MAYOR of Limerick City and County, Gerald Mitchell, has a special message for Kiely’s men ahead of this afternoon’s All-Ireland clash with The Cats.
Ahead of Limerick’s bid for a historic All-Ireland four-in-a-row, I would like to extend my support as first citizen of Limerick to the team, the management, and all the back room staff.
John Kiely and his panel owe us nothing. A painfully long 45-year wait was ended in 2018. Limerick has won four Championship titles in the last five years. They completed a Munster Championship five-in-a-row this year.
Even so, we would love to keep the Liam MacCarthy Cup on Shannonside.
Kilkenny knocked Limerick out in the 2019 semi-final and we got payback of sorts in last year’s final at Croke Park.
This has become a rivalry for the ages between two hurling powerhouses.
The Cats are clearly hungry for victory again this year and they must certainly feel that an eight-year drought is too long for a county with such a prestigious hurling reputation.
They will be formidable opponents as they try to prevent Limerick from equalling their four-in-a-row record and we underestimate them at our peril.
Hurling is in our DNA here in Limerick.
I personally hold a county medal in underage hurling with my home club Hospital/Herbertstown. This remains a moment and an achievement that I am very proud of even all these years later.
I could never have imagined achieving what the current Limerick squad have accomplished. They have brought so much joy and excitement to so many.
The scramble for tickets has begun in earnest but not everyone can go to Croke Park on Sunday.
Limerick will be pulling out all the stops to ensure supporters will be able to enjoy a big match day atmosphere in Limerick. Plans are in place for a big screen, family friendly event to broadcast the match in the city. These screenings have drawn huge crowds in recent years and will no doubt be welcomed by supporters again this year.
The build up to this final is creating a major buzz across the county and it gives a lift to people looking forward to such a potentially historic encounter.
The green and white flags and bunting are being flown proudly in towns and villages across Limerick. There is hardly a lamppost that hasn’t been adorned in the Limerick colours.
We have been lucky enough to enjoy massive homecoming victory celebrations too in recent years and these also provide great scenes of celebration. But no matter the outcome at the weekend, this team can hold their heads high and will get a rapturous welcome back to the Treaty County.
I am asking all citizens of Limerick to get behind this heroic team and I look forward to a thrilling game of hurling.
Luimneach Abú!
