There’s only one question on sports fans’ mind this afternoon: any tickets?
We’re a little over an hour away from throw-in in what promises to be an absolutely unmissable All-Ireland senior hurling final between reigning champions Galway and a Limerick side trying to end 45 years of shattered dreams in the county.
There won’t be a seat to spare in Croke Park this afternoon and if you’re one of the lucky 82,000 with a golden ticket — savour every last moment.
If not, settle in with the TV, radio and ourselves and you won’t miss a single puck of the ball.
Throw-in is at 3.30pm.
In the build-up to this afternoon, most of the pundits and former players seem to be giving Galway the slightest edge as defending champions — but there’s almost universal expectation that there won’t be more than a score or two in this one either way come full time.
Earlier this morning, we asked you to vote here — and with more than 5,000 votes cast, there are only 17 separating the counties at the moment.
It’s that tight.
It’s already been a day to savour for the people of Galway — they’ve just seen the county’s minors successfully defend their All-Ireland title with a 0-21 to 0-14 win against Kilkenny.
Check out the All-Ireland Minor Hurling highlights here! pic.twitter.com/FXP1TPGTyT
— The GAA (@officialgaa) August 19, 2018
Jones’ Road and Drumcondra has been absolutely teeming for the last few hours, as you’d expect:
A lot of people are in the same boat, unsurprisingly…
We’ve 45 minutes now until throw in, so it’s time for a first reminder of how the teams are expected to line out this afternoon.
First, it’s defending champions Galway who, crucially, have been able to call on Gearoid McInerney at centre back.
Galway
1. James Skehill (Cappataggle)
2. Adrian Tuohy (Beagh)
3. Daithi Burke (Turloughmore)
4. John Hanbury (Rahoon-Newcastle)
5. Padraig Mannion (Ahascragh/Fohenagh)
6. Gearoid McInerney (Oranmore-Maree)
7. Aidan Harte (Gort)
8. Johnny Coen (Loughrea)
9. David Burke (St Thomas’, captain)
10. Joseph Cooney (Sarsfields)
11. Joe Canning (Portumna)
12. Jonathan Glynn (Ardrahan)
13. Conor Whelan (Kinvara)
14. Conor Cooney (St Thomas’)
15. Cathal Mannion (Ahascragh-Fohenagh)
And here’s the Limerick starting XV, unchanged from the side that beat Cork in that epic semi-final a few weeks ago.
Limerick
1. Nickie Quaid (Effin)
2. Sean Finn (Bruff)
3. Mike Casey (Na Piarsaigh)
4. Richie English (Doon)
5. Diarmaid Byrnes (Patrickswell)
6. Declan Hannon (Adare, captain)
7. Dan Morrissey (Ahane)
8. Darragh O’Donovan (Doon)
9. Cian Lynch (Patrickswell)
10. Gearóid Hegarty (St Patrick’s)
11. Kyle Hayes (Kildimo-Pallaskenry)
12. Tom Morrissey (Ahane)
13. Aaron Gillane (Patrickswell)
14. Séamus Flanagan (Feohanagh)
15. Graeme Mulcahy (Kilmallock)
We’ve plenty of pre-match reading to keep you ticking over between now and 3.30pm. Here are some of the best bits from our All-Ireland final build-up:
- How did Galway shed the ‘gutless’ tag to become hurling’s top dogs?
- Analysis: Tommy Dunne’s 5 key questions that will shape today’s All-Ireland hurling final
- ‘I’d say it was tough enough for him…he would more than likely be playing with Galway as well’
- ‘Paul and Alan are very astute guys, very good at what they do’ – The duo helping Limerick chase Liam
The hope among hurling fans everywhere is that today’s final is a fitting conclusion to what can only be described as a sensationally entertaining summer.
Here, RTÉ — with the help of Anthony Daly — set the scene:
‘This has been more than a Championship, it has been a revolution...this magic’ – @DaloAnto waxes lyrically on an incredible 2018 hurling season pic.twitter.com/wMB3ybeuCM
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 19, 2018
Here come the teams to an almighty roar from the Croke Park crowd.
Both teams start as named on Friday, we’re told.
The first intriguing little subplot of the day: Galway were due to be the first team out onto the pitch but five minutes after their appointed time, they were still in the dressing room, and instead it was Limerick who emerged first — with the champions following them a few moments later.
This is what it’s all about. Will this current Galway team emulate the double-winning greats of 87 and 88, taking the Liam MacCarthy back west for another winter?
Or will it be Limerick’s day after so many near misses and years of heartbreak — a first All-Ireland title since 1973?
President Michael D Higgins — born in Limerick, but a representative of Galway for most of his political career — is meeting the teams. Sure he can’t lose.
As is tradition, the Artane Band play us in with Amhrán na bhFiann. We’re just about ready to go.
1 min – Two Limerick wides to one for Galway inside the opening 50 seconds as Joe Canning sends a shot into the Hill 16 end wide from distance, and then Tom Morrissey follows him at the other end.
2 mins – Chance for Aaron Gillane to put Limerick on the board with a free from the halfway line. It has the legs but not the accuracy. Three wides already for Limerick.
3 mins — Limerick 0-1 Galway 0-0: Diarmaid Byrnes picks out Gillane with a clever ball inside and the Patrickswell man gets the opening score of this final.
4 mins — Limerick 0-2 Galway 0-0: Kyle Hayes tacks on another. Good start for Limerick — they’re swarming Galway.
5 mins — Limerick 0-3 Galway 0-0: Lovely piece of skill by Gearóid Hegarty and Graeme Mulcahy finishes with a point. Limerick have had eight scoring chances — three points and five wides — in the opening five minutes which gives you some sense of their ferocious start.
7 mins — Limerick 0-3 Galway 0-2: David Burke leading by example! The ball into Gearóid Hegarty is slightly off, Burke pounces, shakes off Séamus Flanagan and scores.
