Tipp’s conquering heroes return home

GAA:Huge crowds gathered in Thurles this evening, despite the inclement weather that has descended on the country, to welcome home 2010 All-Ireland hurling champions Tipperary after their historic win over Kilkenny at Croke Park.

The panel, which ended Kilkenny’s ‘drive for five’ titles with an eight-point win yesterday, were greeted by thousands of supporters when they arrived back in the Premier County at around 6.20pm.

An open-top bus brought the victorious side through the busy streets to Semple Stadium for the official reception, where the majority of fans had packed the famous venue to roar their approval.

Hat-trick hero Lar Corbett and his team-mates secured Tipp’s 26th title, their first in nine years, with a monumental effort against what many consider the best team ever.

Tipp captain Eoin Kelly, who was on the team the last time the county lifted the Liam MacCarthy Cup in 2001, explained today that the hurt of losing in the intervening years had driven the side on.

“The hurt of having lost the last eight years, through various Munster championships and that,” he said. “And for the whole panel. Like the guys who came off the bench they were massive. The guys contributed two or three points.

“People were maybe modest few years ago, when they said you need a squad, but you really do. The intensity in that first 15 or 20 minutes was unbelievable. Lads couldn’t finish a game, but our subs came on and done the job.

“So it makes this that bit extra special. When we won in 2001 some of us were only young fellas and we didn’t truly understand it.”

The Premier County could yet pull off an All-Ireland double, with their under-21 hurlers scheduled to take on Galway at Semple Stadium this Saturday.