Limerick’s heroes returned home last night to rapturous scenes in the city.
Garda estimated between 80,000 and 90,000 supporters lined the streets to welcome home the Treaty men after their heroic victory over Galway on Sunday.
Around 40,000 more gathered at the Gaelic Grounds for the team’s official homecoming bringing the crowd to roughly 120,000.
An estimated 120,000 celebrating on the streets of Limerick and the Gaelic Grounds. Incredible #LuimneachAbú
— Fintan Walsh (@FintanWalsh) August 20, 2018
After 45 years of hurt including five losing finals what would you expect from the good men and women of Limerick but to go mental as their heroes returned home. Afterall, Shane Dowling did give them the rallying cry.
As the crowds gathered at the Gaelic Grounds, entertainment was on hand to keep the crowd going until the team arrived (not that they would’ve needed it). This moment when they all sang ‘Zombie’ together would send shivers down your spine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcRDEkYeKRs
After the team had arrived home from Dublin they travelled via an open-top bus through the city to the Gaelic Grounds. A strong crowd had already gathered from earlier that day. Nobody was to miss this.
The players seemed overjoyed by the support as they drove through the streets soaking up the atmosphere that lay before them. Maybe now it was beginning to sink in that they are All-Ireland champions.
The team where then greeted at the Gaelic Grounds by hoards of screaming supporters, delighted to welcome home their heroes, and at long last, Liam MacCarthy.
Declan Hannon & John Kiely introduce Liam MacCarthy to the Limerick public. #GAA #LLSport #hurling #Limerick pic.twitter.com/jsDaLaLaGh
— Jerome O'Connell (@JeromeSport) August 20, 2018
A night for champions – a homecoming in Limerick to be remembered. 12 of the squad are students or grads from @ul – 5 are graduating next week! Mike Casey, Seán Finn, Tom Morissey, William O’Donoghue, Pat Ryan. You made Limerick so proud of you pic.twitter.com/KHTLqwqbfD
— Professor Kerstin Mey (@ULPresident) August 20, 2018
John Kiely and Declan Hannon addressed the crowd, before Cian Lynch spoke passionately about this team all fighting for one another in order to bring success to Limerick once again.
“We are brothers”
Powerful speech by Cian Lynch @Limerick_Leader pic.twitter.com/ZFq4Ledrur
— Fintan Walsh (@FintanWalsh) August 20, 2018
The players it seemed had a great time taking it all in. After such a huge win on Sunday, finally getting to bring the trophy home would have been one of the greatest moments of their lives.
Aaron Gillane posted this from the team bus, massive crowds stretching for miles.
Cian Lynch managed to capture the moment Declan Hannon and John Kiely introduced Liam to the crowd.
Diarmaid Byrnes, just taking it all in.
It is clear Limerick was the place to be last night. We are sure the party continued into the small hours of this morning, and will probably keep rolling on for another few days yet.