8 mins — Limerick 0-4 Galway 0-2: Brilliant by Cian Lynch. He gets into a crowd of bodies, skips between Johnny Coen and Joseph Cooney, and points.
9 mins — Limerick 0-4 Galway 0-3: Galway are settling into their rhythm now. Padraig Mannion points to cut the gap to one.
12 mins — Limerick 0-5 Galway 0-3: A loose ball squirts back into midfield where Darragh O’Donovan scoops and shoots. Straight between the posts.
Limerick 0-5 Galway 0-4: Joe Canning points a free to keep Galway within touching distance.
Limerick 0-5 Galway 0-5: From out under the shadow of the Hogan Stand, Joe Canning points. All square.
Galway 0-6 Limerick 0-5: Galway appear to have cracked Nickie Quaid’s puckout code at the moment. McInerney fields a great ball, lays it off to Joseph Cooney, and Cooney does the rest.
GOAL FOR LIMERICK! Limerick 1-5 Galway 0-6 (Mulcahy, 16′)
A mad scramble and crazy goal but Graeme Mulcahy is rewarded for his persistence. He drops the ball in front of James Skehill’s goal and there’s a blur of boots and hurls as he somehow manages to hack it towards the goal and over the line.
Here’s that Mulcahy goal:
GOAL! Graeme Mulcahy gets the ball over the line for Limerick! pic.twitter.com/xPpTfPynDq
— The GAA (@officialgaa) August 19, 2018
Limerick 1-6 Galway 0-6: Tom Morrissey is given acres of space on the Hogan Stand side, and he doesn’t need to be asked twice. Three-point game.
Declan Hannon bursts onto a ball in midfield… and fires Limerick’s seventh wide. There has been absolutely no let up in the pace here.
Both sides are making mistakes. John Hanbury gives away easy possession; Limerick squander it just as badly; and Seamus Flanagan hits Limerick’s eighth wide.
Limerick 1-7 Galway 0-6: Great read from Declan Hannon who skips in in front of Joe Canning, nicks the ball away from him, and bombs the ball over the bar.
Great battling by Tom Morrissey and Graeme Mulcahy to strip Gearoid McInerney of possession, but Mulcahy shoots wide again. That’s nine for Limerick in 25 minutes, if you’re keeping count.
Limerick 1-8 Galway 0-7: Declan Hannon is doing a fine job in marking Joe Canning, and in contributing at the other end. He’s first to the ball again, carries it a few strides, and fires it back over the Galway bar. David Burke responds quickly for Galway.
Lovely skill from Johnny Coen who gets his stick in and flicks the ball away from Cian Lynch. Beautiful.
Ouch. Kyle Hayes gets up high above Joe Canning with both eyes firmly on the ball, but crunches through the back of Canning. It’ll be a Galway free once Canning has been seen to.
Limerick 1-8 Galway 0-8: Limerick are furious as they smother out a Joseph Cooney attack. It’s called back for a free against Cian Lynch, and Joe Canning takes full advantage.
Limerick 1-8 Galway 0-9: Limerick switch off at a free. It’s taken quickly to Joseph Cooney and he gets his shot off before Gearóid Hegarty can block him. Just two points in it now as Galway finish the half strongly.
Limerick 1-9 Galway 0-9: Soft free against Gearoid McInerney? It looked like he hit Seamus Flanagan square on shoulder-to-shoulder but Limerick get the free, and Gillane points it.
Limerick 1-10 Galway 0-9: Seamus Flanagan sends Limerick in four points to the good at the break.
HALF TIME: Limerick 1-10 Galway 0-9
Not the best half of hurling we’ve seen this year by any stretch of the imagination, with a lot of mistakes from both sides. Limerick will be very pleased with how they’ve put their stamp on the game though – can they sustain that pace for another 35 minutes?
SECOND HALF: We’re back underway. Can Limerick drive on for a first All-Ireland in 45 years, or will Galway be able to mount a comeback?
Joe Canning hits the first wide of the half. He was a long way out, in his defence.
Cian Lynch doesn’t have a huge amount of space to get his shot away, and it drops short into James Skehill’s grateful paw.
Limerick 1-11 Galway 0-10: After a succession of errors in the Galway half, Kyle Hayes steps in, snatches the ball and points. Joseph Cooney responds quickly for Galway.
Limerick 1-13 Galway 0-10: Now we’ll see what the champions are made of — they trail by six as Kyle Hayes gets the green light from Hawk-Eye.
Limerick 1-14 Galway 0-10: Kyle Hayes is on fire! Great work from Seamus Flanagan and Hayes puts Limerick seven up.
Limerick 1-15 Galway 0-10: Padraig Mannion puts Graeme Mulcahy into the stand, and that’s silly indiscipline from the Galway man. It gives Limerick the chance to move even further in front from a free – and Gillane takes it.
Padraig Mannion takes over from Joe Canning for a long-range free, but sends it wide. Galway need to find an answer — and fast.
Blood sub for Galway: Conor Cooney has a cut under his right eye so Jason Flynn comes on in his place for now.
Limerick sub: Mike Casey has been struggling for the last few minutes. He goes down again in need of more attention and that’s the end of his afternoon — Richie McCarthy comes on in his place.
Limerick 1-15 Galway 0-11: Much better from Galway. Short pass from Padraig Mannion to put Joe Canning free in space and Canning makes no mistake. Seven-point game.
Conor Cooney is ready to come back in, and Flynn returns to his seat on the bench.
Limerick 1-15 Galway 0-12: Canning again! Galway are back within six and Limerick’s mettle will be tested now.
GOAL FOR LIMERICK! Limerick 2-15 Galway 0-12 (Morrissey, 54′)
MASSIVE MOMENT – and Limerick have one hand on the Liam MacCarthy Cup! Tom Morrissey pounces on a mistake from Gearoid McInerney, shows some magnificent skill to control it away from the rallying Galway troops, and finishes smartly to the net. What a brilliant goal.
