Hannon has buzz back after shock U21 defeat

It was meant to be a triumph, a celebration of Limerick’s continuing rise in the ranks of Munster hurling.

Instead, just days after they had chiselled out a famous win over neighbours Clare in the final round of the All-Ireland series, it was back to earth with a bang.

Last Wednesday evening at the Munster U21 semi-final the reigning champions, on their home turf with eight members of the extended senior panel in their ranks, up against a Tipperary team with just one senior panellist. Everything was in their favour, everything pointed to a big Limerick win. Final score? Tipperary 1-16 Limerick 1-11 and, in truth, it could have been even worse.