It is one of the most iconic images of the GAA season.
Kilkenny v Waterford was only over a matter of seconds. It was the game of the season, maybe even the game of any season.
It had gone right to the wire and could have gone even further had Pauric Mahony’s last minute free sailed over the bar rather than being plucked out of the night sky by Eoin Murphy.
As the final whistle blew Mahony sank to his knees.
Waterford’s heroics over 140 minutes against the champions had come to nothing,
They were out, and Kilkenny were through to yet another final.
But as Mahony lay on the Thurles turf he was consoled by a girl in a Kilkenny jersey. It was a moment to warm the soul.
After 70 minutes of fiercely competitive action here was a young girl showing us all what sportsmanship is all about. Whatever happens, it is all left on the pitch at the final whistle.
Fair play to this Cats fan #omahony pic.twitter.com/WRAljVh0MF
— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) August 13, 2016
The girl was Jennifer Malone and now it has emerged that Jennifer, who has Down Syndrome, has been presented with a signed hurl, a framed photo of their shared moment which is signed by Mahony and the shirt the Waterford player wore on Saturday evening.
It’s a beautiful touch from a real class act and it’s stories like these that make the GAA what it is. Well played all concerned.
On the latest episode of the GAA Hour Hurling Show, Wooly and the lads reflect on a monumental weekend of action. Listen below or subscribe here on iTunes