SAVE BY JAMES SKEHILL! Put his body on the line to deny Séamus Flanagan a certain goal. Incredible bravery.
Here’s that Tom Morrissey goal:
GOAL! Great goal by Limerick's Tom Morrissey! pic.twitter.com/p7MqymhENY
— The GAA (@officialgaa) August 19, 2018
The game is still stopped to allow Skehill some treatment. That ball was going at some speed when it hit him.
Joe Canning has a chance to cut the gap to six but, instead, hits his long-range free wide — Galway’s 15th wide of the day.
Limerick 2-15 Galway 0-15: Canning again, and now Limerick’s lead is down to six. There’ll be plenty of additional time as well following the injuries to Casey and Skehill, as well as the subs.
GOAL FOR LIMERICK! Limerick 3-15 Galway 0-16 (Dowling, 67′)
DOWLING’S DONE IT! THAT SHOULD BE IT! LIMERICK ARE ON THE CUSP OF VICTORY!
GOAL FOR GALWAY! Limerick 3-15 Galway 1-16 (Whelan, 70+1′)
Galway have a lifeline — and there’s an eternity of time left here! At least seven more minutes to play here. Limerick lead by five.
GOAL FOR GALWAY! Limerick 3-15 Galway 2-16 (Canning, 70+5′)
DON’T GO ANYWHERE! Canning rifles that free into the net. It’s not over, not by a long way.
Limerick 3-16 Galway 2-17: Mulcahy scores! Limerick lead by two – can they hang on? A minute to play!
Limerick 3-16 Galway 2-18: Canning points a 65. Will Galway have time for one last chance?
ALL OVER – LIMERICK ARE THE ALL-IRELAND HURLING CHAMPIONS!
It drops short and that’s it! Limerick win! Limerick win!
FULL TIME: Limerick 3-16 Galway 2-18
After 45 years, what’s another eight minutes?! Limerick are the All-Ireland champions for the first time since 1973.
Amazing scenes on the pitch in Croke Park — pure joy — as Declan Hannon climbs the steps of the Hogan Stand to lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup!
Here’s an ecstatic John Kiely:
"We were always the bridesmaids - but today we got over the line" - John Kiely #rtegaa pic.twitter.com/O7n3DOgXbV
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) August 19, 2018
That’s it from our minute-by-minute coverage as Declan Hannon finishes his speech and the sound of the Cranberries rings out around Croke Park.
Stick with us across the evening for lots more reaction and analysis of what will go down as one of the most sensational finishes to any All-Ireland hurling final in recent memory.
As a Tipp man I’d never begrudge Galway an all Ireland but this year I’d love to see limerick do it. It would top off a special, unique year of hurling.
@Peter O Donnell: it’s limericks to lose now.
Hon Limerick!
Limerick by 1
@Colo J: I said it!
@Colo J: you were right!
While it’s lovely to see Limerick in the final, their fans booing and whistling every Galway free is not doing them any credit .
@Gerry Campbell: Ref have pulled Galway back into it with dubious frees
@Gerry Campbell: yeah keep the booing to the pantomimes. Although the red has been abysmal tbf
@Ger Murphy: What crap should have been a free out for the goal and mcinerney given a yellow for a fair shoulder and limerick got an easy score from it.
@Ger Murphy: he’s melogan,but missed the foul that led to the Limerick Goal, a junior C ref would have spotted it , so he’s just basically incompetent, and sadly everyone in the country knew it except the eejits that appointed him .
@Ger Murphy: another clown in charge
@Gerry Campbell: then you should have heard the abuse Flanagan and Mulcahy got in the Hill, young lads full of drink shouldn’t be allowed out anywhere, 99% of Galway fans were so gracious, but you have serious apes in all walks of life!
@Ger Murphy: other way around you mean, first Limerick goal should have been feee our and then Glynn should have had a penalty. That’s 6 points difference there already in first half
@Gerry Campbell: If you want sanitised sport with no booing then go watch egg chasing.
@Gerry Campbell: And Kyle Hayes got a yellow card for the crime of going for the ball, while Joe Canning stood waiting for the ball coming to him, a fatal mistake at this level.
Ref is septic…..both sides
@Dec Quinlan: that was well flagged, he’s the poorest of a poor bunch ATM , massive boo boo in him waiting to happen .
@Dec Quinlan: worst ref in Ireland
@Dec Quinlan: Jesus he’s shocking altogether
@Dec Quinlan: think he’s calling it as he sees it.
He doesn’t have slow-no replay like we do. The last few years players go to ground way easier than before. Playing for a free is rife
@Dec Quinlan: not getting any better as the game goes on either!
Is it just me or is the picture jittery on rte?
@Bewarethebeardz: yeah me too.
@Squiddley Diddley:
And exceptionally negative commentary!
@Bewarethebeardz: I was saying the same as well ,
@Cian Omahony Snr: rte are simply terrible
@Bewarethebeardz: Yes having the same problem as well – screen started to freeze after first half
Ref is shocking ….
Go Limerick!!!
Galway by 4 points
Hopefully has a good half time break. 3 frees at the end there shocking calls.
@Yorkie1892: hopefully the ref I meant..
My mother was from Weston…so up limerick
dire stuff so far
As a Galway man,I would love us to win two in a row but I do hope Limerick win today.
Hope rte sort the picture…still jittery
@Cian Omahony Snr: tell the missus to stand still, the tv cant be that heavy.
Galway again, Cmon the Tribes.xx
Referee needs to up his game. Poor decisions.
Not a classic so far by any means. Way to many wides by both sides. Limerick already in double figure wides. A lot of pulling and dragging.
Ref is having a shocker
Very poor decisions by the ref again as he did all year .
Fair play to limerick but what a comeback by Galway. Ref was brutal for both teams to be fair.
Fantastic for Limerick.Fully deserving of it.
