Awesome Limerick end inter-county year in style

So there you have it. Many expected it, there was some doubt earlier in the year, but as soon as Limerick got to Croke Park, there was a collective feeling as to what was going to happen. However, the style in which All-Ireland glory was achieved by the Treaty County was something else.

As I sat in Level 7 of the Hogan Stand, I was in awe, respect and amazement at the level of performance from the men in green.

Perhaps the greatest half of hurling I have witnessed and to do all that in an All-Ireland final, when the pressure is at its highest with the prize so massive, it's the stuff of dreams for players and management alike.

Credit to Kilkenny, they gave all they had for as long as they could but they never had Limerick on the ropes or in real bother, and when Limerick sensed blood, they went for the kill.

There are lots of stats floating around, but here's one that emphasises Limerick’s dominance in the second half. After Paddy Deegan’s goal, the next five scores were recorded by Limerick, followed by one Kilkenny point, then the next six scores were from Limerick, then a Kilkenny point, and the next five scores came from Limerick.

Man of the match Peter Casey had one point scored by the 59th minute and four points scored by the 63rd minute.

Complete dominance from a complete group, who will only be stronger next year, with players returning from injury and competition shooting up with the younger guys gaining a world of experience this year and wanting to be on that field of play next year. It's scary for the rest of us. Well done Limerick – we look on with envy but also huge respect and scratch our heads as to finding a way to beat you.

I was trying to think of a way to wrap up the year that was, so I’m going to give my