Limerick captain Declan Hannon delivered an emotional speech after Limerick beat Waterford 0-30 to 0-19 to claim the Liam MacCarthy Cup at Croke Park today.
Hannon, 28, dedicated part of the victory speech to frontline workers who have put themselves at risk to battle the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hannon said: “I want to mention the frontline staff who've worked so tirelessly throughout this pandemic.
“The respect that we have for you all, in going out there each day to keep us safe, is absolutely fantastic. It doesn't go unnoticed by us, so thank you very, very much.
“2020 has been an incredibly tough year. Businesses have been closed, people have lost their jobs, I know a a lot of loved ones have passed away this year who really would have loved to be here.
“To those families, we think of you every day. You inspire us, we wish you were here, but no doubt they're all looking down from heaven on top of us today, smiling their way down.”
Waterford put on a battling performance and the Déise were just three points behind — 0-14 to 0-11 — at half-time.
However, Limerick's class shone through after the break as they pulled away to claim a convincing win.
Despite Waterford's best efforts, Limerick led by eight points for most of the half and eventually pulled away to win by 11 points.
