Derek McGrath: Limerick v Clare the greatest Munster Hurling Championship final in history

It was certainly a game for the ages, but was Sunday's pulsating, breathless clash between Clare and victors Limerick the greatest Muster hurling final of them all?

RTÉ analyst Derek McGrath seems to think so, while being aware of the dangers of recency bias when appraising such encounters.

John Kiely's All-Ireland champions eventually secured their fourth provincial crown on the trot, but they were pushed all the way by a Banner side seeking their first since 1998 which only succumbed after extra-time.

Speaking on the RTÉ GAA Podcast, the Déise man said: "I think it was the best ever.

"In terms of where the game has gone, it was the perfect combination of intensity, passion, skill, weather and a coliseum-like atmosphere.

"There aren’t many games to rival it.

"You don’t want to be accused of exaggeration, but it was just an epic game.

"Seamie Flanagan, for all his eight points… in his interview five minutes after the game, he said it was a game for the ages when he was getting his man-of-the-match prize.

"It’s a reflection of the modern player – I’m not accusing the older players of not being self-aware – they’re locked in a space where they’re far more reflective, even within games.

"Michael Duignan and Marty Morrissey were even exhausted on commentary. I could hear Michael saying he was going to go for a drink afterwards. I think that was a reflection of how we all felt, the need to take a break.

"Even the boys in the studio, they weren’t quieter than normal, but they didn’t need words to describe it."

Listen to the RTÉ GAA Podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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