Experts' view on Limerick senior hurlers 2024 championship campaign

AFTER Limerick's exit to Cork in the All-Ireland SHC semi-final, James Ryan, Leo O'Connor, Paul Shaughnessy, Niall Moran and TJ Ryan look back on the Shannonsiders' championship camapign. 

James Ryan (Former Limerick Hurler)

WHAT WAS YOUR HIGHLIGHT OF LIMERICK'S CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON?

It has to be the first round of the Munster Championship against Clare. It was just the highlight because we were dead and buried. It was all Clare and in that 20 minute spell, Limerick blitzed Clare. It was just a great performance, both Limerick and Cork games were unbelievable but that wouldn't be a highlight because we lost.

IS IT JUST NOW PEOPLE ARE STARTING TO REALISE HAVE ACHIEVED?

I was constantly saying that the players are in that bubble and they definitely don't realise what they have achieved. We are gone into reflection mode in Limerick, I actually think us, as fans, don't even realise what has just happened. I don't think the fans or the players have realised what has happened. We were just on a rollercoaster, but unfortunately it ended.

WHO WAS LIMERICK'S BEST PLAYER DURING THE CHAMPIONSHIP?

It was probably between Nickie Quaid, Kyle Hayes and Gearoid Hegarty. Obviously Kyle Hayes was taken out of the game against Cork, but he had an unbelievable year. Gearoid Hegarty was really good and Nickie Quaid just had a great year. To be fair to the thee lads they have probably been the most consistent players in the last five years.

DO YOU SEE ANY CHANGES TO THE LIMERICK BACKROOM TEAM OR ANY PLAYERS RETIRING FOR 2025?

If there is, it'll will be of their own accord. I don't think any player, manager or selector will be pushed out the door. It'll be their own decision. There is obviously a lot of talk about retirements. I don't think that there will be much of a change. They're are a tight unit.

WHO WILL WIN THE ALL-IRELAND SHC FINAL?

Cork are very capable of putting up great performances. I don't know is it Cork's style of play. The big question is are Cork gone to a new level? Can they stay at this level? I think it will give Clare huge confidence because Limerick have huge a psychological edge over Clare. If Cork play to their potential, I think Cork will win. 

Leo O'Connor (Offaly U20 Hurling Manager)

WHAT WAS YOUR HIGHLIGHT OF LIMERICK'S CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON?

I suppose when you look back on the six-in-a-row of Munster titles at this stage in terms of achievement is a huge achievement. In fairness, the way they addressed themselves this year in going for the five All-Irelands in-a-row and they left everything on the field last Sunday week. The ironic thing is Limerick had been three minutes away from knocking Cork out of the Championship.

IS IT JUST NOW PEOPLE ARE STARTING TO REALISE HAVE ACHIEVED?

Limerick have realised long before now what they've achieved over the last six years. Limerick have proved themselves to be a team for the ages. I've no doubt it will raise the bar for them to go back next year and prove their greatness. It gives them that extra incentive to prove how great they are.

WHO WAS LIMERICK'S BEST PLAYER DURING THE CHAMPIONSHIP?

Kyle Hayes, I suppose. Cathal O'Neill wouldn't be far behind. Dan Morrissey has been absolutely immense from full-back this year. Limerick are far from finished.

DO YOU SEE ANY CHANGES TO THE LIMERICK BACKROOM TEAM OR ANY PLAYERS RETIRING FOR 2025?

I can't see that many, to be quite honest. I just think that they all have an opportunity to go away and get a good break before the Club Championship starts. They'll all go out and enjoy the club Championship. In one way, they'll miss the excitement and the build-up to the All-Ireland final. I don't think there'll be too many retirements.

WHO WILL WIN THE ALL-IRELAND SHC FINAL?

If Cork stay playing the way they're playing with the intensity that they have. They have the confidence of beating Limerick, not alone once, but twice this year. On form right this minute you would expect Cork to win it but I wouldn't be one bit surprised if Clare won it. It's going to be very tight. Cork are hitting big scores so it's going to take a very determined effort from the Clare backs to stop them. Clare are going to have to run at the Cork defence.

Paul Shaughnessy (Leader Sports Reporter)

WHAT WAS YOUR HIGHLIGHT OF LIMERICK'S CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON?

For me, the highlight of Limerick's championship campaign was their games against Cork in the Munster and All-Ireland championship. Both games were unbelievable spectacles where the intensity levels were off the charts. Although, Limerick lost on both occasions, the games were breathtaking and could have went any way.

IS IT JUST NOW PEOPLE ARE STARTING TO REALISE HAVE ACHIEVED?

Limerick have raised the standard of hurling across the board since 2018. John Kiely's side have won five All-Irelands in the six years and have lost only twice in Croke Park which is a remarkable statistic. This Limerick side have never been beaten in a final under Kiely's reign. The performances they have produced have been remarkable. Supporters are starting to realise how special this team are.

