Fifth title means just as much as the first for Gillane

Limerick talisman Aaron Gillane insists that his fifth consecutive Munster hurling title means just as much as his first, after he helped his county to the narrowest of wins over Clare in the Gaelic Grounds.

Gillane put in a player-of-the-match display against the Banner, scoring 1-11 as Limerick ran out 1-23 to 1-22 winners.

The All-Ireland champions had to dig deep as they trailed to a Mark Rodgers' goal at the break but Gillane's 45th minute major proved to be the turning point for his side who wrestled control of the game from that point on.

Speaking to RTÉ afterwards, Gillane paid tribute to both Clare and his side’s supporters and despite picking up a Munster winner's medal for the last five years, he says that the shine is still very much on the Mick Mackey Cup for Limerick.

"Unbelievable," he said. "A full Gaelic Ground sold out, a very tight match. A lovely enough [game] for the supporters and a lovely day for us to finish it out as well, we’re delighted to get it over the line.

"It’s a sign of the great character of Clare that they didn’t give up, they didn’t throw in the towel and were right there to the very end. But to be fair it’s been that way the last couple of years.

"Any day you win a Munster medal it’s unbelievable, it doesn’t matter how many you have in a row, they’re all equally as special as each other, so we’re delighted."

Aaron Gillane is the start of this Munster final. Huge moment for Limerick as they move in front. ⌨️Updates: https://t.co/kdthnrSYgO