Limerick supporters cheer on hurlers from England

LIMERICK are quite literally massive - everywhere you go.

The big screen in Davitt’s Bar at the Leeds Irish Centre in the north of England welcomed a number of Treaty fans to witness the hurling decider on several screens.

There were notably more Kilkenny supporters in attendance - and even some fans of the Cats from neighbouring counties.

While it was they who had their tails up at half-time, it was the hardy band of Limerick fans celebrating at the final whistle.

Mark Healy is originally from Corbally, and attended the same school as star man Gearóid Hegarty.

He works in Leeds in pensions, with his mother the well-known local artistic director Monica Spencer.

In Pictures: Hurlers make triumphant return to Limerick town

Speaking to the Limerick Leader immediately after the final whistle, he said: “I've a massive man crush on Cian Lynch at the moment. I'm sure a lot of people in Limerick feel the same way! The beast of Patrickswell.”

Mark admitted he was worried when Kilkenny went in ahead at the break. But then Limerick turned on the style.

“Kilkenny were terrifying in the first half - TJ Reid was unstoppable. But then Cian Lynch pulled it all together, he made it all happen!”

There was quiet satisfaction for Dromcollogher man Joe Sheehy, who played with Feohanagh-Castlemahon before moving to Leeds in 1968.

To see his clubman Seamus Flanagan in action was enough.

He said: “They are something else. I think Limerick will win it the next four years. You can’t compare them to other teams - they are untouchable.”