At HT. I like the look of Limerick. They can do enough to win.
@Stipe Miocic: Jonny Dooley is sitting inside in the stand, make sure galway don’t bring on in the last 5 mins for a 20 meter free lol.
Looking good for limerick, Galway look very flat so far.
@Paul: only certain few will get that
@Peter Roche: jasus i thought 94 was ablut to repate itself there for a min
@Paul: I know
By God they are a hungry group. Some wides but they were the best team all year in fairness
Respect from Wx here
Shefflin is wearing lovely socks,god bless him.
What’s with Marty Morrissey and the endless Delores O’Riardan references? Best team won..delighted for Limerick. Great championship…
Pure constipated hurling.
Limerick want it more.
It by God they have hit some wides
Poor game from Galway so far. Still fun to watch because I’m hoping for a limerick win.
. Not your finest hour James Owens.
Fair play to Limerick. Great performance maybe now the gaa can address the standard of refereeing. Again another biased display of “I have my money on….”.
Well done to Limerick , we are gutted in Galway but ye earned it today . Enjoy the party
Flanagan destroying Daithi Burke and Kyle Hayes Destroying McInerney.
@Ger Murphy: and Mannion has just took his name of the list for PotY
Well done to Limerick, deserved. But Christ they nearly blew it! Some Galway comeback, never trust them! But odd game for them overall.
@Margate:
All week the call was that Galway were the ones who got big leads then let the other team get back in !! Then today, the other way around but not enough. Proud of them you did not let us down we are just disappointed .
My father played for Galway a long time ago so there is always a STRING connecteing us with Galway > Heads up we just won the “UP AND COMING ” championship 3 out of the last 4 years so there is a further there..
0-3 to 0-0. Easy stuff so far for Limerick
GAA playing for a replay.
Expect Big Galway Performance now in 2nd half..
Fair play limerick.. nothing happened for us today.. sometimes that happens but tried right to the death.. they’ve given us great days the last few years and are a mighty bunch of men..we will come again
Fair play limerick.. nothing happened for us today.. sometimes that happens but tried right to the death.. they’ve given us great days the last few years and are a mighty bunch of men..we will come again
Fair play limerick.. nothing happened for us today.. sometimes that happens but tried right to the death.. they’ve given us great days the last few years and are a mighty bunch of men..we will come again
Fair play limerick.. nothing happened for us today.. sometimes that happens but tried right to the death.. they’ve given us great days the last few years and are a mighty bunch of men..we will come again
Why do the hurlers put their hurls in the air after scoring a point? Probably a stupid question.
@Murf T Will: For the puckouts it cuts off the angle or puts off the keeper a bit
Fair play limerick.. nothing happened for us today.. sometimes that happens but tried right to the death.. they’ve given us great days the last few years and are a mighty bunch of men..we will come again
Liveblog
Sun 3:20 PM
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2:24PM
There’s only one question on sports fans’ mind this afternoon: any tickets?
We’re a little over an hour away from throw-in in what promises to be an absolutely unmissable All-Ireland senior hurling final between reigning champions Galway and a Limerick side trying to end 45 years of shattered dreams in the county.
There won’t be a seat to spare in Croke Park this afternoon and if you’re one of the lucky 82,000 with a golden ticket — savour every last moment.
If not, settle in with the TV, radio and ourselves and you won’t miss a single puck of the ball.
Throw-in is at 3.30pm.
2:30PM
In the build-up to this afternoon, most of the pundits and former players seem to be giving Galway the slightest edge as defending champions — but there’s almost universal expectation that there won’t be more than a score or two in this one either way come full time.
Earlier this morning, we asked you to vote here — and with more than 5,000 votes cast, there are only 17 separating the counties at the moment.
It’s that tight.
poll
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2:35PM
It’s already been a day to savour for the people of Galway — they’ve just seen the county’s minors successfully defend their All-Ireland title with a 0-21 to 0-14 win against Kilkenny.
2:37PM
Jones’ Road and Drumcondra has been absolutely teeming for the last few hours, as you’d expect:
Fans arrive for the game Source: James Crombie/INPHO
Fans outside Gills pub Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
Fans arrive for the game Source: James Crombie/INPHO
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2:45PM
A lot of people are in the same boat, unsurprisingly…
A fan searching for tickets Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
A fan searching for tickets Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
A fan searching for tickets Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
A fan searching for tickets Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
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2:48PM
We’ve 45 minutes now until throw in, so it’s time for a first reminder of how the teams are expected to line out this afternoon.
First, it’s defending champions Galway who, crucially, have been able to call on Gearoid McInerney at centre back.
Galway
1. James Skehill (Cappataggle)
2. Adrian Tuohy (Beagh)
3. Daithi Burke (Turloughmore)
4. John Hanbury (Rahoon-Newcastle)
5. Padraig Mannion (Ahascragh/Fohenagh)
6. Gearoid McInerney (Oranmore-Maree)
7. Aidan Harte (Gort)
8. Johnny Coen (Loughrea)
9. David Burke (St Thomas’, captain)
10. Joseph Cooney (Sarsfields)
11. Joe Canning (Portumna)
12. Jonathan Glynn (Ardrahan)
13. Conor Whelan (Kinvara)
14. Conor Cooney (St Thomas’)
15. Cathal Mannion (Ahascragh-Fohenagh)
2:49PM
And here’s the Limerick starting XV, unchanged from the side that beat Cork in that epic semi-final a few weeks ago.
Limerick
1. Nickie Quaid (Effin)
2. Sean Finn (Bruff)
3. Mike Casey (Na Piarsaigh)
4. Richie English (Doon)
5. Diarmaid Byrnes (Patrickswell)
6. Declan Hannon (Adare, captain)
7. Dan Morrissey (Ahane)
8. Darragh O’Donovan (Doon)
9. Cian Lynch (Patrickswell)
10. Gearóid Hegarty (St Patrick’s)
11. Kyle Hayes (Kildimo-Pallaskenry)
12. Tom Morrissey (Ahane)
13. Aaron Gillane (Patrickswell)
14. Séamus Flanagan (Feohanagh)
15. Graeme Mulcahy (Kilmallock)
2:54PM
We’ve plenty of pre-match reading to keep you ticking over between now and 3.30pm. Here are some of the best bits from our All-Ireland final build-up:
How did Galway shed the ‘gutless’ tag to become hurling’s top dogs?
