They may not have won the five-in-a-row but as illustrated on Monday night the senior hurlers are still the heroes of Kilkenny.
Despite the torrential rain and cold the Kilkenny senior and minor hurling teams and management returned to the Marble City with a welcome home from more than 10,000 supporters.
The teams made their way by open top bus from MacDonagh train station through the city before finally descending on the Market Yard to massive cheer and applause.
MC on the night, Edwina Grace, kept the crowd updated on events as they happened while local bands UP4IT and The Kilkennys entertained the masses.
Mayor Martin Brett began proceedings with a speech of praise for both teams. He spoke of the joy and excitement that the senior team had given to Kilkenny over the years and he congratulated the victorious minor team for their big win. He praised minor manager Richie Mulrooney who brought honour to the city and county. He also thanked Brian Cody and his team for ‘the greatest moments over the years’ that everyone has enjoyed. Councillor Catherine Connery chairman of Kilkenny County Council also took to the stage to offer her words of thanks to the GAA County Board. Cllr Connery spoke of her pride in being a Kilkennywoman and she thanked the teams for their hard work over the years.
“Ye are magnificent ambassadors for our county and for that we thank you,” she said.
Bord Na Og chairman, Joe Pyke welcomed the winning minor team and the Irish Press Cup on stage which was met with rapturous applause. Minor manager Richie Mulrooney thanked his team and the supporters and also thanked the senior team and their management,.
“We have been honoured and privileged to play in front of the greatest team ever, the Kilkenny seniors,” was how Mulrooney put it. He also praised his minor team and said, “the feeling this year is completely different. Last year we stood here defeated. This year we’ve come back with the cup. There are nine lads on this year’s team who played last year and it’s a great feeling.”
Another very proud man was GAA county chairman Paul Kinsella who spoke of Kilkenny’s great hurling history. He pointed to the winning intermediate, minor and college teams. “These teams are a measure to how strong hurling is in Kilkenny. The pride didn’t wane despite the seniors loss. Our senior team have put in so much work, they lost with the same dignity as they have shown when they have won. They represent Kilkenny in more ways than just on the field. Over the past weeks they have done so many kind things, signing jerseys, autographs and other acts of kindness,” he said.
Mr Kinsella also thanked the management team, “to Brian, Mick, Martin and the backroom team, ye are the leaders, what ye have contributed to Kilkenny will last forever,” he said.
When county board secretary Ned Quinn stepped up to the microphone the crowd knew the team were close to coming on stage. Mr Quinn introduced the team to screams from the excited supporters. Each player walked onto the stage with great modesty and dignity and the crowd shouted their words of praise for their favourite player. Finally the man of the hour, the greatest hurling manager of all time, Brian Cody stepped up and shouts ‘we love you Cody’ echoed through the Market Yard. Mr Cody thanked the supporters for turning out in their numbers despite the weather. He also reminded everyone of the minors’ great victory.
“It’s very important to remember our minors have come home champions,” he said. “They have brought back the Irish Press Cup and their management and backroom team have been a brilliant example to Kilkenny.”
Mr Cody also spoke of how the seniors have led by example.
“The minors have been given great help from the standard and example that has been set by the great senior team we have. We are all very grateful to our senior players they have given us so much,” he said. “They are a young bunch and will be back again next year and hopefully will bring Liam MacCarthy back to Kilkenny.”
The night ended with the very talented Alan Hayes singing The Rose Of Mooncoin.
