GAA
John Kiely’s men have been the best of the lot in four of the last five All-Ireland hurling campaigns.
It has been a magical time to be a Limerick hurling fan since John Kiely’s appointment in late 2016. The first year was about developing players as they went on to end a 45-year wait for Liam MacCarthy honours in 2018. The Munster championship was annexed the following year before a blip against Kilkenny in the All-Ireland semi-final.
However, that July 2019 defeat was Limerick’s last in the championship with Kiely’s men going on to claim a first-ever back-to-back of All-Ireland title before making it three-in-a-row earlier this year.
Incredibly, all four have come under differing circumstances and you can check out each below!
2018 All-Ireland Hurling Final – Limerick v Galway
45 years had passed since Limerick last won an All-Ireland Hurling title, but they were handed a golden opportunity in 2018 after getting the better of Cork in an epic semi-final.
A first final in eleven years awaited them, and they were keen to bring Liam McCarthy back to the Treaty against the holders Galway.
2020 All-Ireland Final – Limerick v Waterford
One point separated Limerick and an All-Ireland Final in 2019 as they bowed out at the semi-final stage to Kilkenny but they were adamant to bounce back the following year to reclaim their crown.
This would be an All-Ireland final like no other, with the game being played behind closed doors and without the key element of fans.
The decider took place 12 days from Christmas as Limerick signed off the year in style.
2021 All-Ireland Final – Limerick v Cork
After claiming a second All-Ireland honour in three years, Limerick were looking like a team that were only getting started.
A half-full Croke Park would greet them in the 2021 edition as Covid restrictions were starting to be eased. But despite some empty stands, nothing would prove a hinderance for John Kiely’s men as they saved their best for Croke Park.
2022 All-Ireland Final – Limerick v Kilkenny
2022 saw Limerick become history-makers, as they completed their first three-in-a-row in terms of All-Ireland titles. They went into the year’s final as favourites, but it certainly didn’t come easy as Brian Cody’s Cats provided a stern test.
It was a first All-Ireland final to be played in front of a full Croke Park in three years, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
Can Limerick make it four-in-a-row in 2023 or will there be another county that can stop them?