Denis Grimes

Grimes played his club hurling with his local Kilfinane team and enjoyed some success. He won his first senior county title in 1897 following a thrilling 4-9 to 4-8 victory over Cappamore. It is possible that Grimes captured a second county title two years later in 1899.

Kilfinane’s county championship victory allowed the club to represent Limerick in the Munster and All-Ireland championships. Grimes, as well as the goalkeeper on the team, was also appointed captain for the year.

Limerick breezed through the provincial championship and reached the Munster final with Cork providing the opposition. The game itself produced a resounding 4-9 to 1-6 victory gor Limerick. It was Grimes’s first Munster title. This victory allowed Limerick to advance directly to the All-Ireland final. Kilkenny provided the opposition on that occasion as both sides were hoping to win the All-Ireland title for the first time. ‘The Cats’ got off to a great start and led by 2-4 to 1-1 at half-time. Limerick, however, powered on in the second-half and used their new technique of hooking. They got two quick goals early in the half and scored the winning goal from a free after 52 minutes. At the final whistle Limerick emerged victorious by 3-4 to 2-4. It was Grimes’s first All-Ireland title. He later captained Limerick to victory over Kilkenny in the Croke Cup that same year.

Sporting positions
Preceded by	Limerick Senior Hurling Captain 1897	Succeeded by
Achievements
Preceded by Mikey Maher (Tipperary)	All-Ireland Senior Hurling winning captain 1897	Succeeded by Mikey Maher (Tipperary)

• Brendan Fullam, Captains of the Ash, (Wolfhound Press, 2004).