For the first time in six years, Limerick are Munster Senior Hurling Champions. They lived up to their title of All-Ireland Champions this afternoon with a comprehensive win over Tipperary.
A crowd of over 49,000 filled the sold-out Gaelic Grounds to witness John Kiely's side enjoy a 2-26 to 2-14 win over the Premier. The victory marks the first time since 1936 that the Treaty holds the Liam MacCarthy, the National League and Munster titles.
Tipp started well and lead by five points at one stage in the first half thanks to a Seamus Callanan goal in the 18th minute.
Limerick though found their rhythm and gave a masterclass of a performance, laying down a marker that they won't be giving up any of their titles anytime soon.
Two moments in the second half really defined what was an almost perfect display.
In the 55th minute, Limerick's Peter Casey superbly dispossessed James Barry. Then last year's young hurler of the year, 21-year-old Kyle Hayes, did what he had been threatening to do all day and stormed towards goal unmarked before smashing the sliotar into the back of the net.
Following this, Nickie Quaid replicated the heroics he displayed in last year's All-Ireland semi-final win over Cork as he produced a contender for save of the season.
With Seamus Callanan on the hunt for his second, the Effin man denied an almost certain goal with a fantastic foot-block.
The Treaty were dominating all over the pitch and making it look easy, eventually winning by 12 points, putting any doubts that anyone had about them at the start of the summer firmly to bed.
Limerick are Munster Hurling Champions for 2019!! pic.twitter.com/wqwHJ8GkwL
— The GAA (@officialgaa) June 30, 2019
For the third time in ten months, Declan Hannon was lifting silverware in front of a rejoicing crowd in the knowledge that they were on top.
Limerick goal-scorer Peter Casey said afterward "It's these days that matter, it's unbelievable, there's a real buzz around Limerick."
Limerick boss John Kiely played down the gravity of the achievement saying "the whole goal since Last August was to get back (to Croke Park)" and said they'll spend the next number of weeks preparing "to get there in the best possible shape" and do themselves justice.
As much as he tries to keep his cool, the bar has well and truly been set, the All-Ireland champions have laid down a marker, let's see how the chasing pack responds.
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