SETTING aside his own obvious sheer elation at the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship semi-final win over holders Limerick at a packed Croke Park, Cork manager Pat Ryan was keen to praise an outfit that has given us all some great, great days since 2018.
The voyage, under heroic boss John Kiely, has yielded an astonishing five All-Ireland titles, six Munster championships, and three National League titles.
“What champions they’ve been. What they’ve given to the GAA itself, to the Limerick public. It was 1973 when they won their last All-Ireland before the lads got involved and what they’ve achieved, it’s absolutely superb,” Ryan stated.
“They’re testing all of us to get better. To bring things to a new level and raise standards both on and off the field. We were lucky to get over the line today.”
After Limerick had led by a couple of points at half time, Cork stormed back and threatened to run away with the contest only for the holders to storm back and nearly snatch victory, or force extra-time.
Ryan said that Cork had “plenty of pace but Limerick cut us open at times and Patrick (Collins) made a couple of great saves; there were a couple of late ditch blocks by our defenders.”
Like it did for Cork (in 1945) and Kilkenny (2010), Limerick’s brave bid for the elusive five All-Ireland wins on the trot has failed to materialise.
“It was a difficult one and it hurts. It hurts immeasurably,” admitted Kiely in the wake of the loss. “But we will process it. I have no doubt that Limerick hurling and those boys in that dressing room will bounce back come 2025.”
“Hats off to Cork. Congratulations to them, we wish them well. They fought to the bitter end. They were that bit more efficient than us. But I have to say I am incredibly proud of the efforts of our team.”
Always quick to prise his heroic charges, Kiely said of the Treaty men: “I’m grateful to them, as everyone in Limerick should be for what they have done over the last number of years. It’s been an incredible achievement.”
Cork are now favourites to overcome Clare in Sunday week’s decider.
Ahead of the Limerick/Cork fixture, the late Ralph Prendergast (Claughaun) – who featured in Limerick’s famous Munster Final win over Clare of 1955 – was remembered with a period of silence, and applause.
