Limerick have reached another title-decider after beating Clare by two points in Sunday’s All-Ireland semi-final.

The Treaty County found themselves six points down late in the second half, but mounted an extraordinary comeback after Clare couldn’t find another score following their 57th-minute penalty.

An Aidan O’Connor goal was the crucial score for Limerick as they held on to set up a meeting with Galway in the final. The most recent final meeting between the two teams was in 2018, in which the Treaty came out victorious.

Aidan O'Connor of Limerick celebrates after scoring his side's goal. Pic: Daire Brennan/Sportsfile
Aidan O’Connor of Limerick celebrates after scoring his side’s goal. Pic: Daire Brennan/Sportsfile

It was that Clare penalty in the 57th minute that will be the main talking point of the game, with Limerick goalkeeper Nickie Quaid coming out of his goal and ploughing through Peter Duggan.

The ball ended up in the back of the net, but referee Tyler called it back and awarded a penalty to Clare for the incident, much to the dismay of the Banner players and fans. Nickie Quaid unbelievably avoided a black card, only receiving a yellow, with the majority of the Croke Park crowd letting their feelings be heard.

The subsequent penalty was scored by Tony Kelly, but the decision to leave Nickie Quaid on the pitch will be talked about, although he couldn’t stop the penalty.

Limerick goalkeeper Nickie Quaid fouls Peter Duggan of Clare. Pic: Daire Brennan/Sportsfile
Limerick goalkeeper Nickie Quaid fouls Peter Duggan of Clare. Pic: Daire Brennan/Sportsfile

‘What I would argue is that he knew exactly what he was doing,’ said Anthony Daly on the RTE panel. ‘We need to change the black card rule. Nickie [Quaid] knew what he was doing by tripping him.’

‘Maybe in the rules it’s not a black card. Technically, it’s not [a black card], but that is wrong. Whoever is making up these rules, change the bloody things for next season.’

Limerick and Nickie Quaid may have to count themselves lucky, but it should not take away from the resilience shown by John Kiely’s men to get over the line and secure their spot in the All-Ireland final once again.