Liam Cahill said he "never flinched" on the sideline today because he had Dillon Quirke's name on his chest.
The tragic Tipperary star was to the forefront of all players' and supporters' minds in the aftermath of the Premier County's amazing All-Ireland final victory over Cork.
Quirke died suddenly while playing a club match for Clonoulty/Rossmore against Kilruane MacDonaghs in Thurles in October 2022.
Since his death a foundation has been set up in his name to raise awareness around Sudden Death Syndrome (SADS) and source funding for the cardiac screening of young people across the country involved in sport.
Tipperary captain Ronan Maher, in his speech, singled out "one player who's no longer with us, but is so much a part 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."
Cahill, who managed Quirke to minor and Under-21 All-Irelands, was only in the Tipp senior job a matter of weeks when Quirke died, and he recalled the impact the death had on himself and the squad.
"Dillon is with us every day. When we started out in this journey in 2023 we were all hit with that devastating tragedy of what happened to Dillon.
"I was 50 yards from it the day it happened in Semple Stadium and I'll never forget it. It had a huge effect on our dressing room.
"It had a huge effect. And it was a really difficult year, 2023 and 2024, around everybody trying to cope with it in their own way," said Cahill, who revealed he got a text from Quirke's father on his way to Croke Park.
"I got a text from Dan, his dad, coming up the road to wish me luck. And I just said that Dillon will be on all our shoulders today regardless what happens in the result.
"He should be with us today but the legacy he's leaving and the work that he's doing to save lives across Ireland at the moment through his name and the foundation is just incredible.
"And today I never flinched at any stage on the line once he was across my chest, I knew that we would be battling right to the end. I'm just so proud to have had an input into his life for the for the short number of years he was with us."
Wing-back Craig Morgan also remembered Quirke in the aftermath of Tipp's win.
"We live, breathe hurling in Tipperary, we can't wait to bring it home to Tipperary and celebrate with everyone. And to remember Dillon Quirke is important too. It's been a tough week for the people of Clonoulty/Rossmore and Dillon's family. We're going to remember him with these celebrations."
