AIB Munster Club SHC final: Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) 1-11 Crusheen (Clare) 0-14

LIMERICK’S Na Piarsaigh GAA club is bucking a national trend.

EXPERIENCE, that was the major difference between these sides in Páirc Uí Chaoimh yesterday as Crusheen advanced to the Munster Club SHC final against Limerick champions Na Piarsaigh on Sunday week.

THERE was a poignant moment before Sunday’s Munster club SHC final in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, as referee John Sexton blew his whistle to end an impeccably observed minute’s silence to respect the memory of another John Sexton, his father, who had been buried the previous day.

IT WAS one of those crisp evenings we’ve had all this week: clear skies, not a hint of moisture in the air and temperatures in the red zone.

THOSE hurling pundits out there who see Sunday’s Munster Club SHC final at Semple Stadium between Newtownshandrum and Ballygunner as a bit of a foregone conclusion baffles the bejaysus out of Newtown manager Phil Noonan.

AS a player, Tom Fives has had first hand experience of that “special feeling’’ in the immediate aftermath of victory in a Munster Club SHC final.

NEWTOWNSHANDRUM can thank their magnificent defence and the exquisite long-range shooting of midfielder Jerry O’Connor for qualifying for the Munster Club SHC final at the second time of asking.