With the greatest grandstand finish imaginable, Limerick edged past Tipperary, 2-12 to 1-14, to win Saturday’s thrilling All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship Final at a well-populated Gaelic Grounds.
As the final whistle loomed, Diarmuid Mullins’ side appeared to be a beaten docket but, incredibly, the home youngsters grabbed a sensational 1-1 without reply in injury-time to stun their fancied opponents.
The goal was flashed home by Gavin O’Brien, while the winner came from John Ross O’Reilly. Both were summoned from the bench in the second period, O’Reilly with just a few minutes left on the clock.
It was only Limerick’s fourth capture of the title, adding to previous triumphs of 1940, 1958 and 1984.
“This win is a proud and historic moment for Limerick. It was inspiring to be there to watch these young players show such incredible heart and determination and see their team spirit up close,” stated Mayor of Limerick John Moran.
Limerick: Sam Collins (Crecora/Manister); Rowan Collins (Adare), William Ryan (Murroe/Boher), Sam Mitchell (Knockainey); John O’Riordan (Bruff), Conor Ryan (Monaleen), Eoin Hennessy (Patrickswell); Xavier Neligan (Kilmallock), Jack Roche (Blackrock); Diarmuid Crowe (0-2, Doon), Ryan Foley (Patrickswell), Shane Waters (1-6, Na Piarsaigh); Eamon O’Sullivan (0-2, Adare), Zach Bennis (Kildimo/Pallaskenry), Rian Horgan (Murroe/Boher). Substitutes: Gavin O’Brien (1-1, Kilmal-lock), John Ross O’Reilly (0-1, Ballybrown), Paul Collins (Tournafulla).
Meanwhile, after a serious rest since the famous annexation of the Mick Mackey Cup from Cork on Leeside, the Limerick Hurling Show rolls into Croke Park on Sunday for a renewal with next-door neighbours Clare in the All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final, with throw-in at 4pm.
A win would bring Limerick to within touching distance of a first All-Ireland senior/minor double since the county’s only such landmark in 1940.
The other semi, between Leinster winners Galway and Cork, will be hosted at the venue the previous afternoon, at 3.30pm.