Enda McEvoy: Limerick exist on a permanent war footing yet mental strain is negligible

If the hurling nation wants to see new champions it’s on the basis of a desire for variety, not because the Treaty have annoyed them.

SEVENTH HEAVEN: Holders of seven Munster titles each, Limerick players from left, Declan Hannon, Nickie Quaid, Graeme Mulcahy and David Reidy after the win over Clare. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

On an afternoon when Clare were facing anyone other than John Kiely’s Limerick, here’s how the coin-toss moments might have played out. Might have.

Aidan McCarthy puts away his 16th-minute opportunity at the Town End. Granted, it was a fine save rather than a bad miss, but against Limerick every miss is a bad miss. So let’s pretend McCarthy beats a goalie who isn’t Nickie Quaid. The scoreboard now reads 1-6 to 0-6 and the challengers have something to build on.