Bernie Hartigan: A Triple Threat in Limerick Sport
​Bernie Hartigan remains one of the most accomplished and versatile sportsmen in Limerick’s history excelling in hurling, Gaelic football, and athletics. Representing Old Christians GAA and Limerick, Hartigan’s multi-code success has left an indelible mark on the sporting landscape of the county.

Early Sporting Life in Limerick
​Born into a strong sporting tradition, Bernie Hartigan was immersed in hurling from a young age. Representing Old Christians GAA, he quickly rose through the ranks with his natural skill, intelligence, and fierce competitive spirit. As the club grew in stature through the 1960s, so too did Hartigan’s reputation as one of Limerick’s most promising forwards.

1973 All-Ireland Glory with Limerick
​Hartigan’s most famous sporting moment came in 1973, when he played a crucial role in the Limerick senior hurling team’s All-Ireland victory — their first since 1940. Lining out at corner-forward, Hartigan was part of the side that defeated Kilkenny 1-21 to 1-14 in the final, sparking massive celebrations across the county. His contributions helped cement Limerick’s place among the top teams of the decade, and his All-Ireland medal remains a cherished symbol of that achievement.

Gaelic Football Success: A Champion in the Big Ball Game
​In addition to his hurling achievements, Hartigan was a standout footballer at both club and county level. A natural athlete and fearless competitor, he played with distinction for Limerick footballers during an era when dual players were rare.
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At club level, he helped Old Christians to notable football success. In a landmark year for the club, 1962, Hartigan was part of the Old Christians team that won the Limerick Senior Football Championship — just months after the club was formed. It was an incredible feat that underlined his importance to the side and set the tone for the club’s competitive spirit in the years that followed.
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Limerick senior football panel before the 1965 Munster football final. Back Row L-R: Mick Cuneen, Pa O’Brien, Eric Ryan, Paddy O’Dwyer, Tom Meaney, Bernie Hartigan, Seamus Cox, Pat Murphy, Joe Maher, David Quirke, John Aherne, Johnny Mullane, Basil Fitzgibbon, Tom Downes, P.J. Ryan. Front Row L-R: Paddy O’Connell, Jack Quinlivan, John Meade, Donie Nestor, John Culhane, Liam Moloney, Timmy Woulfe, Tommy Carrig, Tony Fitzgerald, Mick Tynan, Liam O’Shaughnessy, Pat Reidy, Eamonn Cregan, Fr Dermot McCarthy.

An Irish Champion in Shot Put
​While many knew Hartigan for his exploits with the hurley, his athletic prowess extended far beyond the GAA pitch. Bernie was also an elite shot putter, dominating the Irish athletics scene during the 1960s and 1970s. A multiple-time All-Ireland champion, he combined power and technique to become one of Ireland’s top field athletes, excelling in the shot put, discus, and hammer throw.

International Recognition and Veteran Success
​Hartigan’s impact extended internationally. In a memorable moment at the 1977 European Cup in Copenhagen, his hammer throw accidentally destroyed the venue’s photo-finish equipment an incident that made headlines and showcased the raw force behind his throws.

​His love for competition continued into his later years. In 1983, at the World Veterans Championships in Puerto Rico, Hartigan claimed gold in the hammer throw and silver in the discus, further underlining his lasting athletic ability.

Return to the Sideline: Selector in 2007 All-Ireland Final Run
Bernie’s deep understanding of the game didn’t end with his playing days. In 2007, he played a central role in one of Limerick hurling’s most dramatic seasons — this time as a selector with the senior team under manager Richie Bennis.

That year, Limerick produced a stunning comeback to defeat Tipperary in a three-game Munster semi-final saga, before going on to reach both the Munster Final and the All-Ireland Final. Although they fell to a dominant Kilkenny side in the decider, Limerick’s campaign re-energised the county and restored belief among the supporters.
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Hartigan’s presence as a selector brought not only technical insight but also emotional grounding — a link between the golden past of 1973 and the ambitions of a modern era.

