Limerick have etched their names into the history books this afternoon, winning a fourth All-Ireland title on the spin after a 0-30 to 2-15 victory over Kilkenny in Croke Park.
The Munster county have now become just the third side in GAA history to lift the Liam MacCarthy in four consecutive campaigns.
The first half was an incredibly close affair, with Kilkenny bringing huge intensity to proceedings. They found themselves ahead at halftime thanks to a stunning Eoin Cody goal, with believe growing that they could pull off the upset.
However, Limerick were a different class in the second half.
Having scored 0-9 before the interval, they notched a remarkable 0-21 in the final 35 minutes to put the game beyond Kilkenny.
Anthony Daly sums up magic of Limerick boss John Kiely
Limerick were absolutely immense in this game once again, continuing the remarkable record they boast in finals under John Kiely. They have now won each of the 13 deciders they have played in during his tenure.
Overseeing an immensely talented squad, there is no doubt that he is the man that ties it all together for Limerick.
Speaking on RTÉ after the game, Anthony Daly summed up what makes Kiely such a special coach.
There's no egos in the team. We would have been saying going into today that Aaron Gillane and Tom Morrissey were the two real in-form forwards. They didn't really click, but that didn't bother them.
This is the fantastic thing. What setup would allow us into that dressing room earlier today? Most counties going for four in-a-row would say 'no, don't jinx anything'. This is confidence, this is about winning another final, and the game in front of you...
When you get a man as grounded as Kiely to take it on. If you meet Kiely in a couple of weeks time, if you're lucky enough to meet him, you'll have a pint with him and you wouldn't know the man had won one All-Ireland, never mind five.
He's the most grounded, sound man you will ever meet, I'm delighted for him. I would like someone else maybe to win it next year, but at the same time I wouldn't take it away from what they've achieved.
The man himself was in a jovial mood after the game, making the most of the celebrations on the steps of the Hogan Stand.
John Kiely and JP McManus celebrating @LimerickCLG's historic four in-a-row at Croke Park. See https://t.co/zS09FEWBPe for full reaction and analysis across the evening #Allireland #hurling #fourinarow pic.twitter.com/SC8BeZDWEa
— Limerick Leader / Limerick Live (@Limerick_Leader) July 23, 2023
Speaking to RTÉ soon after, it was clear to see why the Limerick players hold their manager in such high esteem.
An ecstatic John Kiely reacts to making history as he masterminded Limerick's four in a row.
📺Watch https://t.co/ZfZ9mA9XTY
📻 Listen https://t.co/2SRRKdgjzu
📱 Follow https://t.co/SKkrhbFQlu pic.twitter.com/8aBoia8WjD— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 23, 2023
While Limerick are used to winning All-Irelands in recent years, this will be a hugely special occasion for the county. Winning four in-a-row is some achievement, something only a select group of teams have managed to do over the long history of the GAA.
You definitely wouldn't bet against them making it five in 2024.
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