PICTURES: A look back on Limerick's historic Tailteann Cup run

LIMERICK shocked the country in 2025 by reaching the Tailteann Cup final against Kildare in July.

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Jimmy Lee's side had a flawless group stage, kickstarted with seven-point win over London in Newcastle West. Limerick then had to take the long, and potentially awkward trip to Corrigan Park to face Antrim in round two but it was a test they passed with flying colours, running out 1-18 to 1-10 winners on the day.

Those opening wins set up a winner-takes-all clash with Westmeath in round three, the winner of this tie would top the group and in the process, have the luxury of a home quarter-final. 

This result, perhaps, is when the country began to take notice of the Shannonsiders, with Limerick running out one-point winners, 0-19 to 0-18. 

Limerick went into their quarter-final clash against Wexford with nothing to fear and what followed was an awesome game of football. 

Both sets of forwards were in fine form on a perfect day for football and in the end, Lee's charges ran out eight-point winners in what was a frantic game of football, final score in the Gaelic Grounds Limerick 4-21 to Wexford's 2-19.

Limerick were to face their toughest test to date when facing Oisín McConville's Wicklow in Croke Park in June, a place in the Tailteann Cup final up for grabs. 

Limerick produced a sensational comeback in the second half on 53 minutes the victors trailed by seven points.

In the final 15 minutes, the Division 4 league champions outscored their opponents 1-9 to 0-1, with Oola's Josh Ryan in inspired form. 

Limerick show of resilience granted them a five-point win, 2-18 to 1-16 when in truth they looked dead and buried coming down the stretch.

It was to be a date with Kildare in Croke Park on July 12 for the chance to win the 2025 installment of the Tailteann Cup. 

Limerick went into the decider as heavy underdogs and in the end, Lee's side were bitterly disappointed not to win the game.

Brian Flanagan's Lilywhites ran out 1-24 to 2-19 winners on the day, in a game that could've went either way in the final ten minutes. 

Although the season may have ended in a loss, Limerick will look to build on what was an incredible 2025 heading into the new year, with a Tailteann Cup final appearance and a Allianz League Division 4 title under their belts.