Analysis: Tommy Dunne’s 5 key questions that will shape today’s All-Ireland hurling final
‘I’d say it was tough enough for him…he would more than likely be playing with Galway as well’
‘Paul and Alan are very astute guys, very good at what they do’ – The duo helping Limerick chase Liam
2:57PM
The hope among hurling fans everywhere is that today’s final is a fitting conclusion to what can only be described as a sensationally entertaining summer.
Here, RTÉ — with the help of Anthony Daly — set the scene:
3:05PM
Here come the teams to an almighty roar from the Croke Park crowd.
Both teams start as named on Friday, we’re told.
3:13PM
The first intriguing little subplot of the day: Galway were due to be the first team out onto the pitch but five minutes after their appointed time, they were still in the dressing room, and instead it was Limerick who emerged first — with the champions following them a few moments later.
3:19PM
This is what it’s all about. Will this current Galway team emulate the double-winning greats of 87 and 88, taking the Liam MacCarthy back west for another winter?
Or will it be Limerick’s day after so many near misses and years of heartbreak — a first All-Ireland title since 1973?
The Liam McCarthy trophy Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
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3:25PM
President Michael D Higgins — born in Limerick, but a representative of Galway for most of his political career — is meeting the teams. Sure he can’t lose.
3:29PM
As is tradition, the Artane Band play us in with Amhrán na bhFiann. We’re just about ready to go.
3:30PM
THROW IN: We’re underway with Galway attacking the Hill 16 end.
1Mins
3:31PM
1 min – Two Limerick wides to one for Galway inside the opening 50 seconds as Joe Canning sends a shot into the Hill 16 end wide from distance, and then Tom Morrissey follows him at the other end.
2Mins
3:32PM
2 mins – Chance for Aaron Gillane to put Limerick on the board with a free from the halfway line. It has the legs but not the accuracy. Three wides already for Limerick.
3Mins
3:34PM
3 mins — Limerick 0-1 Galway 0-0: Diarmaid Byrnes picks out Gillane with a clever ball inside and the Patrickswell man gets the opening score of this final.
4Mins
3:35PM
4 mins — Limerick 0-2 Galway 0-0: Kyle Hayes tacks on another. Good start for Limerick — they’re swarming Galway.
5Mins
3:36PM
5 mins — Limerick 0-3 Galway 0-0: Lovely piece of skill by Gearóid Hegarty and Graeme Mulcahy finishes with a point. Limerick have had eight scoring chances — three points and five wides — in the opening five minutes which gives you some sense of their ferocious start.
7Mins
3:37PM
7 mins — Limerick 0-3 Galway 0-1: Joe Canning opens Galway’s account with a 65.
7Mins
3:38PM
7 mins — Limerick 0-3 Galway 0-2: David Burke leading by example! The ball into Gearóid Hegarty is slightly off, Burke pounces, shakes off Séamus Flanagan and scores.
8Mins
3:39PM
8 mins — Limerick 0-4 Galway 0-2: Brilliant by Cian Lynch. He gets into a crowd of bodies, skips between Johnny Coen and Joseph Cooney, and points.
9Mins
3:41PM
9 mins — Limerick 0-4 Galway 0-3: Galway are settling into their rhythm now. Padraig Mannion points to cut the gap to one.
12Mins
3:42PM
12 mins — Limerick 0-5 Galway 0-3: A loose ball squirts back into midfield where Darragh O’Donovan scoops and shoots. Straight between the posts.
14Mins
3:44PM
Limerick 0-5 Galway 0-4: Joe Canning points a free to keep Galway within touching distance.
15Mins
3:45PM
Limerick 0-5 Galway 0-5: From out under the shadow of the Hogan Stand, Joe Canning points. All square.
15Mins
3:46PM
Galway 0-6 Limerick 0-5: Galway appear to have cracked Nickie Quaid’s puckout code at the moment. McInerney fields a great ball, lays it off to Joseph Cooney, and Cooney does the rest.
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16Mins
3:46PM
GOAL FOR LIMERICK! Limerick 1-5 Galway 0-6 (Mulcahy, 16′)
A mad scramble and crazy goal but Graeme Mulcahy is rewarded for his persistence. He drops the ball in front of James Skehill’s goal and there’s a blur of boots and hurls as he somehow manages to hack it towards the goal and over the line.
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19Mins
3:49PM
Here’s that Mulcahy goal:
20Mins
3:50PM
Limerick 1-6 Galway 0-6: Tom Morrissey is given acres of space on the Hogan Stand side, and he doesn’t need to be asked twice. Three-point game.
21Mins
3:51PM
Declan Hannon bursts onto a ball in midfield… and fires Limerick’s seventh wide. There has been absolutely no let up in the pace here.
22Mins
3:52PM
Both sides are making mistakes. John Hanbury gives away easy possession; Limerick squander it just as badly; and Seamus Flanagan hits Limerick’s eighth wide.
24Mins
3:53PM
Limerick 1-7 Galway 0-6: Great read from Declan Hannon who skips in in front of Joe Canning, nicks the ball away from him, and bombs the ball over the bar.
25Mins
3:55PM
Great battling by Tom Morrissey and Graeme Mulcahy to strip Gearoid McInerney of possession, but Mulcahy shoots wide again. That’s nine for Limerick in 25 minutes, if you’re keeping count.
