Limerick wing-back, Dan Morrissey paid tribute to his teammates after the Treaty country ruthlessly dispatched Cork to retain the Liam McCarthy cup on Saturday afternoon at Croke Park.
In conversation with Aisling O'Reilly for OTB Sports, Morrissey described the feeling of winning a third All-Ireland title in four years as "surreal," however it came as a result of the dedication of the entire 36-man panel, not just those on the field.
Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile"We train very hard," Morrissey said.
"We have a bit of craic before and after training but the hour and a half we are on the pitch training, it is very serious and we push each other.
"There are 35 or 36 men there and number 36 does as much work as the lads on the field. That is the big thing that we all buy into, it is a squad game and that has shown [again] today."
Having gone 45 years without lifting Liam McCarthy before finally ending their drought in 2018, Limerick have established themselves as the dominant force in inter-county hurling.
For Morrissey, after growing up during a barren spell that featured no success, the last few years have been a dream.
Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile"Growing up I would have always dreamed of playing for Limerick," Morrissey continued.
"I suppose I would have dreamed of playing for Limerick and winning All-Ireland's as well, even though it was a very far out dream.
"To be living those dreams for these last few years has been amazing and long may it continue."
Photo by Brendan Moran/SportsfileThe success of this Limerick side is sure to inspire the next generation of young hurlers from the county.
It is something that excites Morrissey even though the current squad have plenty of life left in them and certainly are favourites to continue this unprecedented success in 2022.
"The buzz around Limerick for the last few years has just been amazing," Morrissey said.
"If our success means more people will be playing hurling in Limerick, isn't that great."
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