There were was joy and emotion on the streets of Limerick City and in the Gaelic Grounds last night as the county's victorious hurlers brought home the Liam MacCarthy Cup for the first time since 1973.

Gardaí estimated up to 90,000 supporters turned out to welcome John Kiely's team following Sunday's dramatic All-Ireland final victory over Galway.

"It’s a dream come true," captain Declan Hannon told RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland.

"It was unreal to see so many happy faces: young and old and everything in between.

"Even at the train station there was a massive crowd outside.

"It’s a great atmosphere here. It’s great for Limerick as a city and county."

Hannon paid tribute to the county's commitment to their sporting heroes and expressed his delight at being able to reward their faith.

"Whether it be hurling, football, soccer, rugby, whatever it is, they’ll always turn out. Good days, bad days, they’re always there for us.

"It’s great to be able to share this moment with them."

Shane Dowling said seeing what the victory meant to his father, a Na Piarsaigh stalwart since the club's foundation in 1968, brought home the magnitude of their achievement.

"I can’t even think of what I’m saying to you it’s so loud," said Dowling, who scored the crucial third goal after coming off the subs' bench. "It’s magical.

"Outside the Gaelic Grounds, I came across my parents standing on the wall, hand in hand, and saw tears roll down my Dad’s face.

"As far as I was concerned I would say ‘job done’."

Listen to Petula Martyn's report in full here

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