Munster Senior Hurling Championship Final
Limerick 1-29 Clare 0-29

PRIDE definitely overruled disappointment as a gallant Clare left everything on the field in a titanic Munster Final bid that had to go all the way to extra-time before finally having to succumb to holders Limerick in FBD Semple Stadium Thurles, writes Eoin Brennan.
Any questions surrounding Clare’s readiness to take on the three-in-a-row champions were quickly answered as Brian Lohan’s warriors not only went toe-to-toe with Limerick for the third successive outing but with a slice of luck might have even snuck a victory in normal time.
True to character, the relentless effort and spirit never waned in extra-time but unfortunately the legs did somewhat as a warweary Clare were finally edged out coming down the final straight.
For Clare to finish without four of their starting forwards inciting the god-like Tony Kelly, Shane O’Donnell and Peter Duggan left Clare rather light physically and experienced-wise in contrast to Limerick whose fresh legs helped to drag them relievedly over the line.
Clare captain Tony Kelly was exceptional throughout and finished with 0-13, seven of which stemmed from play while David Fitzgerald, Ryan Taylor, Paul Flanagan and John Conlon were other major leaders in what was an epic pressure-cooker showpiece final.
On the flip side, Seamus Flanagan’s eight point haul certainly boosted Limerick’s challenge at crucial junctures along with Aaron Gillane’s placed balls while Gearoid Hegarty’s sole score in the 27th minute were also pivotal when firing to the net to reel in a dominant Clare at 1-9 to 0-12.
In truth, there was little to separate the sides at any stage in what was an utterly compelling blow-for-blow heavyweight contest throughout. Indeed, the sides were level on a whopping 14 occasions in normal time while there was never more than a puck of the ball between the sides until Limerick substitutes Conor Boylan and David Reidy nudged Limerick four in front in the 86th minute.
Deadlocked at half-time, extra-time seemed an inevitable prospect until Limerick captain inspirationally dissected the posts two minutes into injury-time to inch his side in front. However, despite the weight of a county on his shoulders, Tony Kelly admirably stepped up to a last gasp sideline in the left corner to somehow force the additional periods at 0-24 to 1-21.
That was as good as it got for the Banner however as Gillane (2) and Flanagan hit the ground running in extra-time to ensure that Clare were always playing catch-up.
They did lower the areas to the minimum twice at the start of the second period but couldn’t sustain yet another rallying call as Limerick prevailed to complete a fourth successive Munster crown.
A fifth Shannonside derby of 2022 is not beyond the bounds of possibility but in order to kindle that flame, Clare will have to pick up the pieces quickly as they now turn their attentions to the All-Ireland series, with the winners of Kerry and Wexford their opponents at the quarter-final stage in a fortnight’s time.

Limerick’s Denis O Connor arrives for their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Ciara Cusack, Cian Kelly, Marie Cusack and Aoife Gavin taking shelter from the rain before attending the Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Clare fans head for the shelter of the stadium before their Munster Senior Hurling Championship final at Semple Stadium. Photograph by John Kelly

Clare fan George Leahy of Ennis braved the weather before their Munster Senior Hurling Championship final at Semple Stadium. Photograph by John Kelly

Green and White and Saffron and Blue are the most important of colours ahead of the Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

A young fan carrying a Clare flag heads towards the stadium for their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

A group of Clare fans braving the rain as they head for the Stadium ahead of their Munster Senior Hurling Final meeting with Limerick at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Even a foot in a cast wasn’t going to stop this young fan braving the weather to attend the Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Two Clare fans compare notes before their Munster Senior Hurling Championship final against Limerick at Semple Stadium. Photograph by John Kelly

Jessica O Sullivan, Aoife Mc Mahon and Georgina O Sullivan of Killimer ahead of their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Ryan Taylor and Eibhear Quilligan of Clare arrive for their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Shane Meehan of Clare arrives for their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Paul Flanagan of Clare arrives for their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Ian Galvin of Clare arrives for their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Thea Mounsey and her dad Alan wait for the arrival of the Clare team and her cousin Robyn Mounsey ahead of their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Officials preparing the new Tom Mackey cup before their Munster Senior Hurling Championship final at Semple Stadium. Photograph by John Kelly

The Clare girls primary team team before the Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

The Clare boys primary team team before the Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Declan Hannon of Limerick and Tony Kelly of Clare with Referee John Keenan before their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Tony Kelly of Clare leads out his team behind the Artane Band before their Munster Senior Hurling Championship final at Semple Stadium. Photograph by John Kelly

The Artane band led out the teams at the Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

The teams parade behind the Artane band before their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

A Clare fan urges on his team before their Munster Senior Hurling Championship final at Semple Stadium. Photograph by John Kelly

A Clare fan urges on his team before their Munster Senior Hurling Championship final at Semple Stadium. Photograph by John Kelly

Young Clare fans before their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Young Clare fans before their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Plenty coloured smoke in the terraces during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

The Clare team huddle before their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Peter Duggan of Clare in action against Darragh O Donovan and William O Donoghue of Limerick during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Tony Kelly of Clare in action against Diarmaid Byrnes of Limerick during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Diarmaid Byrnes of Limerick in action against Tony Kelly and Shane O Donnell of Clare during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Peter Duggan and Rory Hayes ahve both been cleared to play Wexford

