Can Limerick finally rejoin the big boys?

“Welcome to the big league, TJ”.

The words of Davy Fitzgerald to his opposite number after Ryan questioned the legality of Clare’s tacking as they handed Limerick a Munster Senior League defeat in January 2014. Ryan would have reason to believe his point was proven in last year’s Munster opener when Shane Dowling pointed 10 frees as Clare counted the cost of falling foul with referee Colm Lyons. But Fitzgerald’s mention of league seems more appropriate to recall considering what’s on the line for both today.

On an already historic week for Limerick hurling with their inaugural All-Ireland Club SHC, can the county finally re-join the big boys after six years in the wilderness? There’s is a tale of self-harm, bad luck and injustice.