In front of tens of thousands of worshippers, it was with open arms that Mayor Gerald Mitchell officially welcomed home the historic four-in-a-row All-Ireland hurling champions into Pery Square on Monday evening.
Hometown rockers Anna’s Anchor, exciting young singer-songwriter Michael Moloney and star DJ Jen Payne kept the crowd in lively spirits until the arrival of John Kiely’s heroes.
Mayor Mitchell said: “I’ve heard it said that you haven’t won an All Ireland until you beat Kilkenny in the final. Now we have back-to-back wins over the Cats. This was a stunning victory by an amazing team of young men. John Kiely, the players and all the backroom staff are mighty heroes who have given an almighty lift to us all here in Limerick again this year.” He added: “It’s time to party! Luimneach Abú!”
Said Limerick GAA Chairman Séamus McNamara of Abbeyfeale: “We are beyond delighted to have equalled the record of four championship wins in a row. It is a mark of the character, strength and dedication of this side led by John Kiely. The competition throughout the championship this year was fierce and that makes this victory even more satisfying. We are truly living in a golden age of hurling in Limerick.”
Newcastle West’s Liam Aherne was an outstanding MC.
Limerick retained the Liam MacCarthy Cup with an electrifying second-half display over Kilkenny at Croke Park. The defending champions were down 1-9 to 0-9 at the interval but blew their opponents away in the second-half, knocking over an incredible 21 points to triumph 0-30 to 2-15.
Admitted Kiely: “We had to regroup at half-time but, as I said earlier, quarter three, we depended on it this year and we really depended on it again on Sunday. He added: “It’s down to the players, totally and utterly. We have zero impact on the sideline. It’s so hard but the lads, to be fair, showed calmness.”
See pages 34-39.