A year in review of Limerick hurling from county to club

LIMERICK created history this year by becoming the first county in Munster to win six provincial titles in-a-row. During 2024, Limerick were chasing history during the Munster and All-Ireland championships. 

John Kiely's charges began their National Hurling League campaign on February 3 where they recorded a comprehensive victory over Antrim. Kiely's charges went onto to win their next three games in-a-row against Westmeath, Dublin and Tipperary. 

Galway and Limerick played out a draw in round five of the National Hurling League. The Shannonsiders showed huge character that day to salvage a draw after Shane O'Brien received a red card against Galway. 

Kilkenny went on to face the 2023 All-Ireland champions in the league semi-final where the Cats prevailed by eight points. 

Adam English, Shane O'Brien, Donnacha Ó Dálaigh, Aidan O'Connor, Cathal O'Neill,Colin Coughlan and Fergal O'Connor all received significant gametime through the National League. 

Limerick began their Munster championship campaign against league champions Clare. During that game after 52 minutes, Limerick look dead and buried trailing 1-15 to 0-9. The Munster champions produced an incredible comeback scoring three goals courtesy of Aaron Gillane, Gearoid Hegarty and Donnacha Ó Dálaigh. In the end, Limerick defeated their neighbours by three points. 

A week later in round two of the championship, the Treaty county produced a ruthless performance crusing to a comprehensive victory over Tipperary. Limerick supporters were delighted to see their team make it two from two in the Munster SHC but there was a certain degree of disappointment when star forward Peter Casey suffered an ankle break. 

Cork were next up in round three of the Munster SHC round-robin series. The Rebel's championship status was on the line that night after losing their first two games in Munster. It was enthralling contest in Pairc Ui Chaoimh and Limerick looked as if they had did enough only for Patrick Horgan to score a goal deep into injury time and secure a narrow victory for the Leesiders. 

Kiely's side needed a win against Waterford in their final game of the Munster SHC round-robin series to secure their place into the provincial final. The home side eased past Waterford in the TUS Gaelic Grounds. 

Limerick were back in the Munster final for the sixth year in a row and Clare were their opponents once again. The reigning Munster champions produced their best performance to defeat Clare and win their sixth Munster title in-a-row. Gearoid Hegarty impressed scoring 1-2 for the victors. 

Kilkenny and Limerick advanced directly into the All-Ireland semi-finals as a result of winning the Munster and Leinster SHC. Cork and Limerick were drawn against eachother in the All-Ireland semi-final. Barry Nash missed the clash through injury. 

It was a breathtaking encounter from start to finish, Cork did enough to defeat Limerick 1-28 to 0-29 for the second time in 2024. Aaron Gillane scored 0-10 in the Treaty county's narrow defeat. 

Despite their All-Ireland semi-final final, this Limerick still remain one of the greatest hurling teams to ever play the game. 

It was a disappointing season for the Limerick minor and U20 hurling teams with both sides failing to reach the knockout stages of the Munster championship. 

Doon created history by winning the Limerick SHC for the first time. Newcastle West return to the top flight of Limerick hurling after a 34 year absence. Croagh-Kilfinny and Feenagh-Kilmeedy put their record of losing finals behind them to win the intermediate and premier junior hurling championships.