This couldn’t have been easy.
It hasn’t been a smooth run for Maurice Shanahan of late. The Waterford attacker could string up the best defender on his day but he had to listen to his own brother Dan tell him he wouldn’t be starting against Kilkenny. And it was the same story for the replay.
Of course, the Lismore man was still used – you’re not going to ignore an All-Star for an All-Ireland semi-final against the champions – and he was still ploughing away, emptying the tank, giving whatever drops of sweat he had left for his county.
In the end, it wasn’t enough. Kilkenny edged an absolute thriller in Thurles and the Deise’s resistance was finally broken.
It would’ve left a lump in your throat, watching the men in white and blue refusing to bow to the kings. It was a story of pure will and pure resilience. It was a story of heart. But, still, it was a story of defeat.
Watching Waterford refuse to back down was one of the highlights of the year, writes @dionfanning https://t.co/XGktVfktWF
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) August 14, 2016
Austin Gleeson spoke afterwards and it was hard to listen to.
He had given everything for the cause like they all had and his words were running short.
Heartbroken Austin Gleeson shows true humility following Kilkenny defeat https://t.co/xO6Ia1eDhn
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) August 14, 2016
But amidst all those tears and heartbreak, amidst another nearly story and raw with pain, the Waterford men all maintained their class.
And Maurice Shanahan found time for others. In one of the lowest lows of his career, he managed to get himself together and take time with the fans. Like a true Gael. Like a true Waterford man.
Maurice Shanahan looks devastated but still such a gent he's standing for pics, signing jerseys. #gaa @Waterfordgaa pic.twitter.com/2jB1F7NTT3
— Damian Cullen (@Damian_Cullen) August 13, 2016
Fair play, Maurice. You’ll be back.
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