Limerick’s Once-Hapless Hurlers Get Used to Something New: Winning

Then, in 2018, Limerick began its improbable transition from also-ran to dynasty. The team won its first All-Ireland in 45 years, a squeaker against Galway. After losing the following year in the semis, Limerick went on a roll, winning the championship in 2020, 2021 and 2022. If Limerick prevails again this year, it will become only the third team in history, along with Cork and Kilkenny, to win four titles in a row.

“That’s way, way down the line,” Limerick goalie Nickie Quaid said this month about the prospect of a four-peat. “We’re only looking at the first round in two weeks’ time.”

The turnaround has been especially sweet for Quaid and his family. A Quaid has played on the county team in every decade since the ’50s, starting with twin brothers, Jack and Jim. Jack had a son, Tommy, who played goalie in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Jim’s son, Joe, took over the position and played in the ’80s, ’90s and ’00s.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/20/sports/limerick-hurling-nickie-quaid.html