‘They’re special’: Thousands line streets of Limerick to welcome historic six-time All-Ireland winning hurlers home

THE heatwave brought fevered celebrations to Limerick this Monday evening as the county’s six-time All-Ireland senior hurling champions were welcomed home to a green and white party. Tens of thousands thronged the city centre and cheered their hurling heroes off a train at Colbert Railway Station, into the People’s Park, and onto a concert stage at Pery Square. Arguably the greatest ever hurling team, the Limerick senior hurlers were joined on stage by the Limerick minor team, who won the All-Ireland title last month, ensuring a prized double and guaranteeing the future of Limerick hurling. Limerick senior captain, Cian Lynch, led the team off their train holding high the Liam MacCarthy Cup as Limerick manager John Kiely summed up the mood, beaming from ear to ear saying: “Happy days, happy days.” The supporters adoration for the team was returned by Limerick half forward and Sunday Game Hurler of the Year Gearoid Hegarty, who said: “My message to the Limerick supporters is – they are just the best fans in the world, we love them so much, and we are looking forward to celebrating with them over the next couple of hours and days, this is what we dream of.” Paschal Meade, from the city centre, brought along his “lucky charm”, eight-year old grandson Adam Manai, to soak up the celebrations. Young Adam said he had “prayed to God for Limerick to score a goal” against Clare in the semi-final, and a goal against Galway in the final “and they did”. “I love them, and when I’m older, I’ll bring my sons to the games,” said eight-year-old Adam, whose favourite players are Kyle Hayes, Nicky Quaid, and Gerald Hegarty. Meade told the Limerick Post: “This Limerick team are the best in the world, they are creating fantastic memories for me and Adam. They keep getting better and the new blood coming is making the future bright.” City native Aidan Woodhouse (50), who welcomed the team off their train, said: “I don’t know how they do it, but they do it, it’s fierce drama and excitement. I’m following them since I was knee high, I never thought I’d see them win as many All Ireland’s as they have.” Gerard Lonergan (62), from Cappamore, serenaded his fellow supporters with a rendition of Limerick GAA anthem “Sean Sabhat from Garryowen”. “I’m here because this Limerick team are the best team the country has ever produced. This year they really bonded together again and gave it one right good lash, and fair play to them,” said Lonergan. Mary Fitzmaurice from Ballyhahill, brought along her two eight-year-old twin grandsons, Michael and Thomas, telling this newspaper: “This team brings great life to the place, they are brilliant team.” Mary Fitzpatrick with her eight-year-old twin grandsons Thomas and Michael. Photo: David Raleigh. Young Michael Fitzmaurice, who said he plays “all over the pitch” for Croagh Kilfinny U8s hurling team, added: “Kyle Hayes is my favourite player, he goes for points and goals, he’s fast and he’s strong – he’s a genius on the hurling pitch.” Just shy of 90 years of age, Sister Helena McCormack travelled from her adopted home in Essex, England, to welcome the Treaty hurlers home. “They’re special, they’re special, and they did a great job on Sunday, six All-Irelands in nine years, I tell ya boy, you couldn’t beat it,” quipped McCormack. The crowd chanted “Limerick, Limerick, Limerick” as Mary O’Mahoney, Munster GAA, carried to the stage four of the five hurling cups won this year by the Limerick senior and minor hurlers. Sr Helena McCormack (88) flanked by her sister Christina Keating McCormack and her niece Marie Claire McCormack. Photo: David Raleigh. The homecoming masters of ceremonies, and RTÉ GAA commentator Liam Aherne and Caitriona Tierney, worked the crowd into a fever for the mighty return of the Treaty Men, while DJ Mark McCabe and singer Gearoid McCarthy entertained the masses. However, there was only one show in town – the Limerick hurlers – and when they walked out onto the stage, Limerick went hurling mad. The current Limerick senior hurling team is now considered by many in the game to be the greatest hurling team ever, having lifted the Liam MacCarthy Cup for the sixth time in nine years, including their four-in-a-row victories of 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023. Mayor of Limerick John Moran said: “What this group of players, management, and backroom team has achieved is truly remarkable. Once again, they have demonstrated extraordinary commitment, resilience, and belief on the biggest stage in the game and the people of Limerick could not be prouder.” Limerick Council Príomh Chomhairleoir Tom Ruddle told reporters: “The success of this group has given communities a tremendous lift and created memories that will last a lifetime, and so all generations have come together, to share in the occasion and thank the players and management for representing their county with such distinction.” The post ‘They’re special’: Thousands line streets of Limerick to welcome historic six-time All-Ireland winning hurlers home appeared first on Limerick Post.