WHO WAS LIMERICK'S BEST PLAYER DURING THE CHAMPIONSHIP?

Cathal O'Neill broke onto the Limerick starting XV this year. O'Neill was a consistent performer this year scoring 0-13 from play throughout the championship and nailed down his spot excelling in the number 11 role.

DO YOU SEE ANY CHANGES TO THE LIMERICK BACKROOM TEAM OR ANY PLAYERS RETIRING FOR 2025?

I don't see too many changes to the Limerick set-up. The majority of the players are still in their 20's and there's no doubt that this side will be back competing for All-Ireland honours. The break will refresh this team and make them hungry for more success.

WHO WILL WIN THE ALL-IRELAND SHC FINAL?

It has been a surprise that Cork and Clare are here considering both sides have lost two games each in this year's Championship. Cork have gradually built momentum throughout the Championship and their performances against Limerick was sensational. It was important for Clare to win the All-Ireland semi-final after losing the last two semi-finals. but their first half performance against Kilkenny was not good enough and that will need to be rectified. I believe Cork will win their first All-Ireland in this decade given that the Rebels have shown more consistency in their game.

Niall Moran (Former Limerick Hurler)

WHAT WAS YOUR HIGHLIGHT OF LIMERICK'S CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON?

It's very hard to look back beyond the Munster final. It was an amazing achievement, for a county that struggled for so long to win a game in the Munster championship let alone a Munster title. To have won a sixth Munster title in-a-row and again to see the outpouring emotion in Thurles, that was an obvious highlight.

IS IT JUST NOW PEOPLE ARE STARTING TO REALISE HAVE ACHIEVED?

For me personally, the achievement will only grow in their legacy as the years go by. I do feel that we're still in the middle of something. The one thing I would really hope to see is that the Limerick hurling public continue to adapt this growth mindset that this group have cultivated over the last few years. I do still think that there's an awful lot more to come from this particular group.

WHO WAS LIMERICK'S BEST PLAYER DURING THE CHAMPIONSHIP?

Kyle Hayes without a doubt. Again really enforced in the lengths that Cork went to avoid him. Obviously seeing the levels of performance of the whole group, probably fell back as a result of Kyle being taken out of the game. I just think he has been the star performer and has been the star performer for a number of years.

DO YOU SEE ANY CHANGES TO THE LIMERICK BACKROOM TEAM OR ANY PLAYERS RETIRING FOR 2025?

Every group will evolve from year to year. I'm sure there is going to be changes. I suppose what people forget is that lads put their professional and family lives on hold in pursuit of excellence on the hurling field. There comes a point in everyone's life that there are other things that they want to do. There will obviously be a natural evolution. The coming weeks and months will answer that question.

WHO WILL WIN THE ALL-IRELAND SHC FINAL?

I'm married to a Clare woman, so if I don't say Clare I'll be shot! I think that there is probably increased pressure on Clare to now win the All-Ireland. Clare have been there before. It fully depends on if Cork replicate their performance from the Limerick game then they will win the final, but I think that remains to be seen. So, I will say Clare. 

TJ Ryan (Former Limerick Senior Hurling Manager)

WHAT WAS YOUR HIGHLIGHT OF LIMERICK'S CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON?

I think winning the six Munsters and creating that bit of history, it's something that hasn't been done before. That will be the piece that will sit with us. The sweetspot for 2024 is winning the Munster title and for a long time we found it hard to win Munster. Those lads have won six-in-a-row so that's not be sniffed at.

IS IT JUST NOW PEOPLE ARE STARTING TO REALISE HAVE ACHIEVED?

I do think so, I got that feeling coming out of Croke Park. Everyone is aware that these lads owe us absolutely nothing for what they've done over a long period of time. It's nothing short of phenomenal. It's changed the mindset of Limerick supporters over the world. It has just been superb.

WHO WAS LIMERICK'S BEST PLAYER DURING THE CHAMPIONSHIP?

Nickie Quaid, I think he has made some unbelievable saves at different times. His puckouts have been incredible. He has got an incredible consistent game in him every day he goes out. I suppose when you look around at other keepers, I know maybe some other keepers made saves, but Nickie is doing that all the time. I think he was unbelievable again.

DO YOU SEE ANY CHANGES TO THE LIMERICK BACKROOM TEAM OR ANY PLAYERS RETIRING FOR 2025?

That question is going to be thrown around to everybody. I think there will definitely be change, it's definitely the end of a cycle. I understand the sacrifices, the time and the effort required to do this year in year out. There's no doubt for me that not everybody given where they are in life right now will be able to continue to do that. It's definitely not the end of an era, but there is definitely more in this group.

WHO WILL WIN THE ALL-IRELAND SHC FINAL?

I think, I need more time to think about it. I've two very good buddies, one in the red corner and one in the saffron and blue corner, so I've to be very careful as you know. I think Cork are in pole position on the semi-final performance.