Sheedy: Limerick's togetherness sets them further apart

Last year Limerick's final league game was their first win - against fellow 'relegation candidates' Offaly. In 2023 their final league game was an emphatic final triumph over Kilkenny.

John Kiely's team seem to have gone up a notch as they go in search of a fourth straight All-Ireland title, with the squad depth and ability to deal with adversity - along with their stupendous skill levels - making them clear favourites to lift Liam MacCarthy come July.

On The Sunday Game, two-time All-Ireland winning Tipperary manager Liam Sheedy highlighted the squad's togetherness and internal competition as their greatest asset.

This was displayed again in Páirc Uí Chaoimh as they made light of the loss of two-thirds of their half-back line following the late withdrawals of captain Declan Hannon and Kyle Hayes.

"They've assembled the best panel they have ever had in 2023. I think John Kiely and his management team have done an incredible job," said Sheedy.

"John keeps referring to the squad and the group. Most teams, if you lose the centre-back and wing-back - they lost Kyle Hayes and Declan Hannon, two huge players, two All-Stars - and they just get on, business as usual.

"Will O'Donoghue was out as a result of the semi-final and Tom Morrissey only came on as a sub. There is four guys who are at the top level. So they have strongest panel.

"John Kiely's biggest attribute to me is how they have kept the squad together. David Reidy was in the background today and he is coming back from injury," added Sheedy.

"He's managed all the time to talk about the squad and the players and the group and everyone seems to have bought into it and said, 'well if I get my chance then I go and I do it'.

"It's very, very encouraging. And he will be happy because