Limerick's Gaelic Grounds to host Munster hurling final

Limerick’s home ground was put forward as an alternative by Clare officials and their management team who were keen to avoid going to Cork

HOME COMFORTS: Cathal O'Neill celebrates with supporters after Sunday's win over Cork. 

TUS Gaelic Grounds is set to host the highly anticipated Clare-Limerick Munster SHC final on Sunday week following a request from the Clare County Board.

Páirc Uí Chaoimh was in line to stage the game until an eleventh-hour intervention from Clare, who had initially expressed support for the game being held in Thurles as was the case for the counties’ thrilling extra-time decider last year.

With the majority of the Munster Council's competitions control committee in favour of the Cork venue, and Limerick in agreement, the Ballintemple stadium was expected to be announced as the stage for the game following Monday night’s meeting.

However, Limerick’s home ground was then put forward as an alternative by Clare officials and their management team who were keen to avoid going to Cork, and a decision was taken to reconvene the meeting Tuesday.

Last month, Clare ended Limerick’s unbeaten 17-game championship run at the Ennis Road venue on a 1-24 to 2-20 scoreline.

A Munster Council statement on Tuesday afternoon, confirming a slightly earlier throw-in time, read: "Following a meeting today of the CCC of the Munster Council, it has been agreed that the Munster Senior Hurling Championship Final between Clare and Limerick will take place at the TUS Gaelic Grounds in Limerick on Sunday June 11th at 1:45 pm.

"This decision follows a request from Clare to the Munster Council CCC on Monday evening of May 29th to postpone making a decision on the venue to allow Clare time to explore the possibility of playing the game at the TUS Gaelic Grounds in Limerick.

"Earlier, Clare had proposed Semple Stadium, while Limerick had proposed Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The Munster Council CCC agreed to postpone making their decision, and today Clare and Limerick have confirmed that they had reached agreement to play the game at the TUS Gaelic Grounds.

"The 1:45 pm throw in time is to facilitate live TV and the possibility of extra time. The Leinster Final throws in at 4pm. Stand tickets will be distributed through participating County Boards only, while terrace tickets will be going on sale to the general public on Thursday June 1st at 12 Noon."

The decision, which will see Clare earn a proportion of the gate receipts, does not constitute the start of a home-away agreement between the counties.