Mayor of Limerick councillor Gerald Mitchell hopes the Treaty can make history twice this weekend.
AS SUNDAY approaches, I want to wish John Kiely and the Limerick team the very best of luck in the Munster Senior Hurling finals against our neighbours and friends Clare.
Thurles, where the GAA was founded, is a fitting venue for what is sure to be another mammoth clash of the ash between these two fierce rivals.
The entire population of Limerick is behind you all.
The incredible journey this team has taken us on is truly unique. Even though a loss on Sunday is not the end of the road, we pride ourselves here in Limerick on being the best in the business.
My history tells me that the most consecutive Munster titles won in a row is five. This has been achieved by just two counties: Cork in 1901-05, 1975-79, and 1982-86, and this current Limerick team.
On a weekend where Limerick makes history politically, I think it would be fitting too to make history on the pitch.
This week the air has crackled with excitement, and the streets echo the rhythmic jibes and banter with our neighbours and friends over the border. It is what the GAA is all about. Come Sunday, as the players march behind the band, the nerves and build up will have reached a crescendo, only the players to begin their task.
Our beloved Limerick team, led by the indomitable John, owe this county and its people nothing. We are so lucky to be alive to witness this team in action. They know, as they run out on the hallowed Thurles turf, that every single Limerick person around the world is behind them 100%.
Winning isn’t everything. Pride of place is the real driver of passion in the GAA. As those men don the green jersey this weekend, I hope they know in their hearts that they are already winners. Already heroes to our young sports people and indeed the old ones too.
As the first citizen of Limerick, all I can offer is my best wishes and hope that once more these giants of men produce a performance that they can be proud of. That is all we can ask.
Luimneach Abú, and enjoy the game everyone!
Councillor Gerald Mitchell, Mayor of Limerick City and County.
