Morrissey still pinching himself in order to believe Limerick success

DEPENDABLE defender Dan Morrissey has been a pillar of strength for Limerick throughout the last six years of success and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Another fine season is likely to see him receive his third All-Star award later in the year and few would argue against his tag of dependable Dan.

The 30-year-old was hell bent on enjoying the celebrations earlier this week following victory in Sunday's final. “It was a great day and we had a great night,” revealed Morrissey. We will celebrate this for a while. Looking back over the last four years, it's obviously special.

“If you had said to us at the start of 2018 that we have won what we have won over the last few years, I don't think even the most optimistic of us would have believed. It's surreal.”

The Limerick players and management celebrated their most recent All-Ireland success with a private function at the Woodlands House Hotel on Sunday evening. Morrissey said that it was fantastic to have that time with friends and family.

“It was lovely to have parents and partners there and to spend the night with them as well. We will be swamped by supporters for the rest of the week so a night like we had on Sunday was important.”

Morrissey highlighted the importance of Limerick sticking to their processes when Kilkenny hit for their second goal that saw them into a five-point advantage early in the second half.

Limerick responded with a scoring spree like no other and Morrissey wasn't surprised from what he saw from the group of forwards further up the field.

“That's probably one of the best traits of this team. Not to panic when things go against us. For sure this year there has been no easy game.

“In every game we have had to deal with setbacks. It was no different on Sunday. When that goal went in part of me was thinking that this was not going to be our day.

“But we did stick to our process and the scores that the forwards were getting towards the end, it seemed that everything they hit was just going over the bar. We felt then in the last 15 minutes that it was just one of those days for us.

“I still have to pinch myself sometimes to believe it. Growing up, you were always going to watch finals involving Cork, Kilkenny and Tipperary.

“To be in it now, playing with Limerick is just unreal. You can see the boost it has given to the kids around and the whole county. Long may it continue and hopefully, there is another few in us.”

Morrissey has moved seamlessly between the half back line and full back line in recent years but is at full back where he has truly looked at his best. No doubt he will fill whatever role is asked of him with the same gusto in 2024.