Limerick captain Declan Hannon has been praised for his All-Ireland final speech after the Treaty men landed the Liam MacCarthy Cup at Croke Park.
Hannon, 28, climbed the steps of the Hogan Stand to hoist the famous trophy aloft after Limerick secured their second All-Ireland win in three years - with a 0-30 to 0-19 win over Waterford.
One aspect of the Adare man's speech particularly impressed TV viewers - as he paid tribute to healthcare workers across the country who have battled the Covid-19 pandemic on the frontline.
Hannon said: "I want to mention the frontline staff who've worked so tirelessly throughout this pandemic.
"The respect that 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."
Hurling fans took to social media to laud the Limerick skipper, with one saying: "A fantastic speech from the heart with just a note for prompts. Great acknowledgment of the effort of all the people involved despite some terribly difficult personal circumstances. A class act Declan Hannon @LimerickCLG"
Another commented: "Says everything about this @LimerickCLG hurling side in the way Declan Hannon delivered his speech .Controlled, articulate, inclusive and awareness #class."
