Limerick legend, Clonlara minor – Mick Mackey a fitting symbol

THE new Mick Mackey Cup will be presented to Tony Kelly or Declan Hannon next Sunday evening in Thurles to spark wild celebration on one side of the river Shannon, writes Jerome O’Connell.

And, it’s most fitting that it’s Limerick and Clare contesting the first final for the new solid silver trophy, which was crafted in Kilkenny by Jim Kelly, who is best known for his work with the Liam MacCarthy Cup.

The new Munster SHC Cup  was unveiled at a function in Mackey’s home of Castleconnell last week which was attended by his sons Michael, Pat and Greg and daughters Audrey Lennon and Ruth Doyle.

Audrey Lennon set the tone perfectly for a final in which the teams are intrinsically linked.

Stopping to check her words, Audrey said, “I’d love to wish the senior hurlers all the best in the Munster hurling final.”

From family homes to places of work or education, these are words that will fit perfectly for many with divided or shared loyalties this Sunday.

“I’m from Shannon so I have to be very careful!” she explained, of her intentional absence of the words Clare or Limerick from her best wishes.

The daughter of the famed Limerick hurling icon Mick Mackey with divided loyalties! Yes, indeed. 

She has cheered Clare and Wolfe Tones GAA sides for many a year – her son Mark winning a 1997 All-Ireland minor hurling medal in saffron and blue.

“We are so gratified that ye chose Dad for this trophy. It’s such an honour when we hear his name said. We never really knew what he was until really now because I was the baby of the family. We’ve read all about him but never realised what he meant to people until you see this trophy,” said Audrey to the guests in the Castle Oaks Hotel.

Mick Mackey himself is indeed a prime example of the intrinsic link between Limerick and Clare.

Mackey won three All-Ireland SHC, five Munster SHC, five National League and eight Railway Cup titles in the green and white of Limerick.

But before all that he played minor hurling with Clonlara!

Before the footbridge was constructed, a teenage Mackey rowed across the river Shannon for matches and training with Clonlara. In 1930, Mackey made his Limerick senior hurling debut and played for 17 years. 

Seventy five years after his inter-county career ended Mick Mackey remains very much a Limerick hurling icon.

But just like his daughter Audrey explained, Sunday’s Shannonside derby in the Munster SHC final will bring great banter and craic for thousands across Clare and Limerick. 

There is simply no getting away from links between the counties which in many other walks of life will fight together under the Mid-West title.

Within 10 days last March Limerick heralded two All-Ireland Hurling Championship title wins – UL at Third Level and Ardscoil Ris at Post Primary Level.

The headlines portray more Limerick hurling success but on each occasion the trophy was no sooner lifted and the Clare contingent of players involved in both wins were lining up for their group photograph.

When it comes to GAA, Limerick and Clare not only live side-by-side but often play side-by-side.

Of course come 4pm on Sunday, battle lines will be drawn – colours will have to be nailed to the mast or lips sealed.

Limerick are looking to win a historic Munster SHC four-in-a-row – a victory that would emulate the Mackey era of 1934-37, which is the only time Limerick won four successive titles.

With the Mick Mackey Cup’s debut, hopefully the omens will see the Limerick icon back home on the southern banks of the river Shannon on Sunday night.

But remember, the season doesn’t end for Limerick or Clare in Thurles and any bragging rights may have to wait until later in the summer to be fully endorsed.