A CENTURY on from the birth of the National Hurling League, Limerick remain the only county to have won the competition five years on the trot, 1934 to ‘38, inclusive.
Those early wins were achieved under the captaincies of Mick Kennedy (Young Irelands), Timmy Ryan (Ahane), and Mick Mackey (Ahane), with the latter pair in the role twice.
Limerick’s next success in the pennant competition was in 1947 when Ahane’s Jackie Power skippered the side to a great 4-5 to 2-11 win over Kilkenny.
There was a long wait then until Tony O’Brien (Patrickswell) raised aloft the Dr. Croke Cup at Cork’s Athletic Grounds after a thrilling 3-12 to 3-11 defeat of Tipperary.
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The dramatic late winner came courtesy of the ‘Well’s Richie Bennis.
In Centenary Year (1984), Limerick beat Wexford in the final at Semple Stadium, Thurles. At the same venue, 12 months later, the crown was retained with victory over Clare.
Both wins were comfortable and the captain each time was Leonard Enright, Patrickswell.
League success came next in 1992, when Joe O’Connor (father of current star Aidan), Ballybrown, captained Limerick to a sensational comeback win over Tipperary, with the winner at the death from Garryspillane ace Ray Sampson.
Five years later, Gary Kirby (Patrickswell) led the Shannonsiders to success, 1-12 to 1-9, in the decider over Galway at Cusack Park, Ennis.
The more recent wins were achieved under the leadership of Declan Hannon (2019 and ‘20) and Cian Lynch (‘23).
In all, Limerick have annexed the title on 14 occasions.
Roll of Honour: 19 – Cork/Kilkenny; 15 – Cork; 14 – Limerick; 11 – Galway; 5 – Clare; 4 – Waterford/Wexford; 3 – Dublin; 1 – Offaly.
For varying reasons there were no competitions in 1927, ‘32, ‘42, ‘43, ‘44 and ‘45.