26Mins
3:56PM
Source: Fintan O’Toole/Twitter
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28Mins
3:58PM
Limerick 1-8 Galway 0-7: Declan Hannon is doing a fine job in marking Joe Canning, and in contributing at the other end. He’s first to the ball again, carries it a few strides, and fires it back over the Galway bar. David Burke responds quickly for Galway.
28Mins
4:00PM
Lovely skill from Johnny Coen who gets his stick in and flicks the ball away from Cian Lynch. Beautiful.
32Mins
4:03PM
Joe Canning from distance… wide. Limerick still lead by four.
33Mins
4:04PM
Ouch. Kyle Hayes gets up high above Joe Canning with both eyes firmly on the ball, but crunches through the back of Canning. It’ll be a Galway free once Canning has been seen to.
34Mins
4:05PM
Canning has a go from inside his own half… short, and Nickie Quaid clears.
35Mins
4:06PM
Limerick 1-8 Galway 0-8: Limerick are furious as they smother out a Joseph Cooney attack. It’s called back for a free against Cian Lynch, and Joe Canning takes full advantage.
35Mins
4:07PM
Limerick 1-8 Galway 0-9: Limerick switch off at a free. It’s taken quickly to Joseph Cooney and he gets his shot off before Gearóid Hegarty can block him. Just two points in it now as Galway finish the half strongly.
35Mins
4:09PM
Limerick 1-9 Galway 0-9: Soft free against Gearoid McInerney? It looked like he hit Seamus Flanagan square on shoulder-to-shoulder but Limerick get the free, and Gillane points it.
35Mins
4:10PM
Limerick 1-10 Galway 0-9: Seamus Flanagan sends Limerick in four points to the good at the break.
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35Mins
4:10PM
HALF TIME: Limerick 1-10 Galway 0-9
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35Mins
4:12PM
Source: Fintan O’Toole/Twitter
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35Mins
4:14PM
Not the best half of hurling we’ve seen this year by any stretch of the imagination, with a lot of mistakes from both sides. Limerick will be very pleased with how they’ve put their stamp on the game though – can they sustain that pace for another 35 minutes?
35Mins
4:24PM
Graeme Mulcahy scores his sides first goal Source: James Crombie/INPHO
A Limerick fan celebrates a score Source: Bryan Keane/INPHO
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36Mins
4:28PM
SECOND HALF: We’re back underway. Can Limerick drive on for a first All-Ireland in 45 years, or will Galway be able to mount a comeback?
36Mins
4:29PM
Joe Canning hits the first wide of the half. He was a long way out, in his defence.
38Mins
4:30PM
Cian Lynch doesn’t have a huge amount of space to get his shot away, and it drops short into James Skehill’s grateful paw.
39Mins
4:31PM
Limerick 1-11 Galway 0-10: After a succession of errors in the Galway half, Kyle Hayes steps in, snatches the ball and points. Joseph Cooney responds quickly for Galway.
40Mins
4:32PM
Limerick 1-12 Galway 0-10: Magnificent score from Diarmaid Byrnes from distance.
40Mins
4:33PM
Limerick 1-13 Galway 0-10: Now we’ll see what the champions are made of — they trail by six as Kyle Hayes gets the green light from Hawk-Eye.
41Mins
4:34PM
Limerick 1-14 Galway 0-10: Kyle Hayes is on fire! Great work from Seamus Flanagan and Hayes puts Limerick seven up.
44Mins
4:36PM
Limerick 1-15 Galway 0-10: Padraig Mannion puts Graeme Mulcahy into the stand, and that’s silly indiscipline from the Galway man. It gives Limerick the chance to move even further in front from a free – and Gillane takes it.
45Mins
4:38PM
Padraig Mannion takes over from Joe Canning for a long-range free, but sends it wide. Galway need to find an answer — and fast.
48Mins
4:41PM
Blood sub for Galway: Conor Cooney has a cut under his right eye so Jason Flynn comes on in his place for now.
49Mins
4:42PM
Limerick sub: Mike Casey has been struggling for the last few minutes. He goes down again in need of more attention and that’s the end of his afternoon — Richie McCarthy comes on in his place.
51Mins
4:44PM
Limerick 1-15 Galway 0-11: Much better from Galway. Short pass from Padraig Mannion to put Joe Canning free in space and Canning makes no mistake. Seven-point game.
52Mins
4:45PM
Conor Cooney is ready to come back in, and Flynn returns to his seat on the bench.
53Mins
4:46PM
Limerick 1-15 Galway 0-12: Canning again! Galway are back within six and Limerick’s mettle will be tested now.
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54Mins
4:47PM
GOAL FOR LIMERICK! Limerick 2-15 Galway 0-12 (Morrissey, 54′)
MASSIVE MOMENT – and Limerick have one hand on the Liam MacCarthy Cup! Tom Morrissey pounces on a mistake from Gearoid McInerney, shows some magnificent skill to control it away from the rallying Galway troops, and finishes smartly to the net. What a brilliant goal.
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55Mins
4:49PM
Limerick 2-15 Galway 0-13: Canning cuts the gap to eight, for now.
58Mins
4:51PM
SAVE BY JAMES SKEHILL! Put his body on the line to deny Séamus Flanagan a certain goal. Incredible bravery.
59Mins
4:51PM
Here’s that Tom Morrissey goal:
60Mins
4:52PM
The game is still stopped to allow Skehill some treatment. That ball was going at some speed when it hit him.
61Mins
4:54PM
Galway sub: Fearghal Flannery comes on to replace Skehill, who can’t continue.
62Mins
4:54PM
Limerick 2-15 Galway 0-14: David Burke makes it a seven-point game.
63Mins
4:55PM
Joe Canning has a chance to cut the gap to six but, instead, hits his long-range free wide — Galway’s 15th wide of the day.
65Mins
4:58PM
Limerick 2-15 Galway 0-15: Canning again, and now Limerick’s lead is down to six. There’ll be plenty of additional time as well following the injuries to Casey and Skehill, as well as the subs.
