45-years since last beating Kilkenny in a championship fixture, Limerick have overcome the Cats in the rain. For John Kiely's young team, it is indicative of a mind-frame that many thought to exist, but few could be absolutely certain of - Limerick may no longer fear Kilkenny.
In 2014, under torrential rains in Croke Park, Limerick fell short to Brian Cody's men in a titanic battle that ultimately led to another All-Ireland win for Kilkenny.
In 2018, with the 29-year-old Nicky Quaid signaling Limerick's oldest player in the starting XV, even a late Richie Hogan goal was not enough to disrupt Limerick's stride.
Speaking to RTÉ after the match, Tom Morrissey outlined what set this batch of Limerick players apart from some of their predecessors:
Maybe it’s the talk of the young batch coming through, we don’t carry any of that baggage with us, we’re a different group of players, we want to write our own history.
We just go out and express ourselves. Release the shackles, play with passion and work hard for each other. There’s a great bond there and that carries us over the line.
Stressing that the win hadn't necessarily lifted a weight off, Morrissey is of the opinion that this is a group of players that don't have "any burdens" to begin with.
With Cork on the horizon now for Limerick in an All-Ireland semi-final, Morrissey reveal that this is the "prize" Limerick had been chasing, and this side have "achieved that."
Morrissey was instrumental in Limerick's late rally toward victory; his point leaving many viewers mightily impressed.
Moments of class wins tight games, Tom Morrissey’s point.....
— Jackie Tyrrell (@MrJackieTee) July 15, 2018
Brilliant point Tom Morrissey. Must have covered 50m
— Donnchadh Boyle (@depboyle) July 15, 2018
Tom Morrissey, Limerick hurler.
"We're not a group burdened by past lives"
What a game.
A reminder that the best quotes are within 90 seconds of final whistle, not 90 minutes.— david kelly (@dk3lly) July 15, 2018
Tom Morrissey's post match interview is a real insight into this group of players and management. Humble, level headed and driven. Lets hope people remember that. Just let them hurl. #LLSport
— Donn O'Sullivan (@DonnOSullivan) July 15, 2018
Incredible game in stark contrast to yesterday. What an unbelievable point by Tom Morrissey at the end #LimerickvKilkenny
— Cian Hogan (@CianHogan1) July 15, 2018
Some coolness and composure shown by Tom Morrissey towards the end ..yet another savage game in the hurling championship 👏🏼👏🏼
— Dan Fox (@danielfox321) July 15, 2018
