Twelve months this Saturday evening, Limerick started out on the All Ireland Senior Hurling Trail, at Netwatch Dr Cullen Park, Carlow, when Limerick defeated Carlow in a preliminary Quarter Final game on Saturday 7th. July by 5.22 to 0.13 to reach the Quarter Final. The folowing week on Sunday 17th. July, Semple Staium Thurles was the venue for clash with Kilkenny and who will ever forget the final gripping minutes as Limerick emerged winners by 0.27 to 1.22 to reach the Semi Final. Croke Park on Sunday 29th. July, Semi Final Day and a meeting with Munster Champions, Corkand after a great late come back to force a draw and extra time, Limerick reached the All Ireland Final with a 3.32 to 2.31 win (after extra time)
Back to Croke Park on Sunday 19th. August and a meeting with the 2018 All Ireland Champions, Galway in front of 82,500 spectators Limerick had to with stand a late Galway in injury time but emerged All Ireland Senior Hurling Champions 2019 on a score line of 3.16 to 2.18. There was grat joy and emotion as Declan Hannon was presented with the Liam MacCarthy Cup, which reurned to Limerick for the first time since 1973 and what a welcome and reception for the homecoming on Monday evening in Limerick.
Nest stop was Fenway Park in Boston when on Sunday 18th. November, Limerick defeated Wexford in Semi Final of the Fenway Classic to set up a final with Cork and once again Limerick were winners of the Fenway Cup. which brought an end to 2018.
Much was hoped for in 2019, and Allianz Hurling with Limerick now in the top tier after gaining promotion in March 2018. After a very good League campaign Limerick reached the Semi Final where they met Dublin in Nowlan Park, Kilkenny on Sunday 24th. March, once again victory was achieved and a place in Allianz Hurling League Final.
Croke Park was the venue on Sunday 24th. March, Waterford provided the opposition and again Limerick were victorious with a 1.24 to 0.19 win to capture League Title for the first time since 1997.
The Munster Senior Hurling Championshipwas next on the programme, with a Bye in the opening, Limerick played Cork in LIT Gael Grounds on Sunday where they lost by 1.26 to 1.19. Walsh Park, Waterford was the venue for Rouund 3 game on Sunday 2nd June where Limerick scored a 2.24 to 0.10 win, it was back to LIT Gaelic Grounds for the local derby clash with Clare on Sunday 9th June, once again a win was recorded 1.28 to 0.13. Semple Stadium Thurles was the venue on Sunday 16th June, a thid week in a row, Limerick met an undefeated Tipperary side whoi scored a 1.22 to 0.21 win, however with Clare defeating Cork in Ennis, Limerick reached the Munster Final on score difference and another tilt with Tipperary was the prize on offer.
Sunday 30th. June, Munster Hurling Final Day at LIT Gaelic Grounds where 44.052 spectators packed in to witness Limerick win the Double, Minor team taking the Moinor Title deating Clare by 1.17 to 1.11. The Stadium erupted when when the All Ireland Champions came onto the pitch, and after all formalities with warm up, being introduced to President Michael D. Higgins, the Pre Match Parade and Palying of Amhran na Bhfiann, the eagerly awaited game got underway, and while it take a little while for the home side to settle, when they did, there was only going to be one winner and that was Limerick, winning by 2.26 to 2.14 to be crowned Munster Senior Hurling Champions 2019, the crowd went onto the pitch to witness Declan Hannon being Presented with the Cup by Munster Council Chairman,and Limerick man Liam Lenihan, amidst great excitement among the huge Limerick support.
So in twelve months, All Ireland Senior Hurling Champions 2018, Fenway Classic Winners 2018, , Allianz Hurling League Champions 2019 and Munster Senior Hurling Champions 2019.
