Manager Shane O'Neill was delighted that Na Piarsaigh became the first Limerick team to claim AIB All Ireland Club Hurling Championship final glory at Croke Park.

Two opening period goals from Adrian Breen and Kevin Downes ensured Na Piarsaigh seized control early on with Ruairi Óg, Cushendall unable to cope initially.

O'Neill was hugely encouraged by Na Piarsaigh's blistering start which included a first minute goal from man of the match Breen. “We felt that if we took them on then we could cause problems,” O'Neill explained.

“As you could see in the first half any time a forward took them on we seemed to cause them problems. We gave the guys a small bit of trust in doing that and it worked out well.”

O'Neill admitted Na Piarsaigh were cautious following a crushing 2012 All Ireland semi-final defeat against other Antrim outfit Loughgiel Shamrocks.

“Without a doubt I was playing myself," O'Neill said.  "Some of the boys playing thought it was the most physical match they had played so there was no way we were going to be ambushed. We were focused on ourselves and our performance. Thankfully the guys performed.

“It is great for Limerick, but we were only concentrating on ourselves making sure we did the business. It is only when you stand back to reflect that this is the first time a Limerick team has won in Croke Park. To perform and the manner of the performance was so important.”

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