’Small town, good hurlers’

They’re from different divisions and renowned traditional hurling towns, so it’s hard to believe this is the first time Kilmallock and Adare meet in a Limerick SHC final.

They both came late to the senior hurling top table, Kilmallock not winning their first title until 1960, Adare having to wait a further full four decades (2001). Having got the taste, however, Adare then went on to dominate that decade, won a further four crowns and now sit just four behind tomorrow’s opposition.

Still very much hale and hearty, Jimmy Melia was a member of that first Kilmallock team 52 years ago and that momentous day has not faded from memory.