After ending their county title drought only a few weeks ago, Tipperary's Borrisoleigh have gone on to claim the provincial crown this afternoon. It is a remarkable success for a club that had gone 33 years without tasting success.
1986 was the last time they had competed in a Munster final but there were no signs of any nerves in today's clash with defending champions Ballygunner. Having entered the game as major underdogs, they produced a cracking performance to come away with a one-point victory.
It will mean all the more for a club that experienced some horrific tragedies in recent times, with this win sure to lift spirits in the whole parish. Speaking after the game, it was clear what it all meant to Brendan Maher.
Comhghairdeas le Brendan Maher laoch na himeartha inniu! @BorrisGAA @TipperaryGAA @MunsterGAA #thetoughest #gaabeo pic.twitter.com/WQaaUKmDHD
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) November 24, 2019
I've been hit left, right, and centre coming over there. It's unbelievable, it's a dream.
We came in today at 4/1, nobody expected anything of us. To be honest, we were delighted with that...
I think you can see it yourself there, it means everything. This is what we live for. Borrisoleigh is a proud place, we have a huge tradition of hurling and we're bringing it back.
It's been a tough 15 months for everyone in the parish. I said it after the county final, this doesn't gloss over anything that has happened but it does give a little bit of positivity, a little bit of happiness and positivity to the people of Borrisoleigh. We will enjoy this one.
It has been an incredible year for Brendan Maher as he played a key role in Tipperary's All-Ireland win. He also earned an All-Star for his troubles.
For a tight knit community such as Borrisoleigh, this is a momentous day. It is also yet another example of the power of the GAA to bring people together, allowing them to forget the woes of everyday life if only for a few hours.
You can't beat the club championship.
