There was emotion in Graeme Mulchahy's voice as he spoke to TG4 following Kilmallock's victory against Patrickswell in Sunday's Limerick Senior Hurling Championship final.
Though it was a tight game for most of the 60 minutes, Kilmallock ran out easy winners with 1-24 on the board to Patrickswell's 0-19 by the final whistle.
The victory secured Kilmallock's 12th title. Though, it is their first since 2014.
"We've waited a long time for this," said Mulcahy, scorer of seven points, with a wobble in his voice.
"We had a tough few years there. We didn't really make the breakthrough. This year, a lot of people were writing us off, and things weren't going our way. We just kept at it, and at it, and at it, just really put faith in Tony (Considine) and the guys on the line.
"The big thing this year, the likes of Oisín O'Reilly gets the goal there today and Micheál Houlihan, Ciaran O'Connor, those guys really stepped up this year. That really got us over the line."
Graeme Mulcahy Limerick SHC final Man of the Match interview
Lán Ama
“It's a challenge we'll relish and prepare for again” - Smaointí Graeme Mulcahy maidir le Craobh Iomána na Mumhan.
Is é Graeme Mulcahy Laoch na hImeartha inniu!
Comhghairdeas leat 👏👏@KilmallockGAA @LimerickCLG #GAABEO #LimerickGAA pic.twitter.com/srfcdw3eCY— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 24, 2021
A Kilmallock defence which had been leaky throughout the championship stood firm on Sunday against the likes of Cian Lynch and Aaron Gillane.
"From the first day against Na Piarsaigh, we hurled for 40 minutes; against Ballybrown, we didn't start for the first 15," explained Mulcahy.
"We just really concentrated on putting in a full 60 - 65 minutes together.
"Over the last couple of games, our performances have been on an upward trajectory. Today, we really hit the peak at the right time."
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