In spite of the disappointment, more than 10,000 people are expected to welcome home the Limerick team at 7pm today.
Hurling fans filled O'Connell Street in Limerick yesterday to watch on big screens as Richie Bennis and his team attempted to win the Liam McCarthy Cup for the first time in 34 years.
Two giant television screens were erected especially for fans who did not travel to Dublin for yesterday's match against Kilkenny.
One of those present was 75-year-old Jim Ryan from Bruff. He said: "All the boys are gone to Dublin so I decided I'd come in here and the atmosphere is great."
Despite the inclement weather there was a real buzz and a sense of expectation on O'Connell Street as the players took to the field in Croke Park shortly after 3pm.
Before the throw-in messages of support from some of Limerick's best-known celebrities were played on the big screens, along with highlights of the 1973 victory over Kilkenny.
An air of dismay quickly descended over O'Connell Street as Kilkenny took a 2-3 to 0-0 lead inside the first 10 minutes.
However, at half-time there was a quiet confidence among fans that Limerick would come back, and when Ollie Moran scored a goal on 47 minutes the place erupted with celebrations.
In the end the celebrations proved to be premature, and the fans went home disappointed but proud of their team. Carmel O'Connor from Ballinagarry said: "Limerick put up a brilliant battle, but Kilkenny were just like a bee around a pot of honey when the ball was there - they were everywhere."
One fan who was celebrating at the final whistle was Thomas O'Connell, who is originally from Gowran in Co Kilkenny. "Well, I work here in Limerick so this was the best place to be today outside Croke Park, and I am thrilled with the victory," he said.