JP McManus, Joe McKenna and John Kiely in high spirits on steps of Hogan Stand following Limerick victory

THE 2023 and 1973 All-Ireland finals were separated by half a century but for many it was back to the future.

Both days were wet and miserable. It was the same two teams who vied for Liam MacCarthy. And Limerick brought the cup home after defeating Kilkenny. 

The last man up the steps on Sunday was Limerick’s leader John Kiely. As he brought the Liam MacCarthy Cup for a spin around the Hogan Stand in Croke Park, before it went on a lap of honour around the pitch, John spotted a familiar face in the stands - Joe McKenna (pictured below).

Already beaming from ear to ear, John’s smile got even bigger when he saw Joe. They embraced and Sportsfile’s Ray McManus captured the moment perfectly. 

The South Liberties man was on that famed 1973 Limerick team and went on to win six All-Stars in a stellar career. He also managed Limerick when much of the current team were children.

But Joe’s link to this generational crop of players is massive. He played a major role in the Limerick Academy which helped those children become men on the hurling field.

In Pictures: Limerick team celebrate with their children and families

Featuring the likes of Joe, Liam Hayes and Eibhear O’Dea and with the backing of JP and Gerry McManus, we are all enjoying the fruits of their labour and foresight.

After John left Joe he saw another man crucial in this year’s success - team sponsor JP McManus. In his quiet way, JP lifted the cup aloft with John. It was a far cry from the madness in 1973 when JP climbed through a narrow window into the Limerick dressing rooms with the help of captain Éamon Grimes and the fun commenced.

After he made his way onto the pitch on Sunday, JP shared a warm chat with the 2023 captain Cian Lynch. 1973 / 2023 - the same, but different.