Limerick claimed the All-Ireland SHC for the second time in three years on Sunday evening with a comprehensive victory over Waterford with strong Clare connections to the Treaty County management.
Shannon’s Alan Cunningham has been involved with the Limerick senior hurlers since fellow secondary school principal John Kiely became manager for the 2017 season. A former Clare hurler, Alan was coach of the Na Piarsaigh side that won the Caherdavin outfit’s first and only All-Ireland club title in 2016. He was previously selector and coach to both Anthony Daly and Mike McNamara during their respective tenures in charge of Clare.
Aonghus O’Brien who was part of the Clare management in 2016 when the county were crowned National League champions was added to Kiely’s management in 2019. The Broadford man who lined out at intermediate level for his county previously coached Limerick to the Munster minor hurling title in 2013.
A key member of the Limerick coaching ticket is Paul Kinnerk. A native of the Treaty County, Paul was coach to the Clare senior hurlers that tasted All-Ireland glory in 2013, he was also to the fore for the sides that won three Munster and All-Ireland U21 titles from 2012 to 2014. He was absent from the Banner senior management in 2015 before returning in 2016 to assist in their National League glory.
Kinnerk’s mother hails from Kilkee and his father from Doonbeg, in recent years they have lived in Cratloe and the former St Caimin’s secondary school teacher has now guided Limerick to a second All-Ireland championship at senior level. Paul now holds a distinct of coaching senior sides to three All-Ireland championships.
Limerick proved too strong for Waterford in Sunday’s final which finished 0-30 0-19 in their favour.
Earlier on, there was no such joy for Kerry in the Joe McDonagh Cup Final. Sixmilebridge’s Brian Culbert was a coach and selector with the Fintan O’Connor managed Kingdom side. Antrim recorded a 0-22 1-17 win.
