GAA
Our Reeling in the Years of Limerick GAA continues today as we travel back to 2006!
Catch out previous years.
2006
Hurling
National Hurling League
The National League reverted to a more traditional format for 2006 with Limerick drawn in Division 1B.
Limerick began with a draw against Tipperary before beating Galway. They would then draw with Kilkenny before wins over Antrim and Laois secured a quarter-final berth.
Here they would have seven points to spare as they beat Waterford 0-21 to 0-14.
In an epic semi-final against Clare, they would eventually com eout on top, 3-23 to 2-22 after extra-time earning a place in the final for the first time since 1997.
Kilkenny awaited in the final with their goals proving crucial as they defeated Limerick 3-11 to 0-14.
Munster Hurling Championship
Limerick’s early season form was not enough to earn a first Munster championship win since 2001 as Tipperary were victorious in their quarter-final clash in Semple Stadium, winning 0-22 to 2-12.
All-Ireland Series
In the round robin qualifier series, wins over Dublin and Offaly were enough to see Limerick into the quarter-finals despite a loss to Clare.
In the quarter-finals Limerick played defending All-Ireland champions Cork in Semple Stadium.
The sides exchanged scores in the opening quarter before Cork took control to take a 0-11 to 0-6 point lead into the half.
Cork continued to keep their distance until Limerick began to slowly reel them in reducing the deficit to three with fifteen minutes to play.
The gap was down to one with ten to go as Cork held a slight 0-15 to 0-14 lead.
The sides traded scores before Cork made it a two point game in injury time. Limerick did bring it back to a point but couldn’t find the equalizer.
Football
National Football League
After suffering relegation in 2005, Limerick responded in style to earn promotion back to the top tier at the first time of asking.
Five wins from their seven games saw them finish second in the table behind Donegal, winning promotion and advancing to the League semi-finals.
In the last four they met Louth who had won six of their seven group games and topped Division 2B.
The Leinster side proved too strong for Limerick as they ran out 2-13 to 0-11 winner against Mickey Ned O’Sullivan’s side.
Munster Football Championship
Limerick got back to winning ways in the Munster championship as they defeated Clare in the Gaelic Grounds, 2-5 to 0-8.
John Galvin and Mike Crowley’s goals proving the difference against the Banner as they moved on to play Cork in the semi-final.
That game for Limerick would prove utterly disappointing for the Treaty side.
With home advantage, they raced into a 0-4 to no score lead within the opening ten minutes.
However, their only other score would come in the 25th minute as they went over 45 minutes without a point, allowing Cork to run out 0-9 to 0-5 winners.
Cork would go onto win the Munster championship as Limerick were resigned to the qualifiers.
All-Ireland Series
Limerick were drawn to play Westmeath in Mullingar in the second round of the qualifiers.
Once more, Limerick raced out of the blocks and Micheal Reidy’s goal helped them into a 1-5 to 0-1 lead in Cusack Park.
Westmeath recovered but Limerick still held a 1-6 to 0-6 led at the half.
It wouldn’t be until the 70th minute that the Leinster side drew level with Donal O’Donoghue pointing before Micahel Ennis’ injury time score stole the game for Westmeath.
Club Championships
Hurling
Bruree won a first Limerick SHC since a certain Eamonn De Valera was enrolled in the local national school as they beat Patrickswell 1-16 to 1-15 in the final.
The ‘Well’s experience had them ahead 1-7 to 0-8 at the break with Barry Foley getting the goal.
Bruree continued to keep in touch of Patrickswell and found the lead on 49 minutes when Tommy O’Brien found the net.
Foley kept the pressure on with frees but Bruree duly responded to hold out for a first win since 1893.
Claughaun claimed Intermediate honours.
Mungret St Pauls were Junior A Champions while Cappamore were crowned Junior B Champions.
Football
Fr Caseys were crowned Senior kingpins for the 8th time as they defeated St Senans 0-12 to 1-7 in the final.
The Abbeyfeale side lead from start to finish but were made to sweat by the 2003 IFC champions.
Caseys lead by 0-5 to 0-2 which was out to 0-12 to 0-7 approaching injury time.
Conor Mullane goaled for Senans to reduce the deficit but it wouldn’t be enough to turn the tide as Caseys won a first championship since 2000.
In the intermediate championship, Newcastle West defeated Galtee Gaels to claim the honours.
Na Piarsaigh were victorious in the Junior A championship while Knockaderry were crowned as Junior B winners.
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