The Limerick Ladies Footballers epitomise the spirit of Sport in Limerick

As the saying goes, you wait ages for a bus and then two come along at once. This phrase could certainly apply to Limerick GAA who have enjoyed major success over the past month after an extended barren period without any silverware. 

On August 19 last night, the Limerick senior hurlers bridged a gap of 45 years since their previous All Ireland success as they brought Liam MacCarthy back to the county to an overwhelming reception. Years of hurt were banished as John Kiely led his side back to the promised land. 

Fast forward a month and the Limerick faithful are celebrating once again. On September 16, the Ladies Footballers blitzed their opponents Louth to secure a first All-Ireland Junior title since 2010. In a display full of quality, Limerick overcame the odds to bring another All-Ireland title back to ‘Sporting’ Limerick.

In a county so immersed in sports, the Ladies Footballers, under the tutelage of John Ryan, epitomise all that is good about the county. While their skill is undoubted, their endeavour and defiance mark them out.

The 2017 season yielded little positive reaction as Limerick were relegated to the bottom division of the League, yet despite this, John Ryan was able to gel together his squad to put together a monumental season.

Limerick came up against Louth in the All-Ireland final. This was their third meeting of 2018. In the first, Louth ran out 2-7 to 0-6 winners. To their credit, Limerick responded well and qualified for the semi-final stage of the League where they would once again face the Wee county. The Leinster side demonstrated their class again and ran out comfortable 1-15 to 0-9 victors to end Limerick’s hopes of promotion to Division 3.

Limerick’s next game saw them face Derry in the opening round of the championship where they would suffer defeat. Faced with a do-or-die clash with Carlow, Limerick would display all the qualities usually associated with the county to secure unlikely passage to the Semi-Finals of the competition. 

London awaited in the last four and headed into the game as favourites to set up a tie with Louth in the final. Limerick , never ones to take the easy road, overcame a sluggish start to earn a hardfought victory and their place in Croke Park on Ladies Finals Day.

A third meeting with Louth loomed. After successive losses to the Wee County, Limerick could have been forgiving for approaching the game with apprehension. Yet, confidence etched the faces of each one of the squad who spoke with poise and self-assurance in the build up to the game.

Like their male counterparts who came into the All-Ireland decider as underdogs, Limerick began the final much the brighter but failed to convert their early dominance into scores. While lesser teams could have folded at missing so many chances, this brave Limerick side continued their assault on Louth.

After 18 minutes that yielded just a solitary point, Limerick went for the jugular. Three minutes and three goals later, the game was effectively ended as a contest. A brace of goals followed in the second half as Limerick secured the West County title on a scoreline of 5-6 to 0-8. Cue further green elation in GAA HQ.

Despite facing setback after setback throughout the year, Limerick were able to prevail over any obstacle that came their way and rightfully call themselves champions come the final whistle on a whirlwind season. 

From Player of the Match, Rebecca Delee’s joyful excitement in the post-match interview to the tears of Olivia Giltenane to the elegance and brilliance of Dyphna O’Brien throughout her illustrious career, this side have represented their county proudly.

They are also a representation of the spirit of the county. A never give in attitude, a defiance against the odds. 

Munster Rugby, who call Limerick home live by one simple motto that perfectly captures the resolve of the Ladies Footballers in the county.

“Forti et Fideli nihil difficile”

Simply translated as, 

“To The Brave and the faithful, nothing is impossible.”