Anthony Daly: Despite brave Waterford effort, Limerick responded like champions

Limerick captain Declan Hannon lifts the cup in front of his team-mates in an empty stadium after the Munster SHC final. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

A Munster final day like no other. Silence. No traffic. No colour. Protocols. A sterilised atmosphere. Muted celebrations. And yet, in a weird kind of way, the eeriness of it all can take you closer to the action, and the inner sanctum of the teams, than a raucous, packed Semple Stadium ever could.

At the last water break, I could hear the Waterford players below me as they gathered in a huddle.