Christy O'Connor: Limerick again find nuclear button when need greatest

Momentum in Limerick’s hands is like a nuclear warhead because of the destruction they can wreak.

GOAL-GETTER: Aaron Gillane of Limerick celebrates after scoring his side's third goal as Conor Cleary of Clare looks on. Pic: John Sheridan, Sportsfile

AT THE final whistle, the Limerick players, management and backroom team lined up in the middle of the field like two opposing rugby teams walking against each other to acknowledge their efforts after the battle. This was a huge win in the context of where Limerick found themselves midway through the second half but there was no mass explosion or outward show of emotion, just silent satisfaction reflected in clasped hands and warm embraces.

Limerick are too worldly to get carried away with one championship win but why would they show any more emotion than they needed to? Overcoming a nine-point deficit in Ennis added a sugar lump to the taste but it’s not as if Limerick don’t know what that feels like either. In the last big game they had played – last July’s All-Ireland final – Limerick were trailing by five points before outscoring Kilkenny 0-19 to 0-4.