66Mins
4:59PM
Limerick 2-15 Galway 0-16: Canning again, booms over a free! Five in it.
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68Mins
5:00PM
GOAL FOR LIMERICK! Limerick 3-15 Galway 0-16 (Dowling, 67′)
DOWLING’S DONE IT! THAT SHOULD BE IT! LIMERICK ARE ON THE CUSP OF VICTORY!
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70Mins
5:03PM
We’re playing eight additional minutes here… a lot of nails left to be chewed.
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70Mins
5:03PM
GOAL FOR GALWAY! Limerick 3-15 Galway 1-16 (Whelan, 70+1′)
Galway have a lifeline — and there’s an eternity of time left here! At least seven more minutes to play here. Limerick lead by five.
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70Mins
5:05PM
They couldn’t, could they?
70Mins
5:06PM
Galway free…
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5:07PM
GOAL FOR GALWAY! Limerick 3-15 Galway 2-16 (Canning, 70+5′)
DON’T GO ANYWHERE! Canning rifles that free into the net. It’s not over, not by a long way.
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70Mins
5:07PM
Two-point game! Three minutes to play. Oh my days.
70Mins
5:08PM
NIALL BURKE! GALWAY ARE BACK WITHIN A POINT! TWO MINUTES TO PLAY!
70Mins
5:09PM
Limerick wide. 90 seconds left and Galway need a score
70Mins
5:10PM
Limerick 3-16 Galway 2-17: Mulcahy scores! Limerick lead by two – can they hang on? A minute to play!
70Mins
5:10PM
Limerick 3-16 Galway 2-18: Canning points a 65. Will Galway have time for one last chance?
70Mins
5:11PM
Galway free from absolutely miles back… is it within Canning’s range?
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5:13PM
ALL OVER – LIMERICK ARE THE ALL-IRELAND HURLING CHAMPIONS!
It drops short and that’s it! Limerick win! Limerick win!
FULL TIME: Limerick 3-16 Galway 2-18
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70Mins
5:13PM
What incredible drama!
5:15PM
After 45 years, what’s another eight minutes?! Limerick are the All-Ireland champions for the first time since 1973.
5:15PM
What a sensational finish to a sensational summer of hurling.
5:19PM
Amazing scenes on the pitch in Croke Park — pure joy — as Declan Hannon climbs the steps of the Hogan Stand to lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup!
5:22PM
Here’s an ecstatic John Kiely:
5:29PM
That’s it from our minute-by-minute coverage as Declan Hannon finishes his speech and the sound of the Cranberries rings out around Croke Park.
Stick with us across the evening for lots more reaction and analysis of what will go down as one of the most sensational finishes to any All-Ireland hurling final in recent memory.
About the author:
Niall Kelly
@niallkelly
niall@the42.ie
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COMMENTS (78)
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Peter O Donnell
3y
6hours ago
As a Tipp man I’d never begrudge Galway an all Ireland but this year I’d love to see limerick do it. It would top off a special, unique year of hurling.
143
Peter Cavey
3y
4hours ago
@Peter O Donnell: it’s limericks to lose now.
5
Sean Dilligan
1y
6hours ago
Hon Limerick!
83
Colo J
6hours ago
Limerick by 1
62
Colo J
3hours ago
@Colo J: I said it!
24
Margate
2y
3hours ago
@Colo J: you were right!
4
Gerry Campbell
6y
4hours ago
While it’s lovely to see Limerick in the final, their fans booing and whistling every Galway free is not doing them any credit .
43
Ger Murphy
4hours ago
@Gerry Campbell: Ref have pulled Galway back into it with dubious frees
36
IAmTheTruth
4hours ago
@Gerry Campbell: yeah keep the booing to the pantomimes. Although the red has been abysmal tbf
12
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Dec Quinlan
4y
4hours ago
Ref is septic…..both sides
53
Gerry Campbell
6y
4hours ago
@Dec Quinlan: that was well flagged, he’s the poorest of a poor bunch ATM , massive boo boo in him waiting to happen .
14
John Mullin
5y
4hours ago
@Dec Quinlan: worst ref in Ireland
16
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Bewarethebeardz
1y
4hours ago
Is it just me or is the picture jittery on rte?
37
Squiddley Diddley
1y
4hours ago
@Bewarethebeardz: yeah me too.
8
john
3y
4hours ago
@Squiddley Diddley:
And exceptionally negative commentary!
19
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@at
3y
4hours ago
Ref is shocking ….
33
Dr. Udaya Khandavilli
6m
5hours ago
Go Limerick!!!
31
mr lanister
6hours ago
Galway by 4 points
27
Johnny Leddin
4y
5hours ago
By the power of Ger Loghnanes missing neck Limerick will win, Treemendus
29
Yorkie1892
2y
4hours ago
Hopefully has a good half time break. 3 frees at the end there shocking calls.
23
Yorkie1892
2y
4hours ago
@Yorkie1892: hopefully the ref I meant..
7
deano
1y
6hours ago
My mother was from Weston…so up limerick
36
Tom Dowling
6m
4hours ago
dire stuff so far
18
Daithi Gazeley
6y
5hours ago
As a Galway man,I would love us to win two in a row but I do hope Limerick win today.
17
Peter
6m
5hours ago
As a neutral I can’t wait for this. The build up in Limerick has been savage all week, would love to see them do it but would be shouting for Galway ordinarily so don’t mind one way or the other. Great for hurling that the big three aren’t involved again and would be brilliant if Clare, Galway and Limerick could all win one in the space of five or so years, as well as Waterford getting to a final.
14
Cian Omahony Snr
2y
4hours ago
Hope rte sort the picture…still jittery
12
Charles McCarthy
2y
4hours ago
@Cian Omahony Snr: tell the missus to stand still, the tv cant be that heavy.
