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Limerick Hurling 2021

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Unreal days to be a Limerick supporter - don't take these for granted. I've supported them long enough to realise it doesnt take much for things to go wrong. The first half yesterday was just unbelievable, to have 3-18 on the board and only 2 of those from frees. They are a credit to themselves and everyone connected with them. They are now firmly in the group of the great hurling teams to have played the game

ImokillyMan (Cork) - Posts: 221 - 23/08/2021 08:50:17    2374038

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First half was the best half from a team I have ever seen. Its not just that they are superbly talented, but they are not greedy, they always play as a team. That happens very rarely at any level, every club has a fella who wants to play the game by himself. It was something to see them in action yesterday

ImokillyMan (Cork) - Posts: 221 - 23/08/2021 09:49:28    2374054

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I needed a bit of time to gather the thoughts. At the final whistle I was in awe of what I had seen.
Unquestionably now the greatest Limerick team ever. Don't even want to think about 2022 until 2022. Just going to enjoy this for what it is.

I should not single out one player but Declan Hannon what a game! In some quarters it was said he was the "weaklink" of the half backline. For me he was the best defender of the 6. Forget the 2 points he scored, he mopped up absolutely everything from word go. The very first play he won the ball back and gave it out to Lynch to set the boys on their way. A joy to behold. Delighted for him. Cian Lynch I can't add to anything that's already been said. As his uncle so aptly put it "the Messi of hurling"

John Kiely, Paul Kinnerk, Mikey Kiely, Caroline Currid and all the backroom staff THANK YOU.
It can't be underestimated how difficult the last couple of years has been. Like Kiely said yesterday he trusted the backroom team to get the timing spot on and they did.
How foolish I was back in April when I was worried about fitness!

Mads (Limerick) - Posts: 380 - 23/08/2021 10:59:40    2374077

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Right a rant about Cork. I particularly have been harsh on them but they don't help themselves. I was worried about the pressure on our lads but all this talk about the "rebel treble" only heaped pressure on a very young team. In some quarters the arrogance again was ridiculous and disrespectful. They do have wonderful supporters and have a fantastic tradition but up until yesterday I think the only teams they genuinely respected were Tipp and Kilkenny. I still think they will be serious contenders very soon with that fabulous underage talent but this is our time and going to enjoy it.

An aside, it's an absolute joke that we can't have some sort of homecoming. It's nothing more than these lads deserve. Before the year is out if there's not some outdoor event organised it's a disgrace. There should have been open top bus with people around the streets at least. And concerts up in Belfast no problem

Mads (Limerick) - Posts: 380 - 23/08/2021 11:18:13    2374082

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My comments after the match are the following.

Limerick were dominant all the way. At times it reminded me of a rugby team playing a hockey team. Too powerful, too skillful and too complete a team. The harsh reality is that this Cork team were no where near good enough to win an All Ireland.
Cork to me are the Empire. They have vast resources including tradition, style and massive player numbers. This is definitely a major scar on them but you know that they have really talented players coming through. One immediate problem that they have is will Horgan and Harmedy who were their 2 best players on the day step away because that will exacerbate the leadership vacuum in that team. The Empire will strike back.
Cian Lynch is the Harry Potter of hurling and now comfortably carries the mantle as the best hurler in Ireland.
I'm looking around at the intercounty scene at the moment and trying to figure out where are the challengers for 2022. KK are in serious decline. Tipp are in major transition. Cork are traumatized. Galway were a shocking disappointment. I don't get Galway that they can win 4 minor All Ireland's in a row and not win the U20? In fact the only U20 team to give Cork a run for their money was Limerick. I think that Waterford are the No 2 team behind us but I just can't see them beating us.
At the end of the day however, it's still just sport and the most important thing is family. Sadly as I was hugging friends outside the back of the Hogan Stand after the match, a desperate tragedy played out behind the Cusack Stand which has plunged the village of Adare into a very bleak place this morning and which will shroud this win with a profound sadness. Aug 22nd won't be remembered just for Limerick winning their 10th All Ireland.

Dealer (Limerick) - Posts: 837 - 23/08/2021 11:31:34    2374087

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Well done Limerick a credit to youre County
Keep it going now make hay while the sun shines as they say
Youre an example to all other hurling countys outside the big 3

rhudson (Galway) - Posts: 1478 - 23/08/2021 12:59:52    2374122

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Replying To Mads:  "I needed a bit of time to gather the thoughts. At the final whistle I was in awe of what I had seen.
Unquestionably now the greatest Limerick team ever. Don't even want to think about 2022 until 2022. Just going to enjoy this for what it is.

