Maurice Brosnan: With the weight of history on them, Limerick surge

In the end, Limerick concluded the round-robin Munster campaign with a simple statement for each of their near rivals: You missed your best chance.

STRIDING OUT: Limerick standout, Cathal O'Neill.

WELCOME to the new dimension. Emboldened by the threat, driving on with a cause, now Limerick are really living.

As the clock ticked into the final five minutes, Gearóid Hegarty stopped in front of the supporters exposed to the elements in the uncovered seating area as Paddy Leavey tried and failed to halt him. The three-time All-Star picked himself up, faced the stand and sent a message: relish every moment. His jig was received with a poncho-littered eruption. For the overwhelming home contingent in the 31,487 attendance, the message was received loud and clear.