FOR THE first time in almost 70 years, the Gaelic Grounds will host a Limerick/Clare Munster Senior Hurling Championship Final as the next-door neighbours clash at the Ennis Road venue this Sunday (throw in 1.45pm).
In the only previous deciding clash between the pair at the venue, Limerick – inspired by a contribution of 1-12 from Claughaun legend Dermot Kelly – belied their outsiders tag to lift the cup (nowadays named in honour of hurling great Mick Mackey) way back in 1955.
It was a surprise to many that the Gaelic Grounds is host to the finale of what has been a riveting 2023 Championship.
It was reported that Limerick’s first choice was Cork while Clare would have preferred Thurles. However, anticipating a vote in favour of Páirc Uí Chaoimh, the Banner quickly agreed to the Ennis Road venue, the scene of their famous championship win over Limerick just a little while back.
In a show of gratitude, Munster GAA will allow Clare a low percentage of the gate receipts. Limerick, as host venue, will earn the lion’s share of the revenue, while the city is also set for a predicted windfall of €2.3 million spread across bars, restaurants, and hospitality.
So far in 2023, over 265,000 supporters have filed through the turnstiles to watch their teams compete across the province, and this will swell to a record 310,000 by weekend’s end.
In financial terms, this equates to in the region of a record €5 million, much of which will be given out to clubs across Munster in various grant form later in the year.
Limerick are chasing a record-equalling fifth Munster Championship on the trot, which would bring the county’s overall haul to 24, while Clare are seeking only a seventh title and a first since 1998, the Ger Loughnane/Anthony Daly golden days for the county draped in saffron and blue.
