A couple of reflections on the match having watched it back again:

From my seat in the Davin stand, it was obvious from a very early stage that the Cork full back line were completely overmatched on the day. Downey and O'Donoghue weren't able to stay with Flanagan and Gillane at all and the two lads caused havoc. Casey was dancing around, scoring from all angles. The Cork management didn't respond to what was unfolding, either by changing their set up or making personnel changes, until the game was effectively over. At the first water break, it was noticeable that Kinnerk ran straight over to the inside forwards to give a message before talking to the team as a whole. In contrast, the Cork management were talking amongst themselves for much of the water break. Kinnerk sees these opportunities to deliver in-game coaching to the players as invaluable.

I thought Flanagan had a super game overall. His constant movement allowed him to get on a huge amount of ball and he set up several scores and chances for teammates. I'd have had him close to man of the match, only for Lynch's amazing display.

Will O'Donoghue is another player that I'd single out amongst a superb overall team performance. He's a player who plays to his strengths but also knows his limitations and plays accordingly. He is the ultimate team player.

Slayer's analysis above highlights some of the conundrums that Cork faced. They were cleaned out completely when going long with puck outs, and when they went short, they looked nervous and seemed to be putting themselves under huge pressure.

It was a privilege to be at the match, particularly after the strangeness of watching last year's final take place in an empty stadium. Thoughout all the years following Limerick, we genuinely used to wonder at home if we'd ever see an all Ireland win in our lifetimes. In the 78 years between 1940 and 2018 Limerick won one all Ireland. Now we have three in four years. Its hard to believe.

C4000 (Limerick) - Posts: 10 - 25/08/2021 23:56:49    2374825

Was I the only Limerick fan that well into the 2nd half was thinking "what if they get a goal now and then a penalty and we're down a man and they score the penalty...they'll be flying then..."

Privileged to have been at the game, atmosphere was electric. Even though it was 3rd in 4 years, it was still emotional. I wonder when that stops.

An amazing team that we are blessed to be around to witness. I'm sure there is another couple of All Irelands on them, but they owe us nothing and if no more All Irelands come along, then so be it. They are so driven though, I can't see the hunger fading for a while.

London125 (UK) - Posts: 55 - 26/08/2021 10:56:32    2374881

C4000 (Limerick) - Posts: 10 - 26/08/2021 11:23:18    2374894

Now that Limerick hurlers are on top of the hurling world, (and likely to stay there for a while), maybe now is the time for the county board to pump serious resources into football development and establish Limerick as a proper dual county?? We have to population to compete effectively on both fronts - have we the will, though?

football first (None) - Posts: 1259 - 26/08/2021 12:15:20    2374913

Amazing days. While 18 was just relief I don't think I've ever enjoyed a second half as much as Sunday. In utter control. Playing out of our skins in a final against one of the big 3. Felt all the cork people around me were incredibly decent with their congratulations.

There's another 2 all Ireland's at least in that set of players undoubtedly. I'd suspect management will definitely mix it up to keep all on their toes.

It will be interesting to see the progression of the squad next year. Graham isn't the force of before but is still a great sub. Will pat Ryan or perhaps o neill overtake him. Coughlan looks very able and a big buachaill to boot. I wonder would we see more of him in midfield perhaps. Reidy seems to be getting closer. Sometimes it just takes time. Dempsey has been v unlucky with injuries. Hopefully Mike Casey will return fully next season. As Richie showed this year it takes a long time to recover to speed after that long a spell out.

Sugary_tae (Limerick) - Posts: 70 - 26/08/2021 16:00:29    2375014

Is there any news on Peter Casey's injury. He as man on fire up till that point.

Seeking_silver (Limerick) - Posts: 411 - 27/08/2021 12:14:01    2375197

LimkABU (Limerick) - Posts: 74 - 27/08/2021 14:08:28    2375223

I hope Casey just has a minor ligament issue, he deserves a lucky break. I wonder how the likes of St Pats, Claughaun, Old Christians do underage after this. If they can't get kids through the door now ,they never will. For all tge great work done in Limerick, there isn't one working class city kid on the squad and the underage panels are similar. Junior soccer had some following.

bloodyban (Limerick) - Posts: 1710 - 27/08/2021 15:50:29    2375242

updwell (Limerick) - Posts: 904 - 28/08/2021 16:10:33    2375455

Worst possible news for Casey - cruciate injury confirmed. The same injury as his brother (and Richie English). Operation and long rehab road back over next 9 months

LimkABU (Limerick) - Posts: 74 - 28/08/2021 16:59:03    2375480

Mads (Limerick) - Posts: 371 - 28/08/2021 17:23:18    2375491

Best of luck to Peter on the long recovery road..he,ll have plenty of advice from the brother..hope he comes back even better and stronger..

CTGAA10 (Limerick) - Posts: 2547 - 28/08/2021 17:33:45    2375505

Only got have the chance to post now, well done to the Limerick hurlers and management team on winning their all-Ireland title and thanks for giving us a great performance to enjoy as supporters. I was very lucky in securing a ticket on Saturday evening before the match. I haven't got the chance to watch it back yet either and I'm looking forward in doing so.

1 to 15 and subs all played well and it was as close to a perfect performance as you could get against a good Cork side too who had just no answer for us.

Everyone involved deserves their accolades and praise but I'm just want to give special mentions to a few here.
Firstly Peter Casey on scoring some beautiful points before going off injuried and I wish him the best of luck in his recovery and hopefully we will see him at some stage next year.
Declan Hannon a brilliant captain to have on any team, the abuse he took off so called supporters in 2013 was so out of order and look at him now, the dedication he gives to Limerick hurling he deserves every bit of his success and hopefully he will captain a few more all-Ireland wins.
John Kiely on looking to get involved in Limerick hurling when we were at our lowest and us Limerick supporters owe that man a huge depth of gratitude for the joy he has given us.
Finally Nickie Quaid and Greame Mulcahy 2 guys when they were young lads on the panel, stood strong and refused to go on strike when they were pushed by a senior panel member at the time. Those lads are getting their rewards now that they more than deserve.

DUALSUPPORT (Limerick) - Posts: 1038 - 28/08/2021 20:13:08    2375667

DUALSUPPORT (Limerick) - Posts: 1038 - 28/08/2021 21:50:11    2375738

bloodyban (Limerick) - Posts: 1710 - 28/08/2021 21:53:25    2375743

johnocarroll17 (Limerick) - Posts: 408 - 28/08/2021 23:59:20    2375819

An article on Nickie Quaid:

https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-40368326.html

I don't really put much emphasis on the all stars. Players do though - huge accolade for them.

But I really think he deserves to be recognised for the quality he brings to the team.

slayer (Limerick) - Posts: 6480 - 29/08/2021 12:25:31    2375966

Apologies

Above message was Nickie's own article, this one below is about his contribution to Limerick's success.

http://limerickhurling.blogspot.com/2021/08/nickie-quaid.html?m=1

slayer (Limerick) - Posts: 6480 - 29/08/2021 14:02:36    2376011

updwell (Limerick) - Posts: 904 - 29/08/2021 15:31:56    2376043

DUALSUPPORT (Limerick) - Posts: 1038 - 29/08/2021 17:29:45    2376078