A Lasting Legacy in Limerick Sport
​Throughout his life, Bernie Hartigan has remained a proud ambassador for Limerick sport. A lifelong member of Old Christians GAA, he has served in many roles, from mentor and coach to local champion of youth participation. In 2023, the club marked the 50th anniversary of the 1973 All-Ireland win by honouring Hartigan’s contributions to both hurling and athletics — a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to sport and community.

Conclusion: A True All-Round Great
Bernie Hartigan’s story is one of dual excellence — a fierce hurler and a champion athlete, who brought pride not only to Limerick but to Irish sport as a whole. Whether hurling under the Hogan Stand or competing on the field of international athletics, Hartigan always represented Limerick with honour, humility, and passion.
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His name lives on as a true Limerick great, and his legacy continues to inspire athletes across all codes.

Ger Hegarty: An Old Christians and  Limerick Hurling Icon
​Ger Hegarty is a name forever woven into the fabric of Limerick hurling history. From his early beginnings in the city’s southside with Old Christians GAA to lining out in an All-Ireland final at Croke Park, Hegarty’s career is one marked by passion, resilience, and outstanding service to his county and club.

Early Life and Club Glory with Old Christians
​Born in 1966, Ger Hegarty’s hurling journey began with Old Christians GAA Club, a proud Limerick institution founded in 1962. He was a standout talent from his underage days, making an early impression with his skill, strength, and leadership. His crowning moment at club level came in 1991, when he helped Old Christians win the Limerick Intermediate Hurling Championship, scoring an impressive 0-07 in the final against Bruree.

Inter-County Breakthrough and Underage Success
​Hegarty quickly graduated to the inter-county scene, beginning a stellar representative career with Limerick minors. He was part of the team that won the All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship in 1984, defeating Kilkenny — a victory that marked Limerick’s first minor title since 1958.
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Progressing to the Under-21 level, Hegarty won back-to-back Munster titles in 1986 and 1987 and capped it off with an All-Ireland U21 title in 1987, where Limerick overcame Galway in the final. His performances at underage level made it clear that he was destined for senior success.

Senior Stardom and National Recognition
​Ger made his senior debut during the 1985-86 National League, soon becoming a core figure in Limerick’s half-back line. His consistency and versatility made him a trusted presence throughout the early 1990s.

He was part of the Limerick team that won the 1991–92 National Hurling League, a sign of the county’s resurgence at the time. In 1994, Hegarty and Limerick scaled even greater heights by capturing the Munster Senior Hurling Championship, beating Clare in the final.
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That summer, Hegarty lined out at centre-back in the All-Ireland final against Offaly, a match etched in GAA history for its dramatic finish. Limerick, leading by five points with minutes to go, were hit with a late Offaly blitz and narrowly lost. Despite the heartbreak, Hegarty’s performance was a standout on the day.

Injury Battles and Resilience
​Hegarty’s career was marked by exceptional resilience in the face of serious injury. In 1992, he suffered a cruciate ligament tear in his left knee during a challenge match against Tipperary. Remarkably, he battled back — only to suffer a similar injury to his right knee in 1995.
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These injuries curtailed his inter-county career, but his determination and dedication remained undimmed — qualities admired by teammates and supporters alike.

A Lasting Legacy: Father of a Modern Hurler of the Year
​Ger’s legacy continues in a very visible way through his son, Gearóid Hegarty, who has become one of the most celebrated players of modern Limerick hurling. A multiple All-Ireland winner and Hurler of the Year in 2020, Gearóid has carried the family torch onto the biggest stages of the game.

​Ger, modest as ever, has remained behind the scenes, content to support and celebrate the success of his son and Limerick’s golden generation, while continuing to be involved in the community and charitable efforts, including volunteering on soup runs for the homeless in Limerick.

Conclusion: A True Servant of Limerick Hurling
​From minor glory in 1984 to senior silverware in the '90s, and from overcoming career-threatening injuries to raising one of the sport’s great modern players, Ger Hegarty’s journey reflects everything that is admirable about Limerick GAA.
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A warrior on the pitch and a gentleman off it, Ger Hegarty’s story is one of perseverance, pride, and unwavering service to his county, his club, and the game of hurling itself.