Devastated in defeat, Maurice Shanahan still kept his class and made Waterford fans’ day

This couldn't have been easy.

It hasn't been a smooth run for Maurice Shanahan of late. The Waterford attacker could string up the best defender on his day but he had to listen to his own brother Dan tell him he wouldn't be starting against Kilkenny. And it was the same story for the replay. Of course, the Lismore man was still used - you're not going to ignore an All-Star for an All-Ireland semi-final against the champions - and he was still ploughing away, emptying the tank, giving whatever drops of sweat he had left for his county. In the end, it wasn't enough. Kilkenny edged an absolute thriller in Thurles and the Deise's resistance was finally broken. It would've left a lump in your throat, watching the men in white and blue refusing to bow to the kings. It was a story of pure will and pure resilience. It was a story of heart. But, still, it was a story of defeat. https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/764926822643601409 Austin Gleeson spoke afterwards and it was hard to listen to. He had given everything for the cause like they all had and his words were running short. https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/764785235468886016 But amidst all those tears and heartbreak, amidst another nearly story and raw with pain, the Waterford men all maintained their class. And Maurice Shanahan found time for others. In one of the lowest lows of his career, he managed to get himself together and take time with the fans. Like a true Gael. Like a true Waterford man. https://twitter.com/Damian_Cullen/status/764547636238123008 Fair play, Maurice. You'll be back. The GAA Hour has two dedicated football and hurling podcasts. Subscribe here on iTunes or listen on Soundcloud.