Galway captain's epic speech as his side crowned All-Ireland hurling champions after 29 year wait
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Galway captain's epic speech as his side crowned All-Ireland hurling champions after 29 year wait

GALWEGIANS around the world are celebrating after the Tribesmen claimed the All-Ireland Championship hurling title for the first time in 29 years.

Galway clinched the Liam McCarthy Cup - the first time since 1988 - in what was a tightly-fought battle against Waterford at Croke Park in Dublin.

The Déise had hoped to overcome the bookie's favourites but in the end Galway were the more powerful side and seized victory with 26 points to Waterford's 2-17.

After an incredible game of hurling, Galway captain David Burke took centre stage and summed up what the win means to the county.

"It's an absolute honour," he said. "The most special thing about GAA, 15 years ago I was a 12-year-old lifting a cup for St Thomas's down in Athenry.

"And the special thing about the GAA is when you can have dreams like this and when dreams come true on days like this in September and you get up there and lift the cup for your county."

He also paid tribute to his teammates, the management team as well as past players and managers for all their hard work and commitment over the years.

"This is for the people of Galway," he added to rapturous applause from fans, which also included President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, who has strong ties to the west of Ireland county.

Watch Galway captain David Burke's speech in full below...

 

All 8 minutes of David Burke's epic captain's speech

Posted by The Sunday Game on Sunday, September 3, 2017