Limerick hoping gap from Munster final doesn't hurt them

On Saturday, Limerick aim to become the first Munster champions to reach four consecutive All-Ireland finals since the Cork team of the 1940s ('41-'44)

BIG LOSS: Limerick's injured defender Sean Finn celebrates after the Munster final with manager John Kiely. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

There was a time when these long build-ups to All-Ireland semi-finals used to frighten the bejaysus out of Munster winners. Between 2007 and '19, a whole 13 seasons, only Tipperary in 2009, '12 and '16 backed up provincial final victories in All-Ireland semi-finals.

Before them, Cork in three out of four years reached All-Ireland finals after conquering Munster but they needed a replay to see off Wexford in 2003 and had a quarter-final to bridge the gap in '05 and '06.