Fitzgerald looks back on Limerick's last league final against the 'Cats'

LIMERICK face off against Kilkenny for the first time in 17 years in a league final when they meet at Páirc Uí Chaoimh this Sunday.
On that day in 2006, it was the 'Cats' that came out with the victory on a 3-11 to 0-14 scoreline. The Kilkenny side that day boasted the likes of Henry Shefflin, Jackie Tyrell, Michael Fennally and Tommy Walsh to name but a few.

Conor Fitzgerald scored four points from half forward for Limerick in the league decider, but despite a good performance, Kilkenny were too strong.

"At the time they were the team to beat,” Fitzgerald told Leader Sport ahead of Sunday's league final. "They were in their heyday and very hard to beat.

"We played well on the day but against the better teams you have to take your chances and we didn't. We didn't do enough to get over the line.

"To win a national title would have been fantastic and a big lift in confidence for our group but it wasn't to be."

As Fitzgerald mentioned, Limerick had their chances in the game but ultimately were unable to put them away when they needed to.

Shefflin finished the game with 2-6, while Eoin Larkin bagged the other goal for Brian Cody's side. That ended up being the difference between the two teams on the day.

"They had so many options," Fitzgerald said of the Kilkenny team. "They were coming at you from all angles. That was the quality of their squad.

"Like all great teams, they didn't have to be on the top of their game to beat you. They were a serious outfit."

The latest chapter in Limerick's rivalry with Kilkenny will take another twist when the sides do battle down by the River Lee at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday.

Limerick have had the better of Kilkenny in recent times, winning three to one in the last few years. However, the recent meetings have no bearing when it comes to a final and Fitzgerald is looking forward to seeing how Sunday's final plays out.

"Limerick have been very consistent in the last few games. Tipperary played very well in the first half. They had good combinations and worked extremely hard but the first 15 minutes of the second half from Limerick were fantastic.

"If Limerick play to the way then can play, they are going to take a lot of stopping. They have nearly everyone back and getting good game time.

"Their ability to kick on and be consistent is key. They have mixed it up by getting a lot of players involved. They've given fellas chances as well.

"It's been very good from that point of view. The likes of Shane O'Brien, Donnacha Ó Dálaigh etc. All these guys are being blooded and it's helping them develop as well.

"It's long enough that we weren't winning anything so we will take everything we can get."