Luimneach Abu

Tomorrow, my cousin, Damien Reale, will captain Limerick in the All Ireland Hurling final against hurling giants, Kilkenny. Limerick has had quite the season, and if I believed in fate, I'd say that I feel the gods might favor us. The odds certainly don't. Paddy Powers has Kilkenny as 2-9 favorites. (bastards won't accept bets from American credit cards!). But given that Limerick were never supposed to beat Tipperary or Waterford, and showed great character in coming from behind against Tipp, maybe, just maybe, the Liam McCarthy cup (well used to the journey to Kilkenny), might take the less familiar route to Limerick. As a five year old, my parents took me to meet the victorious 1973 Limerick team as the paraded the cup down O'Connell Street, unfortunately I fell asleep while we awaited their arrival. I always remember the picture of that team, hanging on my grandparents wall for years afterwards. Little did they know that one of their grandchildren would lead another Limerick hurling team onto the hallowed ground that is Croke Park. 'Tis a pity they aren't around to see it. Good luck Damien and the rest of the lads.