Christy O'Connor: It has never been in Clare’s nature to accept Limerick superiority 

On Sunday, the madness starts all over again...

Tony Kelly of Clare after the Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 4 match between Clare and Limerick at Cusack Park in Ennis, Clare. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile

For Limerick, the thought was unbearable, inconceivable, especially when the potential outcome was loaded with so many apocalyptic implications. Limerick were All-Ireland champions but defeat to Clare in Round 3 of the 2019 Munster round robin would have meant elimination from the championship with one game to spare. At home. And at the hands of Clare. Absolutely inconceivable.

Limerick refused to countenance the notion for a second; they delivered a performance of rage and fury to obliterate their neighbours. Clare were on their knees by half-time. The final margin of victory was 18 points. Clare managed just four points from play. Their season was already effectively over after their worst result in over a decade.