offered us over the years.
As such, I began to examine my favourite hurling games involving Limerick since I first attended the Gaelic Grounds in 2007 as a 10-year-old.
There has been some huge highs and many more lows in Limerick hurling circles over the past thirteen years and for each of the next ten days I will count down my top ten favourite Limerick games.
Today I will start out with some honourable mentions to get the ball rolling.
Honourable Mentions
Limerick 1-23: 1-16 Clare
2007 All Ireland Hurling Quarter Final
Limerick came into the game off the back of disappointing first Munster Final loss since 2001 to Waterford. Limerick, who were ably lead by 0-11 from the brilliant Andrew O’Shaughnessy dominated the game from start to finish and were full value for their seven-point lead to set up a rematch with Waterford in the All-Ireland semi-final.
This match will always serve as the first game I ever attended in Croke Park.
Limerick 2-18 : 2-16 Tipperary
2014 Munster Championship Semi-Final
After shocking Tipperary at the same stage in the Gaelic Grounds 12-months prior, Limerick entered Semple Stadium as underdogs in the 2014 Munster Semi-Final.
The home side lead by three with normal time running out before a brilliant Shane Dowling goal brought the sides level. Points in extra time from Thomas Ryan and corner-back Seamus Hickey sealed the win for the defending Munster champions.
Limerick 1-19 : 2-15 Clare
2015 Munster Championship Quarter-Final
Limerick picked up a win in the Munster Championship for the third successive year for the first time since 1997 with a last minute victory over Clare in Semple Stadium.
A 19-year-old Cian Lynch was electric in his debut with 0-3 in a man of the match display. A brace of Aaron Cunningham goals kept the Banner in touch before John Fitzgibbon sealed the game late on.
Limerick 1-23 : 2-14 Tipperary
2018 Munster Hurling Group Stage
Although Limerick were without a championship win since a qualifier victory over Westmeath in 2015, there was expectation that John Kiely in his second year in charge could bring integrate the All-Ireland U21 winning sides of 2015 and 2017.
They were proven right as Kiely’s young charges overpowered Tipperary to get their Munster campaign off to the best possible start in what would be a memorable year for the Treaty.
Limerick 1-24 : 0-19 Waterford
Allianz National League Final 2019
Limerick secured their first League title in 22-years in utterly comprehensive style. The win was memorable for another reason. It was the sides first trip back to Croker since the All-Ireland win six months previous.
It was also refreshing to see Limerick win a final at their ease after the dramatics of the August Final. The victory also put Limerick at the pinnacle of Hurling as reigning All-Ireland and League champions. Aaron Gillane’s goal is also worth a mention, the best I’ve ever seen live.
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