McDonagh the inspiration as Bruree upset Patrickswell

AN HOUR after the final whistle in this thrilling Limerick county senior final yesterday, the Gaelic Grounds was still buzzing, the celebrating Bruree supporters milking the last few drops of a fantastic occasion for the club.

Inspired by team captain Stephen McDonagh, veteran of so many bitter defeats at inter-county level, they denied red-hot favourites Patrickswell their record-equalling 19th title. In the process, they brought the Daly Cup back to their own storied village on the banks of the Maigue for the first time since 1893, and for the first time ever in their own name (in 1893 they were called South Limerick).

“Today was our day,” proclaimed Stephen, in accepting the trophy, and indeed it was. Given little chance at the start of the season, seen even by some as relegation fodder, they went toe-to-toe with the vastly more experienced former champions, and from the outset it was clear, this was not going to be the landslide many feared.