This weekend all eyes will be on the hurlers of Limerick and Clare as both sides vie for the right to play Cork next month and these close rivals will need little motivation.
The build-up to this game in both counties has been huge. Few would have predicted that these two neighbouring counties would have made the last four, but Davy Fitzgerald and John Allen have placed a great deal of faith in youth and the contrast in styles should make for an intriguing clash.
It was a rivalry that intensified during the 90s, the so called ‘golden generation’ of hurling and these two counties were at the forefront. They shared two provincial titles a piece from 1994 to 1997, though Clare would go on to claim the Liam McCarthy on both occasions, the Treaty men fell short in their quest for ultimate honours.
One of the most memorable clashes between the two came in the 1995 Munster Final, the breakthrough year for the Banner men, a game that will live long in the memory for Clare supporters.
Ger Loughnane’s side saw off Cork in the semi-final while Limerick edged past Tipp by a point and were favourites to retain their title against a side who had not claimed provincial success since 1932.
Clare showed little signs of inferiority in Thurles and with just five minutes until the interval they led on a scoreline of 0-5 to 0-3 when the Banner men were awarded a penalty.
A young Davy Fitzgerald made his way up from goals to crash home the penalty, his sprint back to goals one of the enduring images of the summer. In fact 10 years later it was voted at number five in the top 20 GAA moments of all time.
The Clare tails were up and Jamesie O’Connor had perhaps his finest ever performance in the yellow and blue, scoring six points and tormenting the Limerick defence all afternoon.
Ger Loughnane celebrates a famous day for Clare hurling
Gary Kirby did his level best to keep Limerick in touch on the scoreboard, but this was to be Clare’s day. P.J. O’Connell hit four points on the day, but it was the collective performance that was key to their 1-17 to 0-11 victory, with the Lohan brothers, Liam Doyle, Seanie McMahon, Ollie Baker and the ‘Sparrow’ Loughlin all contributing handsomely to the win.
Anthony Daly was left with the honours of collecting Clare’s fourth ever Munster success and embark on what would be the most glorious era that the county would ever experience.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoTV1VyPJfM
