Great to be there on Sunday to witness deliverance day for the hurlers, very emotional scenes at the end for the hurling community in Galway, plenty in tears of joy after the final whistle. The minor game was a dinger as well.
While I was delighted with the Galway win (which was merited and deserved on the day) I also felt sorry for Waterford, there is no joy in beating a county that are in the same boat as Galway in terms of striving for a long waited Liam McCarthy.
Waterford's supporters were a credit to their home-place in the aftermath as well, extremely sporting after a very tough defeat.
The Waterford supporters were great. Most of them stayed in the stadium for David Burke's speech. I know from past experiences I've often wanted to just get out of the ground as quickly as possible once the final whistle blows. In fairness the Galway supporters were lining up to shake their hands as they left. We've been in that position often enough ourselves I guess so know what it's like for them unfortunately.
Great scenes at the end. There were two Brazilians behind me who have been living in Gort for over a decade. Their son plays underage for the club and was in the Hill with his mates. They were at all the Galway games this Summer and were decked out in the maroon and white. Both quite emotional at the end. What a day.
Got the train back down on Sunday evening and I think there was just a great sense of relief and contentment amongst the older Galway supporters. The youngsters meanwhile had the train half shaking off the tracks with singing and lads dancing on tables or down the aisle. Roars of laughter all the way home. Some craic. Can't beat days like that.
