'I’ll be a fan for life': Jim Furyk impressed with Limerick hurlers big win over Tipp - Ireland News Beep

LIMERICK booked a spot in a record-extending eighth Munster Senior Hurling Championship final in a row at the weekend – and they also gained a “fan for life” in their emphatic 17-point win over Tipperary.

The captain of the US team for next year’s Ryder Cup in Adare, Jim Furyk, was among the 29,069 attendance at the TUS Gaelic Grounds as a guest of JP McManus.

The 2003 US Open champion was mightily impressed with what he saw as the Shannonsiders scored a 5-27 to 0-25 win over the All-Ireland champions.

“First match ever,” the Pennsylvania native admitted. “I’ve watching a bit of GAA+ in the States to kind of get ready, figure out the rules, understand the rules – it was a high scoring game today, five goals 42 points. It was a lot of fun to watch,” he told Sporting Limerick after the game.

“These guys are amazing athletes, it’s a fun sport, I’m going to keep up with this team – I’m now a Limerick fan.

Furyk arrived at the Ennis Road venue sporting a Limerick jersey with the Adare Manor logo across the chest – a gift from Limerick sponsor JP McManus.

“Everyone knows how wonderful JP is and what a great host he is,” Furyk said.

“Knowing that we were coming to town, he knew the match was today and he invited us. We showed up to the room, we all had jerseys and sweatshirts – we were definitely going to the colours.

“JP is a dear friend so I’ll be a Limerick fan.”

As good as the hospitality was, the action on the field also had the American beaming about the quality of the players on show.

“They call it the fastest field sport in the world, you hear that but to see it live you really get an appreciation for it. I’m amazed at the distance they score from. Folks hanging on them, trying to hook them, throwing the ball up, wheeling around, turning from awkward angles – I’m impressed!”

After the game, Furyk also paid went to the dressing room to congratulate the victorious Limerick team.

“Great athletes, it was fun to visit the team afterwards, say hello and tell them I’ll be a fan for life.

The atmosphere with almost 30,000 people enjoying the hurling on a glorious summer’s day also stood out.

“I thought [the support] was amazing – folks supported their team but they were polite, supportive, even the Tipp fans that came, when they scored you heard a little cheer from the folks that were here.”

So what about the rest of the year? How does Limerick’s newest fan see 2026 playing out?

“I know Limerick is excited for the rest of the season, they got a lot going on and a chance to do well in the All-Ireland.

“I have to be dead honest – I know nothing about Cork. I watched a little bit of the Waterford game, saw this one. The offense looks like it’s cooking though scoring a lot of goals.”

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‘I’ll be a fan for life’: Jim Furyk impressed with Limerick hurlers big win over Tipp

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