'They barely fit - the size of them!' Publican describes 'magical night' as Limerick hurlers celebrate victory
Limerick hurlers the toast of Ballyorgan as they party after Cork win
FOLLOWING their stirring victory over the Rebel County, Limerick’s hurlers partied in a landmark pub on the border with Cork.
It was a “magical night” in Ballyorgan, as John Kiely’s charges descended on The Village In on their journey home from Cork after re-capturing the Mick Mackey Cup in a dramatic final at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
The popular pub is known colloquially as Nuala’s Bar, named after its proprietor Nuala Mee.
Speaking to Limerick Live this Monday morning, Nuala described it as "a magical night".
“Ballyorgan is a special place," noted a hoarse Nuala. "They called in as they knew it was going to be quiet and people weren't going to wreck their heads!”
She said that despite poor weather throughout Sunday, the rain stopped when the victorious panel arrived in the heartland of Ballyhoura Country, and the sun broke through the clouds.
“When they came, everyone was just in awe. It was just brilliant. We were all so thrilled and delighted. It was such an honour. Such an honour for a small little village to welcome them,” Nuala said.
“They barely fit in here - the size of them! The pub is so small, the ceiling is so low, I was telling them to duck their heads! But they are sound. They just wanted to have a good craic. We left them alone,” she added.
Given where Ballyorgan is located - less than 10km from county Cork - the publican admitted a huge number of her customers were wearing the Rebel Red, rather than the Limerick green.
"Most of my regulars would be from Cork. That's the funny thing! But they are all lovely. We had some fun! A lot of them came back down when they heard Limerick’s hurlers were here! I don't know how they heard,” she laughed.
Nuala herself was at the game on Sunday.
“That’s why I am hoarse,” she smiled. “I was on the terrace. We got absolutely soaked coming out of the game. It wasn't too bad during the game, thanks be to God. It only started pouring after the game. But when I got back to my car, I was like a drenched rat,” she laughed.