Gort captain Greg Lally believes faith in their own ability was his team's decisive weapon in capturing the Galway hurling crown from All-Ireland champions Portumna.
Gort shocked the favourites to win their second title in four years on a 2-13 to 1-10 scoreline, with two goals in the final minute key after Portumna had drawn level.
"If we didn't have that belief, there was no point in coming," said Lally.
"They're a formidable outfit. They've won so much. They've represented their county brilliantly.
"But we knew that if we brought the game to them, if we worked hard, worked like dogs, worked in packs, we would overturn them.
"Luckily enough, we got a great start to the first half, we were three or four points up at half-time and we knew that if we upped it again in the second half again we'd get through.
Lally said it would take a while for the enormity of Gort's achievement to sink in.
"It's unbelievable. It probably won't kick in until we're driving into the town and see the banners and the people. That's when it really kicks in.
"Over the next few days I'll take it all in."
Gort now go on to an All-Ireland semi-final against Kilkenny and Leinster champions Ballyhale Shamrocks, in February.
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