Limerick captain pays amazing tribute to ‘mother figure’ in backroom team

This was class!

Central to this was their talismanic captain Cian Lynch who dominated the midfield, and chipped in with two stunning points.

He gave the traditional winners' speech up the steps at Croker, as he thanked his teammates, manager, the opposition and the fans.

However, he reserved the his most heartfelt tribute to the team's sports psychologist Caroline Currid.

He began: "And of course our sports psychologist, Caroline Currid."

This was followed by an almighty cheer and sustained clapping from the Limerick faithful.

Lynch continued: "Unbelievable.

"We're just priviledged and honoured to have you part of our group Caroline, to have you back with us this year.

"Your knowledge, your information that you share with us, but you're just that mother figure.

"You're someone that we can lean on, outside of sport and in our lives in general and we really do appreciate you so thank you Caroline."

Teams and scorers (from Irish Examiner):

Scorers for Limerick: C. O’Neill (1-4); A. O’Connor (0-5, 3 frees); P. Casey, A. Gillane, D. Byrnes (2 frees, 1 65) (0-4 each); A. English, K. Hayes, C. Lynch (0-2 each); B. Nash, D. Reidy (0-1 each).

Scorers for Galway: A. Niland (0-10, 8 frees, 1 65); C. Cooney (1-2, 1-0 pen, 0-1 free); T. Monaghan (0-2); J. Rabbitte, C. Mannion, D. Neary, C. Molloy (0-1 each).

LIMERICK: N. Quaid; S. Finn, M. Casey, B. Nash; D. Byrnes, W. O’Donoghue, K. Hayes; A. English, C. Lynch (c); G. Hegarty, A. O’Connor, C. O’Neill; A. Gillane, S. O’Brien, A. Niland.

Subs for Limerick: T. Morrissey for S. O’Brien (48); D. Morrissey for M. Casey (53); D. Reidy for P. Casey (temp, 57-60); D. O’Donovan for A. English (63); D. Reidy for A. O’Connor (69); C. Coughlan for S. Finn (70).

GALWAY: D. Fahy; J. Ryan, D. Burke, C. Trayers; P. Mannion, D. Morrissey (c), R. Glennon; C. Killeen, G. Lee; P. Mannion, T. Monaghan, D. Neary; A. Niland, J. Rabbitte, C. Whelan.

Subs for Galway: C. Cooney for G. Lee (47); C. Daniels for T. Monaghan (55); J. Fleming for C. Killeen, C. Molloy for A. Niland (both 60); S. Linnane for C. Mannion (70+1).

Red card: R. Glennon (straight, 57);

Referee: C. Lyons (Cork).