Tony Kelly of Clare and Sean Finn of Limerick square up during their Munster Senior Hurling Championship final at Semple Stadium. Photograph by John Kelly

Dejected Clare fans following their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Tony Kelly of Clare in action against Sean Finn of Limerick during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Tony Kelly of Clare celebrates one of his thirteen points during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Ryan Taylor of Clare in action against Declan Hannon and William O Donoghue of Limerick during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Sean Finn of Limerick in action against Shane O Donnell of Clare during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Declan Hannon of Limerick in action against Peter Duggan of Clare during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Ryan Taylor of Clare in action against Tom Morrissey of Limerick during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Tom Morrissey of Limerick in action against Peter Duggan of Clare during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

David Reidy of Clare and Tom Morrissey of Limerick get acquainted during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

David Reidy of Clare in action against Sean Finn of Limerick during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Paul Flanagan of Clare in action against Kyle Hayes of Limerick during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Aaron Gillane of Limerick in action against Conor Cleary of Clare during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Referee John Keenan during the Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Paul Flanagan of Clare in action against Cathal O Neill of Limerick during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

John Conlon of Clare in action against Aaron Gillane and Seamus Flanagan of Limerick during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Conor Cleary of Clare in action against Seamus Flanagan of Limerick during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Conor Cleary of Clare in action against Aaron Gillane of Limerick during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Paul Flanagan of Clare in action against Kyle Hayes of Limerick during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Declan Hannon of Limerick in action against Tony Kelly of Claremduring their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

David Fitzgerald of Clare in action against Sean Finn of Limerick during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Brian Lohan, Clare manager on the sideline late on during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Tony Kelly of Clare celebrates getting an equalising point from a sideline cut to draw with Limerick at full time during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

X in action against X during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Ryan Taylor of Clare in action against Kyle Hayes of Limerick during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Shane Meehan of Clare in action against Dan Morrissey of Limerick during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Peter Duggan of Clare in action against Sean Finn of Limerick during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Robyn Mounsey of Clare in action against Sean Finn of Limerick during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. He is one of 15 Clare recipients of a TUS Sports Scholarship this year. Photograph by John Kelly

Peter Duggan of Clare places the ball for a sideline cut during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Shane Golden of Clare is sent into battle during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Brian Lohan, Clare manager on the sideline during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Brian Lohan, Clare manager on the sideline during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Brian Lohan, Clare manager on the sideline during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

Shane O Donnell of Clare looks on during their Munster Senior Hurling Final at Thurles. Photograph by John Kelly

A clearly disappointed Shane O Donnell of Clare is comforted following their Munster Senior Hurling Championship final at Semple Stadium. Photograph by John Kelly

Limerick: Nickie Quaid (Effin); Barry Nash (South Liberties), Sean Finn (Bruff), Mike Casey (Na Piarsaigh); Diarmaid Byrnes (Patrickswell), Declan Hannon (Adare), Dan Morrissey (Ahane); William O’Donoghue (Na Piarsaigh), Darragh O’Donovan (Doon); Gearoid Hegarty (St Patrick’s), Cathal O’Neill (Crecora Manister), Tom Morrissey (Ahane); Kyle Hayes (Kildimo-Pallaskenry), Aaron Gillane (Patrickswell), Seamus Flanagan (Feohanagh/Castlemahon) Subs: Richie English (Doon) for Casey (56, inj), David Reidy (Dromin-Athlacca) for O’Neill (57), Graeme Mulcahy (Kilmallock) for O’Donovan (63), Conor Boylan (Na Piarsaigh) for T. Morrissey (64), Oisin O’Reilly (Kilmallock) for Hegarty (87)

Scorers: Aaron Gillane (0-10, 7f); Seamus Flanagan (0-8); Gearoid Hegarty (1-0); Tom Morrissey (0-3); Cathal O’Neill (0-2); Diarmaid Byrnes (f), Darragh O’Donovan, Declan Hannon, Conor Boylan, David Reidy, Will O’Donoghue (0-1 each)

Clare: Eibhear Quilligan (Feakle); Rory Hayes (Wolfe Tones), Conor Cleary (St Joseph’s Miltown), Paul Flanagan (Ballyea); Diarmuid Ryan (Cratloe), John Conlon (Clonlara), David McInerney (Tulla); Cathal Malone (Sixmilebridge), Ryan Taylor (Clooney-Quin); David Fitzgerald (Inagh-Kilnamona), Peter Duggan (Clooney-Quin), Shane O’Donnell (Éire Óg); Ian Galvin (Clonlara), Tony Kelly (Ballyea), David Reidy (Éire Óg) Subs: Shane Meehan (Banner) for Galvin (55), Robin Mounsey (Ruan) for Reidy (63), Cian Nolan (Smith O’Brien’s) for Flanagan (69, inj), Mark Rodgers (Scariff) for Ryan (70), Reidy for O’Donnell (83), Patrick Crotty (Scariff) for Duggan (86), Shane Golden (Sixmilebridge) for Kelly (87, inj)

Scorers: Tony Kelly (0-13, 5f, 1/sl); David Fitzgerald (0-5); Peter Duggan (0-4, 3f, 1/s/l); Ryan Taylor, (0-3); Mark Rodgers (0-2, 1f); Ian Galvin, Shane Meehan (0-1 each)

Referee: John Keenan (Wicklow)