More to Limerick than fire and brimstone

Passion. Spirit. Fire. Brimstone. All the words so commonly associated with a good Limerick hurling performance before Sunday and afterwards.

Superlatives like coolness, poise and talent, you’ll have noticed, aren’t among them. Limerick don’t inspire that type of gushing praise. And never have in most people’s living memory.

Two of hurling’s most well-known analysts, while praising James Ryan’s performance, also made reference to his lack of skill.