Limerick '4' Ever: Hurlers aim for All-Ireland glory

CORK 1941-1944. Kilkenny 2006-2009. On Sunday, could it become Limerick 2020-2023?

Limerick will come to a standstill this Sunday at 3.30pm, as the county’s hurlers bid for a record-equalling fourth Liam MacCarthy Cup in-a-row.

From Abbeyfeale to Corbally, from Kilbehenny to Castleconnell and everywhere else in between, proud communities across Limerick are flying the green flag in readiness for the hurlers’ date with destiny.

Only last year’s beaten finalists, Kilkenny, stand between Limerick and a fourth straight title, and they will no doubt be keen to halt the Treatymen’s march, and protect their own record of being the only county to win four straight championships this century.

But with tens of thousands of Limerick fans descending on Croke Park, as well as huge crowds back home at ‘watch parties’ in Pery Square in the city centre and in Newcastle West, there is huge confidence John Kiely’s charges can tame the Cats and win a fifth All-Ireland title in just six years.

There will also be support across the world from Lebanon to Vancouver.

In the build-up to the game, forward Cian Lynch said: “We are so grateful to our supporters who clearly love Limerick city and county.”

And, as always, there’s no doubting their support, with colourful displays up and down the county.

In Grange, Triona Daly has once again expressed her unwavering backing for the boys in green by decorating the front of her home.

Online registration open for free Big Screen watch party in Limerick

This year, she has put her own twist on the Four Weddings and a Funeral theme - Four All-Irelands and a Wedding in reference to the fact captain Declan Hannon - back in training after the Galway win - and his fiancee Louise Cantillon are due to tie the knot.

Nearby, in Bruff, there’s yet again another fabulous display showing support for the hurlers - with those responsible for the eye-catching exhibit even throwing in a cheeky reference to Marty Morrissey and his recent transportation issues!

Back in the city, Limerick superfan and St Patrick's GAA man Hammy Dawson is preparing for an appearance on RTE's Up for the Match.

As usual, tickets for the decider at GAA HQ are like gold-dust, with clubs this week getting their second and final allocation. It’s understood a public sale is unlikely.

Not quite blood, sweat and tears, well, definitely the sweat at least, went into collaboration between @Limerick_Leader sports & news sections to produce bumper 32-page preview of Sunday's mammoth All-Ireland hurling final, Limerick & Kilkenny. In shops now! #LLSport ️️ pic.twitter.com/m7QyTBCDiK

— Colm Kinsella (@ckSportLeader) July 19, 2023

Transport from Limerick to Dublin is at a premium. Trains are fully booked, with tickets for extra services laid on by Irish Rail snapped up in minutes. There’s only limited availability on coaches between Limerick and the capital.

Thousands of people will gather in both Pery Square and Newcastle West as the decider is beamed live back on big screens.

It’s at Pery Square where any homecoming will happen. Instead of staying in Dublin on Sunday night, players and management will be guests of the Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel in Adare where they will enjoy a private post-match function.

And while Sunday is forecast to see downpours in both Dublin and Limerick, here's hoping the hurlers can have us all singing in the rain!