I should not single out one player but Declan Hannon what a game! In some quarters it was said he was the "weaklink" of the half backline. For me he was the best defender of the 6. Forget the 2 points he scored, he mopped up absolutely everything from word go. The very first play he won the ball back and gave it out to Lynch to set the boys on their way. A joy to behold. Delighted for him. Cian Lynch I can't add to anything that's already been said. As his uncle so aptly put it "the Messi of hurling"

John Kiely, Paul Kinnerk, Mikey Kiely, Caroline Currid and all the backroom staff THANK YOU.
It can't be underestimated how difficult the last couple of years has been. Like Kiely said yesterday he trusted the backroom team to get the timing spot on and they did.
How foolish I was back in April when I was worried about fitness!"
Fully agree about hannon,we love him,so humble and brilliant with the fans,a gentleman,around me every limerick fan stood up to clap him off.Didnt think I would see my county win one but to see us win 3, couldn't ask for more

cityman73 (Limerick) - Posts: 783 - 23/08/2021 13:38:11    2374139

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What an an outstanding performance. Definitely the greatest ever performance from any team in an All Ireland Final. No disrespect to Galway or Waterford but to beat one of the big three in an All Ireland final is very sweet. The clinical finishing of Hegarty and Gilliane was a joy to behold. Very reminiscence of Kilkenny in there pomp where they went for the jugular early on. Game was done and dusted at 30 mins. Cork tactically got it wrong but I don't think anything they could have done on the sideline would have made any difference but maybe would have reduced the winning margin. Cork should have started with an extra defender and not have left there full back line so exposed. Having the fans back made this victory all the more special with the atmosphere electric.
Great credit to all the backroom team, the skill and team work is a joy to watch. The humility shown by John Kiely permeates throughout the team and is the cornerstone of the success this group has achieved. These are special times for Limerick hurling. Long may they continue. Luimneach Abu.

journeyman (Limerick) - Posts: 144 - 23/08/2021 15:58:51    2374176

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Yesterday really was the perfect day:

https://limerickhurling.blogspot.com/2021/08/heyday.html

Luimneach Abú

slayer (Limerick) - Posts: 6548 - 23/08/2021 18:09:49    2374196

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Replying To rhudson:  "Well done Limerick a credit to youre County
Keep it going now make hay while the sun shines as they say
Youre an example to all other hurling countys outside the big 3"
Thanks for a lovely compliment. You comment about inspiring teams outside of the big three is spot on. Ten or twelve we were in serious trouble. It shows what can be achieved if the necessary work is put in.

Oldtourman (Limerick) - Posts: 4522 - 23/08/2021 21:21:04    2374240

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Great win . Absolutely devastating. If ever a team deserves 15 all stars . Plus more. Lol

Greenmen73 (Limerick) - Posts: 27 - 23/08/2021 23:47:02    2374273

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Replying To Oldtourman:  "Thanks for a lovely compliment. You comment about inspiring teams outside of the big three is spot on. Ten or twelve we were in serious trouble. It shows what can be achieved if the necessary work is put in."
Above should have said 'ten or twelve years ago we were in serious trouble'.

Oldtourman (Limerick) - Posts: 4522 - 24/08/2021 09:42:34    2374298

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Have watched the game back 4 times already now. The fans singing 'Limerick you're a lady' as the players and management walked around the pitch was just awesome. Memories etched into the mind forever. What a great day.

slayer (Limerick) - Posts: 6548 - 24/08/2021 10:04:41    2374300

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Replying To Mads:  "Right a rant about Cork. I particularly have been harsh on them but they don't help themselves. I was worried about the pressure on our lads but all this talk about the "rebel treble" only heaped pressure on a very young team. In some quarters the arrogance again was ridiculous and disrespectful. They do have wonderful supporters and have a fantastic tradition but up until yesterday I think the only teams they genuinely respected were Tipp and Kilkenny. I still think they will be serious contenders very soon with that fabulous underage talent but this is our time and going to enjoy it.

An aside, it's an absolute joke that we can't have some sort of homecoming. It's nothing more than these lads deserve. Before the year is out if there's not some outdoor event organised it's a disgrace. There should have been open top bus with people around the streets at least. And concerts up in Belfast no problem"
Just on the point about about Cork talent in their underage set ups, how are we looking? I know there are the 3 standout players from the u20 team, 2 being on the senior panel, but how are we fixed in the younger age groups??

Shocs07 (Limerick) - Posts: 374 - 24/08/2021 10:10:50    2374304

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Replying To Shocs07:  "Just on the point about about Cork talent in their underage set ups, how are we looking? I know there are the 3 standout players from the u20 team, 2 being on the senior panel, but how are we fixed in the younger age groups??"
I think we've all been wondering about that. To be honest like you say I think our under 20s went relatively toe to toe with Cork. They did deserve to win but like you say at least there's the promise of 3 to 4 players from that crop which is brilliant..
To the minors, to be fair that Cork minor team was unbelievable. They beat everyone in Munster by a minimum margin of 10 points. Like everyone says you couldn't believe they were under 17s. I read an article there from the manager confident that 12 players not in the squad would have made any other team! That Galway side was managed by an all Ireland winning manager as well so that was huge.

It looks like they have copied our academy structure and are starting to reap the rewards big time. Wins with secondary schools, UCC and underage means the only they are missing now is senior titles.
With their resources and number of clubs it will be very hard to get back on top at underage levels.
Our boys now have heros from Limerick. Yes this golden age will end but it would be a right shame if we rested on our laurels and went back into the abyss!

