Limerick rewarded for resilience

Clare 2-23 Limerick 3-23

“It’s great to be back in a national final, isn’t it, especially with what’s happened in Limerick for the last few years,” said midfielder Donie Ryan after this NHL semi-final win over Clare. “And with Munster 13-3 up, that’s great news altogether!”

Limerick were short a few thousand of their regular support, gone to Lansdowne Road to see Munster eventually hammer home that half-time advantage over Leinster, but those who did make their way to Thurles witnessed a heroic effort by the boys in green as they clawed back an eight-point Clare lead with just 15 minutes remaining in regular time for a well-deserved extra-time victory.