Entering the Munster Championship at the semi-final stage by virtue of a bye, Limerick's first game was at home against Tipperary on 9 June 2013.

All did not go to plan for the Premier County, who were 0-03 to 0-01 behind early on and were five down when Seán Tobin scored the opening goal for Limerick after Brendan Cummins had scooped the ball clear in a goalmouth scramble.

But Limerick were flying and they bagged the final two scores through captain Donal O'Grady and Declan Hannon to secure a 1-18 to 1-15 victory, their first over Tipperary since 2007.

[4][5][6] Also entering the Munster Championship at the semi-final stage by virtue of a bye, Cork's first game was at the Gaelic Grounds against Clare, quarter-final winners over Waterford, on 23 June 2013.

Clare were slight favourites as they had won a Waterford Crystal Cup clash early in the year – before winning the two National League fixtures between the teams, including a relegation play-off.

Cork's Patrick Horgan was sent-off in first half injury time for striking Limerick wing-back Paudie O'Brien on the helmet under a high ball.

The final whistle was greeted by scenes of euphoria at the Limerick city venue, as a seventeen-year wait for Munster glory came to an end.