Pat Donnelly: This result is seven years in making

There were tears in Pat Donnelly’s eyes at the end of Limerick’s 2011 extra-time win over Cork in the Munster U21 hurling final. Selector on that occasion, Donnelly wore the bainisteoir’s bib yesterday evening. And while no tears were shed, the win was equally special.

“This was a bit different, maybe because we were in a different position. The game wasn’t as good as 2011. It doesn’t matter, though. The trophy is still in Limerick,” said the winning manager.

The two-point victory over Cork represented Limerick’s eighth provincial title at this grade and their second in three years, vindication, said Donnelly, of the work being done at underage level in the county.