All-Ireland winner praises teammates for helping him through tragedy

"Like a band of brothers truly, they have your back."

Na Fianna will be nursing hangovers after their 'Monday club' celebrations, following the All-Ireland club SHC final win over Sarsfield on Sunday.

The Dublin side captured their first-ever senior All-Ireland title - having won their first county SHC final in 2023 - after defeating their Cork rivals by a score of 2-23 to 0-20.

Man of the match was AJ Murphy, who finished with 0-5 on the day.

The Sky Blues inter-county star spoke touchingly after the match about his love for his club and teammates, who helped him through the death of his sister Rachel, 21, after a short illness in May 2023.

Murphy said: “I lost my sister a year and a half ago, so this group of lads have been so good to me, like a band of brothers truly, they have your back. It's going to be a great night and a great few days, but it's going to be very emotional. I just want to see my parents now to be honest.

“We've had my sister and one or two parents and other family members over the last few years that have passed away, unfortunately, but lads just stick together. We're all so close and we look out for each other. It makes coming to training a lot more enjoyable that they have your back. It's a special group of lads.

“I genuinely believe this was coming. Just getting over the line two years ago and last year and then yeah, just carried our form through this year. Absolutely over the moon.

“It’s special, a dream come true. I was going to Croke Park every St Patrick’s Day growing up, so I remember seeing Newtownshandrum win it for the first time. So it’s special to actually do it ourselves.”