THERE was Limerick involvement in both the Division 3 and 4 National Hurling League Finals at the weekend.
Kilmallock’s Tom Hennessy, who featured as a goalkeeper with Limerick in the 1990s, was the manager of Sligo, the snug winners over Longford in the third-tier final at home in Markievicz Park.
The losing selection included a couple of former club players from Limerick, namely Cathal Mullane (1-1) of Killeedy and Blackrock’s Marty Farrell.
As a teenager, Hennessy won a prized Dr Harty Cup medal with St Flannan’s of Ennis and with Kilmallock many senior and provincial club championships.
He was part of the Limerick squad which contested the 1994 All-Ireland Senior Final with Offaly at Croke Park.
His son Barry also enjoyed a long stint with Limerick and is the holder of four All-Ireland Senior Hurling medals.
He is currently head coach with Meath.
In the Division 3 final, Richie Ryan of Ahane was full-forward for Donegal in the loss to Wicklow at Echelon Park, Aughrim.
Meanwhile, former Limerick All-Ireland winning Under-21 goalkeeper Timmy Houlihan of Adare is involved with Kilkenny.
He was recruited by Cats manager Derek Lyng to serve as goalkeeping coach.
Houlihan served in a similar capacity with Limerick between 2028 and ‘24, a golden era for the county at the provincial and national level.
As a player, he lined out with Adare (five county senior championships) and Limerick with immense distinction.
Recently retired hurling royalty Declan Hannon, a clubmate of Houlihan, has expressed no immediate interest in becoming involved in a coaching capacity with either club or county.
“It’ll be different this year watching it from sideline,” acknowledged the five-time All-Ireland winning Limerick captain.
Limerick have been installed as strong favourites to lift the Dr Croke Cup at the weekend.