Mads (Limerick) - Posts: 380 - 24/08/2021 12:42:03    2374346

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Replying To Mads:  "I think we've all been wondering about that. To be honest like you say I think our under 20s went relatively toe to toe with Cork. They did deserve to win but like you say at least there's the promise of 3 to 4 players from that crop which is brilliant..
To the minors, to be fair that Cork minor team was unbelievable. They beat everyone in Munster by a minimum margin of 10 points. Like everyone says you couldn't believe they were under 17s. I read an article there from the manager confident that 12 players not in the squad would have made any other team! That Galway side was managed by an all Ireland winning manager as well so that was huge.

It looks like they have copied our academy structure and are starting to reap the rewards big time. Wins with secondary schools, UCC and underage means the only they are missing now is senior titles.
With their resources and number of clubs it will be very hard to get back on top at underage levels.
Our boys now have heros from Limerick. Yes this golden age will end but it would be a right shame if we rested on our laurels and went back into the abyss!"
Biggest change with Cork underage has been that they have pulled out of a lot of the 'inter-county' underage competitions and now focus on entering divisional teams into competitions, casting the net wider. I know I've seen some of their 16's playing and they look very strong indeed. I know two Limerick selection teams played two of the Cork divisions recently and it was one win apiece. I wouldn't take my eye of the ball in limerick and take it for granted lads will come through, the academy needs to be supported as much now as it ever was.

ImokillyMan (Cork) - Posts: 221 - 24/08/2021 16:41:33    2374442

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Replying To ImokillyMan:  "Biggest change with Cork underage has been that they have pulled out of a lot of the 'inter-county' underage competitions and now focus on entering divisional teams into competitions, casting the net wider. I know I've seen some of their 16's playing and they look very strong indeed. I know two Limerick selection teams played two of the Cork divisions recently and it was one win apiece. I wouldn't take my eye of the ball in limerick and take it for granted lads will come through, the academy needs to be supported as much now as it ever was."
ok there is a lot of talk about this cork minor team but just say some of these players start for cork senior team in 3 years time they will be 20 years of age and will be marking a 26 year old kyle hayes . and a 28 year old cian lynch to name but two still in their prime. As Joe Mckenna said Just add One or Two each year and limerick will remain a powerhouse for a long time. As a boy my dream was to hear the commentator say , ITS ALL OVER AND LIMERICK ARE THE ALL IRELAND CHAMPIONS, its magical to have heard it a few times now and thanks to these great hurlers and backroom team for blessing us limerick men, women and children with these wonder years.

longtermfan (Limerick) - Posts: 120 - 24/08/2021 22:21:16    2374524

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Replying To journeyman:  "What an an outstanding performance. Definitely the greatest ever performance from any team in an All Ireland Final. No disrespect to Galway or Waterford but to beat one of the big three in an All Ireland final is very sweet. The clinical finishing of Hegarty and Gilliane was a joy to behold. Very reminiscence of Kilkenny in there pomp where they went for the jugular early on. Game was done and dusted at 30 mins. Cork tactically got it wrong but I don't think anything they could have done on the sideline would have made any difference but maybe would have reduced the winning margin. Cork should have started with an extra defender and not have left there full back line so exposed. Having the fans back made this victory all the more special with the atmosphere electric.
Great credit to all the backroom team, the skill and team work is a joy to watch. The humility shown by John Kiely permeates throughout the team and is the cornerstone of the success this group has achieved. These are special times for Limerick hurling. Long may they continue. Luimneach Abu."
Yes indeed, the achievements of this team are amazing and we could easily be celebrating four in a row and there is at least a possibility that we might yet be. Remember Kilkenny lost two finals to Offaly and Cork before they went on their great run. Among the notable highlights of the past four years are winning every match they played in a year, something that had not been done in almost sixty years, and beating Tipperary in the Munster championship in every one of the last four years some thing that had never before been inflicted on any of the big three, by any other county,
When you considers that Cork has a pool of four or five times the number of hurlers we have and that Galway has twice as much our achievement in producing such a brilliant team is truly amazing.
Heartiest congratulations to all concerned agus Luimnecah Abu go deo.

Oldtourman (Limerick) - Posts: 4522 - 25/08/2021 17:19:40    2374734

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Statistical analysis of Q2 All Ireland final, Limerick v Cork

https://limerickhurling.blogspot.com/2021/08/all-ireland-final-q2-stats.html

slayer (Limerick) - Posts: 6548 - 25/08/2021 18:11:01    2374752

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Replying To slayer:  "Statistical analysis of Q2 All Ireland final, Limerick v Cork

https://limerickhurling.blogspot.com/2021/08/all-ireland-final-q2-stats.html"
That's excellent stuff. 2 things stood out for me, 1. the amount of tackles our boys put in in comparison to Cork.
Really really hard working
2. The number puck outs Cork lost when they went long. Unbelievable, regardless of how stellar our half backline is.
That must be high on the agenda for the winter in leeside

Mads (Limerick) - Posts: 380 - 25/08/2021 21:43:17    2374788

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