The long, long wait is over. Limerick have got their hands on the Liam McCarthy cup and by God, did they do it in style.
It was an enthralling contest in Croke Park between the Treatymen and the Tribesmen, with John Kiely’s side eventually prevailing by the minimum.
In truth, over the course of the game Limerick were more than one point better off against a Galway team who have now relinquished their hold on the All-Ireland title.
One of Limerick’s many many heroes on the day – and indeed over the season – was forward Shane Dowling.
The Na Piasaigh star began most of Limerick’s games on the bench, but made his present felt when introduced.
He changed the game against Kilkenny in the quarter-final. He won the match for Limerick in the semi-final against Cork, and he bagged a goal today, which inevitably proved crucial come the game’s end.
After their semi-final victory over Cork, Dowling gave a rousing speech on the Croke Park turf where he called upon the Limerick fans to give the players space ahead of the final, and not get carried away in the build-up.
"I really hope we're not just going to get to the final to march behind the band. I want Limerick to go all the way." pic.twitter.com/EcM1Jc8sm3
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) July 29, 2018
The never-shy full forward gave another memorable interview after their epic win today. This time he spoke to Damien Lawlor of Sky Sports and called on the people of Limerick to make the most of this victory.
“I stood here three weeks ago, and I pleaded with the fans to give us space, and allow us to focus. Now, I say to the fans, can you please go absolutely mental for the next couple of weeks.”
A clearly emotional Dowling spoke with great heart about what today’s victory meant to him and the everyone involved in Limerick hurling.
“I just can’t believe it, it means the world to me, and my family, and my friends, and my club.”
The party has just started in Limerick, we don’t think it is going to stop for a while, especially after yet another Shane Dowling rallying cry.
You can see the full interview below.
🏆🎉PARTY TIME 🏆🎉 It's been a long time coming, so Shane Dowling is calling on the Limerick fans to celebrate in style…….. pic.twitter.com/cmlQsq5Qhu
— Sky Sports GAA (@SkySportsGAA) August 19, 2018