8
Margate
2y
5hours ago
Galway again, Cmon the Tribes.xx
13
Jason Pierce
5y
4hours ago
Not a classic so far by any means. Way to many wides by both sides. Limerick already in double figure wides. A lot of pulling and dragging.
12
Finbarr Lucey
1y
4hours ago
Very poor decisions by the ref again as he did all year .
13
Shaun Connell
2y
4hours ago
Ref is having a shocker
14
Philip Howlin
5y
4hours ago
Referee needs to up his game. Poor decisions.
15
Richie Rich
5y
4hours ago
Flanagan class class class for 20 years of age
8
Finbarr Lucey
1y
3hours ago
Fair play to limerick but what a comeback by Galway. Ref was brutal for both teams to be fair.
8
Michael cunnane
6y
3hours ago
Fantastic for Limerick.Fully deserving of it.
7
Stipe Miocic
6m
4hours ago
At HT. I like the look of Limerick. They can do enough to win.
7
Richie Rich
5y
4hours ago
@Stipe Miocic: They look good.. Galway at sea. But still hanging in there
4
Paul
4y
4hours ago
@Stipe Miocic: Jonny Dooley is sitting inside in the stand, make sure galway don’t bring on in the last 5 mins for a 20 meter free lol.
Looking good for limerick, Galway look very flat so far.
8
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Daithi
4hours ago
Shefflin is wearing lovely socks,god bless him.
7
Charles McCarthy
2y
4hours ago
Pure constipated hurling.
12
Dave Fingleton
7y
2hours ago
What’s with Marty Morrissey and the endless Delores O’Riardan references? Best team won..delighted for Limerick. Great championship…
5
Frainc Ó Broin
3y
4hours ago
Poor game from Galway so far. Still fun to watch because I’m hoping for a limerick win.
5
Peter Roche
5y
3hours ago
Limerick want it more.
It by God they have hit some wides
7
Philip Howlin
5y
3hours ago
. Not your finest hour James Owens.
3
Pat Ryan
2y
3hours ago
Fair play to Limerick. Great performance maybe now the gaa can address the standard of refereeing. Again another biased display of “I have my money on….”.
2
Finnster
5y
2hours ago
Well done to Limerick , we are gutted in Galway but ye earned it today . Enjoy the party
2
Ger Murphy
4hours ago
Flanagan destroying Daithi Burke and Kyle Hayes Destroying McInerney.
5
Peter Roche
5y
4hours ago
@Ger Murphy: and Mannion has just took his name of the list for PotY
9
Margate
2y
3hours ago
Well done to Limerick, deserved. But Christ they nearly blew it! Some Galway comeback, never trust them! But odd game for them overall.
2
Martin Quinn
1y
1min ago
@Margate:
All week the call was that Galway were the ones who got big leads then let the other team get back in !! Then today, the other way around but not enough. Proud of them you did not let us down we are just disappointed .
My father played for Galway a long time ago so there is always a STRING connecteing us with Galway > Heads up we just won the “UP AND COMING ” championship 3 out of the last 4 years so there is a further there..
1
Stipe Miocic
6m
5hours ago
0-3 to 0-0. Easy stuff so far for Limerick
1
Bob Joe
6m
3hours ago
GAA playing for a replay.
1
Margate
2y
4hours ago
Expect Big Galway Performance now in 2nd half..
1
eamon geraghty
4y
1hour ago
Fair play limerick.. nothing happened for us today.. sometimes that happens but tried right to the death.. they’ve given us great days the last few years and are a mighty bunch of men..we will come again
1
eamon geraghty
4y
1hour ago
Fair play limerick.. nothing happened for us today.. sometimes that happens but tried right to the death.. they’ve given us great days the last few years and are a mighty bunch of men..we will come again
1
eamon geraghty
4y
1hour ago
Fair play limerick.. nothing happened for us today.. sometimes that happens but tried right to the death.. they’ve given us great days the last few years and are a mighty bunch of men..we will come again
1
Murf T Will
3y
4hours ago
Why do the hurlers put their hurls in the air after scoring a point? Probably a stupid question.
2
Richie Rich
5y
4hours ago
@Murf T Will: tradition murf
1
Seán McGoey
4hours ago
@Murf T Will: For the puckouts it cuts off the angle or puts off the keeper a bit
7
eamon geraghty
4y
1hour ago
Fair play limerick.. nothing happened for us today.. sometimes that happens but tried right to the death.. they’ve given us great days the last few years and are a mighty bunch of men..we will come again
1
eamon geraghty
4y
1hour ago
Fair play limerick.. nothing happened for us today.. sometimes that happens but tried right to the death.. they’ve given us great days the last few years and are a mighty bunch of men..we will come again
1
eamon geraghty
4y
1hour ago
Fair play limerick.. nothing happened for us today.. sometimes that happens but tried right to the death.. they’ve given us great days the last few years and are a mighty bunch of men..we will come again
1
Joyce McAree
6y
2hours ago
Damn that was fun! I was for Galway but fair play Limerick you owned us!
1
eamon geraghty
4y
1hour ago
Fair play limerick.. nothing happened for us today.. sometimes that happens but tried right to the death.. they’ve given us great days the last few years and are a mighty bunch of men..we will come again
1
eamon geraghty
4y
1hour ago
Fair play limerick.. nothing happened for us today.. sometimes that happens but tried right to the death.. they’ve given us great days the last few years and are a mighty bunch of men..we will come again
Fair play limerick.. nothing happened for us today.. sometimes that happens but tried right to the death.. they’ve given us great days the last few years and are a mighty bunch of men..we will come again
Fair play limerick.. nothing happened for us today.. sometimes that happens but tried right to the death.. they’ve given us great days the last few years and are a mighty bunch of men..we will come again
Damn that was fun! I was for Galway but fair play Limerick you owned us!
Fair play limerick.. nothing happened for us today.. sometimes that happens but tried right to the death.. they’ve given us great days the last few years and are a mighty bunch of men..we will come again