Last county to beat Limerick in a Munster final – can Cork do it again?

As we look ahead to today’s Munster Senior Hurling Championship final between Cork and Limerick, there are a few quirks that make this clash especially compelling.

While Limerick have dominated the province in recent years – rampaging to six consecutive titles – they’ve never actually beaten Cork in a Munster final during that time. In fact, of the five Munster championship counties, it’s Cork who have waited the longest for a return to the provincial decider.

Limerick have seen off Clare three times, Tipperary twice, and Waterford once in those six straight victories. But Cork remain the last team to have beaten them in a Munster final – and, besides Limerick, are the most recent Munster champions.

Funny how that works out.

2014 

The last time Limerick lost a Munster final was in 2014 – at the hands of Cork. That final, held at the old Páirc Uí Chaoimh, marked the last time the Rebels played a provincial decider at the venue before its redevelopment.

It was a rematch of the 2013 final, which Limerick had won, but this time Cork prevailed. Goals from Seamus Harnedy and Paudie O’Sullivan powered the Rebels to a 2-24 to 0-24 victory.

Level at 0-12 apiece at half-time, the sides remained evenly matched until Harnedy struck in the 54th minute to edge Cork ahead. 

Limerick stayed within reach, but Daniel Kearney’s setup for O’Sullivan’s goal was the decisive blow, as he rifled past Nickie Quaid to secure Cork’s first Munster title since 2006.

Four players from that day – Patrick Horgan, Conor Lehane, Seamus Harnedy, and Damien Cahalane – are still part of the Cork squad travelling to the Gaelic Grounds today.

Since then, Cork have featured in just two more Munster finals, winning both in 2017 and 2018. While there have only been three appearances in the last 11 years, Cork have not lost a Munster final since 2013.

2013 

That loss came at the hands of Limerick, the last time the two counties met in a Munster final at the Gaelic Grounds.

Limerick were dominant that day, winning 0-25 to 0-14. Declan Hannon starred with two points from play, a sideline cut, and five frees. 

It was Limerick’s first Munster title in 17 years – and their 19th overall.

A pivotal moment came when Patrick Horgan was sent off early in the second half after a high swing caught Paudie O’Brien. The sides were level at 0-10 each at that point, but with Cork down a man and against the wind, the outcome soon tilted decisively in Limerick’s favour.

2019 

The last time Cork tasted championship victory on Limerick soil was in 2019, in round two of the Munster round-robin series. Cork, having lost to Tipp in their opener, needed a win; Limerick were just starting their campaign after a first-round bye.

Cork came away with a seven-point win, 1-26 to 1-19, with Patrick Horgan’s 53rd-minute goal proving crucial. He finished with 1-9, while Seamus Harnedy and Daniel Kearney chipped in with 0-4 each.

Luke Meade and Declan Dalton both struck for two points, with Conor Lehane and Darragh Fitzgibbon also on target. All five remain involved in today’s panel.

This evening’s clash is a massive challenge for Cork. Limerick’s record—especially at the Gaelic Grounds—speaks for itself. They’ve become synonymous with Munster final dominance.

But as the old saying goes: the bigger they are… 

…the harder they fall.