Incredible words.
Tipperary are All-Ireland SHC champions after beating Cork by 3-27 to 1-18.
It was an incredible second-half comeback from the Premier County, after trailing by six points at half-time.
In his post-match captain’s speech in front of the whole of Croke Park, Ronan Maher paid tribute to the late Tipperary star Dillon Quirke, who passed away during a club game in 2022.
The mention of Quirke’s name got the biggest cheer of the day, before Maher went on to say: “To one player who is no longer with us but is so much of what we are. Dillon Quirke.
“We carried your spirit with us every step of the way, you were in the dressing room, you were on the field of play, you were in our hearts.
“And we hope we did you and your family proud today.”
After reaching the final Dillon’s parents spoke to the Irish Times.
His father Dan said: “The two of us were in tears, to be honest. Because obviously we’d have loved Dillon to be there. It was great for Tipp to win. And all those young guys in the team are great buddies.
“Life is full of rollercoasters, as we all know. Hazel and myself found the day particularly difficult. Because we were in Croke Park and Tipp were going well.
“I’d spoken to Craig Morgan (Tipp star and Dillon’s friend) the previous week and Craig has been wearing number five now, which Dillon had worn. It was beautiful to see that because he’s a lovely young fella.”
