OVER A DECADE serving as a player and a couple of seasons into his current role as a selector, provided Brian Geary with a perfect insight into those responsible for helping Limerick reach the hurling summit last Sunday.
All the figures in the dressing-room in Croke Park shared in the moment of All-Ireland glory after a 45-year wait.
But it was the reaction of the Limerick players when they met JP McManus, the long-time sponsor and supporter of the county’s hurling teams under the Sporting Limerick branding, that struck Geary most.
The moment JP McManus lofted the Liam MacCarthy Cup high in a rapturous Limerick hurling dressing room in Croke Park #GAA #LLSport #hurling #Limerick pic.twitter.com/BeQaod8BqP
— Jerome O'Connell (@JeromeSport) August 20, 2018
“He’s a powerful man in everything he does. The lads there, 19, 20, 21-year-olds had never met the man (but) the respect they gave him straight away.
“Sure they know his history and what he’s done for the GAA and what he’s been trying to do. He doesn’t throw money at the thing willy-nilly but there’s something there and it’s very much appreciated what himself and Noreen do.”
Alongside Séamus Hickey, Geary was able to contrast the post-match emotions with the Limerick’s previous final appearance in 2007, when he was centre-back on a team soundly beaten by Kilkenny.
“I remember going in there (to the players’ lounge) in 2007, a totally different feeling. I saw the Kilkenny boys all content, sitting down, meeting their families.
“We were over in the corner trying to get a bite to eat into us as quick as possible, just get out of there. (On Sunday) we didn’t want to leave.
“Come here don’t get me wrong, the minute I got out onto the pitch, I wished I was playing but it’s brilliant to be involved. All the emotions after, I had my little cry, ah it was brilliant.
“They’re a good bunch. John keeps them well grounded. Everything went for us this year, injury wise we were very lucky and I think Galway were probably the same last year. You need everything going your way and we got it this year.
“We thoroughly deserved it alright on the balance of play but nervous enough when they got back to a point.
“I think we were better than them alright and you need to be a good bit better maybe to win your first. It doesn’t come that easy. We’ll take it and we’ll enjoy it.”
If the current team is populated by young players who are blazing a trail and enjoying success, Geary could appreciate the struggle endured by so many Limerick hurlers to reach this point.
After that wave of setbacks, he’ll seek to savour this triumph.
“It’s well documented all the so near episodes. I suppose that makes it a small bit sweeter.
“There’s plenty good teams went before. Serious, serious hurlers have no medals. I know they’re saying this bunch has a different mindset but there’s a huge amount of seriously talented hurlers went before them and unfortunately got no medal.
“Mícheál Donoghue spoke well in the dressing room, they’re going to be back fighting next year.
“He did say you need to enjoy it and you need to give the supporters a bit back, which is totally right after 45 years. The whole county has embraced this thing so we all need to celebrate it.”
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Just looking at it for a minute as I flicked around the channel and it seems a shame to have so many empty seats for an all Ireland final. I sure the football final in two weeks time would be something similar. Would it not be an idea to play both the football and the camogie final on the one day. It still wouldn’t fill the stadium and it would save the cost of opening the stadium for a second day.
@mickmc: or Gaa fans could support their county teams.
Very good idea Mickmc … then you wouldn’t have to post you sarcasm again next Sunday.
@Adrian Costigan: Well the economic reality is they don’t support this particular code in any great number. Ideally the game should be played in a smaller stadium but of course that would be regarded as sexist blah blah blah. Holding the two games the one day like in the quarter finals of the men’s competition would make much more economic sense.
@Rory Murphy: Can’t see there too many empty next sunday
Sincerest apologies… read your initial comment wrong… thought you were on about next week! … how daft do I feel now.
Go on the Rebelettes!!! Rena Buckley, what more can you say 18 AI medals. A warrior
HT Cork the better team so far but havent managed to put it on the scoreboard.First ten in the second half will tell alot.
Doesn’t make sense having it on in Croke Park. A bit embarrassing really – an all Ireland final and only 10 or 12 thousand in attendance. Varadkar doesn’t look too happy being there.
Cork the far better team but Kilkenny are clinging onto them.
@John Ryan:In fairness Varadkar did not look any happier last sunday when those strapping lads from Galway went up the steps to him.:-):-)
Rena Buckley is a phenomenon, what a sportsperson.
Eimear O’Sullivan for Player of the Match, she was outstanding!!