'Best day of my life': Limerick flag bearer beams with pride at Croke Park

"IT WAS the best day of my life", the words of a Limerick boy who had the honour of being the flag bearer at the All-Ireland final on Sunday. 

Lincoln Browne is a hurling mad boy who won a competition to join his heroes on the pitch as they lined out for the epic clash against Kilkenny. 

The eight year-old's mother Sarah entered the competition on behalf of her son but said she thought there was "no way" they would win. 

"When we found out he won we couldn't believe it. When I told him he was just absolutely over the moon. 

"He was crying with happiness. He kept saying 'Oh my god mammy, I can't believe it'". 

The Rathbane native has been playing hurling since the age of four with Old Christians GAA and is a massive fan of the four in-a-row champions. 

On the big day, Sarah said Lincoln was "a mixture of emotions". 

In Pictures: Celebrations at Limerick hotel as hurlers return home following All-Ireland success

"He was really excited but he was nervous as well. He absolutely loved it. He said it was brilliant and that it was the best day of his life. 

"He watched the match with his grandad and he was very excited to only be seven seats away from John Kiely, he loves him! 

"We are just so proud of him. When they were losing at half-time he said to his grandad 'Don't worry we always come back in the second half, we have it'". 

Lincoln was delighted to get a high-five from Aaron Gillane after the match which was the cherry on top for his day out in Croker. 

Despite his big day out, Lincoln was awake bright and early on Monday morning bubbling with excitement ahead of the homecoming in Limerick city.