Limerick - Dublin via Nenagh line

[netwhizkid]

Have trains ever run direct from Limerick via this line before connect to the main line at Ballybrophy and continuing on from there? GAA Specials or anything? I know the trace connects the wrong way at Ballybrophy and the train would have reverse the engine or driver in the new DMU's. I wonder what would the journey times be like if there was a direct train and was there one before?