Limerick vs. Kilkenny: All-Ireland Hurling Final 2023
The 2023 GAA All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship has reached its pinnacle, and the Liam MacCarthy Cup will find its new home in the epic clash between defending champions Limerick and the formidable Kilkenny. Set to take place on Sunday at Croke Park, this showdown promises an exhilarating display of skill, determination, and tradition. Limerick aims to make history as only the third team to achieve a four-in-a-row, while Kilkenny seeks their 37th crown. Let’s delve into the paths both teams took to the final and explore their thrilling rivalry.
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Can Limerick Complete All-Ireland Final four in a row
Limerick’s Dominance:
Limerick enters the final with an exceptional track record, bidding to join the exclusive club of teams that have won four successive All-Ireland titles. Led by their seasoned manager, John Kiely, they have been a force to be reckoned with, clinching five titles in the last six years. The defending champions are eager to etch their names in the annals of hurling history by securing yet another momentous victory.
Paths to the Final
Limerick’s Journey:
Limerick’s path to the final has been filled with intense battles and extraordinary displays of skill. Let’s take a look at their remarkable journey in the championship:
– Limerick 1-18 Waterford 0-19 (Munster ’round robin’)
– Clare 1-24 Limerick 2-20 (Munster ’round robin’)
– Limerick 0-25 Tipperary 0-25 (Munster ’round robin’)
– Limerick 3-25 Cork 1-30 (Munster ’round robin’)
– Limerick 1-23 Clare 1-22 (Munster final)
– Limerick 2-24 Galway 1-18 (All-Ireland semi-final)
Throughout the championship, Limerick displayed their scoring prowess, with Aaron Gillane leading the charge with an impressive tally of 3-42. The team’s collective efforts have propelled them to the final, with their exceptional goal-scoring ability and strategic gameplay.
The stage is set for an unforgettable clash! Don't miss our #GAANOW exclusive interviews with @KilkennyCLG's Huw Lawlor and @LimerickCLG's David Reidy as they share their thoughts ahead of this weekend's GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Final. pic.twitter.com/s6uD7sI3Yd
— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 21, 2023
Kilkenny’s Determination
Kilkenny’s Pursuit:
Kilkenny, a team steeped in hurling history, is determined to reclaim the All-Ireland title. Their last triumph came in 2015, and now, under the stewardship of Derek Lyng, they aim to secure their 37th crown. Kilkenny has had a commendable journey throughout the championship, displaying their unwavering spirit and determination.
Championship Meetings and Rivalry
Historic Rivalry:
Limerick and Kilkenny have a storied rivalry, having met fifteen times in the championship. Kilkenny has emerged victorious on nine occasions, while Limerick has secured six victories. The two powerhouses have faced off in nine All-Ireland finals, with Limerick clinching five wins compared to Kilkenny’s four.
In recent years, the rivalry between Limerick and Kilkenny has intensified, with gripping encounters leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Last year’s All-Ireland final saw Limerick emerge triumphant with a scoreline of 1-31 to 2-26, and this year’s Allianz League final further solidified Limerick’s dominance, securing a convincing 2-20 to 0-15 victory.
Key Players and Top Scorers
Limerick’s Offensive Prowess:
Limerick boasts a roster of talented players who have consistently delivered outstanding performances. Here are the top scorers for Limerick in the championship:
1. Aaron Gillane – 3-42 (0-29 frees)
2. Diarmuid Byrnes – 1-19 (0-13 frees, 1-0 pen)
3. Seamus Flanagan – 4-9
4. Tom Morrissey – 0-17 (0-1 free)
5. Cathal O’Neill – 1-10
6. Gearóid Hegarty – 0-8
7. Peter Casey – 0-6
Kilkenny’s Offensive Threat
Key Contributors:
Kilkenny possesses a formidable attacking force, spearheaded by their top scorers:
1. TJ Reid – 2-66 (0-47 frees, 0-6 ’65s’, 0-1 s/l)
2. Eoin Cody – 4-21
3. Martin Keoghan – 5-9
4. Adrian Mullen – 0-15
5. Tom Phelan – 1-9
6. Billy Ryan – 0-10
7. Walter Walsh – 1-5
The Referee and Final Reflections
Crowning the Champions:
The final will be officiated by Wicklow’s John Keenan, who becomes the first Wicklow man to referee the All-Ireland hurling final in several decades. Keenan’s presence on the pitch adds an extra layer of significance to this highly anticipated clash.
As Limerick and Kilkenny prepare to battle for hurling supremacy, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter that will captivate fans and add another glorious chapter to the illustrious history of the All-Ireland hurling final. Both teams possess the skill, determination, and hunger for victory that will undoubtedly make this showdown a spectacle to remember.
Starting teams for Kilkenny v Limerick
“Limerick and Kilkenny Unveil Unchanged Teams for All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final at Croke Park
In preparation for this Sunday’s highly anticipated All-Ireland senior hurling championship final at Croke Park, both Limerick and Kilkenny have revealed their line-ups. Notably, both teams have retained the same starting line-up that led them to victory in the semi-finals.
Defending champions Limerick, however, will be without their injured captain, Declan Hannon, as he misses the showdown against Derek Lyng’s team. In his absence, Cian Lynch will lead the Shannonsiders from centre-field. Additionally, Aidan O’Connor has been selected to join the bench, taking Richie English’s place.
Meanwhile, Kilkenny’s David Blanchfield has successfully recovered from his injury sustained during the previous match against Clare and is set to start at right half-back. TJ Reid will once again lead the Leinster champions’ attack from the full-forward position, while Conor Fogarty and Adrian Mullen will hold the center-field. Martin Keoghan will be stationed on ‘the 40’.
Excitement for the final match is growing, with throw-in scheduled for 3.30 pm at Croke Park. Hurling fans can’t wait to witness these two formidable teams battle it out for the prestigious All-Ireland title.”
KILKENNY (SHC v Limerick) – E Murphy; M Butler, H Lawlor, T Walsh; D Blanchfield, R Reid, P Deegan; C Fogarty, A Mullen; T Phelan, M Keoghan, J Donnelly; B Ryan, TJ Reid, E Cody (capt).
Subs: D Brennan, C Delaney, C Buckley, P Walsh, D Corcoran, A Murphy, C Kenny, T Clifford, W Walsh, R Hogan, B Drennan.
LIMERICK (SHC v Kilkenny) – N Quaid; M Casey, D Morrissey, B Nash; D Byrnes, W O’Donoghue, K Hayes; D O’Donovan, C Lynch; G Hegarty, D Reidy, T Morrissey; A Gillane, S Flanagan, P Casey.
Subs: D McCarthy, C Boylan, R Connolly, A Costelloe, C Coughlan, A English, G Mulcahy, B Murphy, A O’Connor, C O’Neill, O O’Reilly.
