A NEW exhibition dedicated to Limerick’s hurling heritage has just opened to the public and boasts a treasure trove of Limerick GAA memorabilia.
‘Limerick’s All-Ireland Glory 1887-2023’ is open now at the Limerick Museum on Henry Street in the city. The exhibition pays tribute to the rich history of Limerick GAA, with a special focus on the iconic 1973 All-Ireland winning team – who celebrated this year the 50th anniversary of their historic and losing-streak breaking win.
The exhibition was curated by Dr Matthew Potter, curator of the Limerick Museum, and Meadhbh Nolan of Limerick Libraries.
GAA fans and Limerick supporters will be transported back in time through the exhibition, the core of which comes from the impressive and invaluable collection owned by the late Gerry Pigott of Ahane GAA.
The exhibition was the brainchild of Meadhbh Nolan – daughter of Patrickswell’s Frankie Nolan who was part of the 1973 Limerick side that broke the Treaty’s 33-year All-Ireland drought – who spent many long hours documenting the historic win to help bring the project to life.
Amongst a fanatic’s dream of Limerick GAA treasures are hurleys generously loaned by Eamon Cregan, Frankie Nolan, and Richie Bennis of the 1973 team, as well as programmes, newspaper clippings, hats, and books relating to the fondly-remembered victory.
The exhibition, shown in partnership with Limerick GAA, marks four major milestones in Limerick hurling history: Limerick’s present day record-matching four-in-a-row streak; the 1973 team’s win; the legacy of Bob McConkey, who became the first captain to receive the Liam MacCarthy Cup; and Limerick’s first ever All-Ireland win in 1888.
Eamon Grimes, captain of the 1973 side, said that the “exhibition means so much to me and to all my old teammates from 1973 because it is a tribute that comes from the people of Limerick through the medium of Limerick City and County Council and Limerick Museum.”
Limerick County Board chair Seamus McNamara added: “The attention to detail is hugely impressive. This is a very fitting tribute to the achievement of the 1973 team. It gives an opportunity for the wider public to come in, view the artefacts, and reflect on that very meaningful day in our history just over 50 years ago on the 2nd of September, 1973.”
‘Limerick’s All-Ireland Glory 1887-2023’ is open at the Limerick Museum until October 31.
