How Limerick can emulate Kilkenny and harness pain of missing out on five-in-a-row

The Limerick brains trust of John Kiely and Paul Kinnerk will know that change is needed if the county is to win a sixth All-Ireland hurling title in eight years.  

14 years ago, Kilkenny won the All-Ireland title after the previous year having suffered defeat in their bid to win the Liam MacCarthy Cup for a fifth consecutive year. Limerick are in a similar situation this year. Pics: Sportsfile

Fourteen years ago, much like the case with Limerick against Cork on Saturday, Kilkenny were given the chance for some small revenge on enemy soil in their first league game of the year.

Tipperary had shattered their five-in-a-row dreams five months previous and the feeling was raw. The Cats’ winning margin was seven in the end but from just over halfway through the first half they outscored the hosts by 12 points.