'It's right up there' - Nickie Quaid on All-Ireland heroics
LIMERICK shot-stopper Nickie Quaid admits the Treaty County’s All-Ireland triumph against Galway is ‘right up there’ amongst the major honours the Effin man has won.
Limerick regained the Liam McCarthy Cup following Sunday’s resounding 1-29 to 1-18 victory over Mícheál O’Donoghue’s Galway side at GAA HQ.
Truth be told, John Kiely’s charges were never in trouble at Croke Park. Galway led 0-3 to 0-2 after 11 minutes and that was as close as the Tribesmen could get to a rampant Limerick side who were simply too good on the day.
Goalkeeper Nickie Quaid says it was ‘incredible’ to get over the line in what was Limerick’s first All-Ireland triumph in three years, a barren spell for this current crop of Limerick hurlers.
“It's incredible really, there's a great sense of satisfaction there that we were able to put in such a huge performance and get over the line and it's just hard to put into words really.
"It's right up there. Every All-Ireland is so hard won and we're so happy to win it, every year has its different moments which makes it special too but this one is incredibly special,” the six-time All-Ireland winner said.
Despite being in the ascendancy for most of Sunday’s contest, Quaid states that taking the foot off the gas wasn’t an option, as his side demonstrated a ruthlessness befitting All-Ireland champions.
"Nothing changes to be honest especially when you're in the middle of it. You're constantly thinking.
“I looked up at the scoreboard at one stage and I think we were up by 12 but then they start to rattle off a few points and they aren't far off us and if they get a goal it's game on again.
"These are the things you're thinking of, you're on edge and I suppose it's only the last two or three minutes that you're able to enjoy and relax.
"We knew that even if they did get a goal that they would run out of the time and the game would be over.
"These games are never easy won and the quality of every opposition is so high that you're always on edge really,” he added.
The three-time All-Star isn’t sure if this final win feels different but admits being away from the decider for a few years ‘drives something’ inside of a player.
"I'm not too sure if it feels different but with having success before and then not having it for the last couple of years, it drives something inside of you.
“You want that feeling back and to prove it to ourselves that we could get back and that's probably one of the most satisfying things.”
The eight-time Munster champion admits he was slightly disappointed not to keep a clean sheet on the day.
"I was disappointed not to get it! I think it might have even clipped to top of the hurley on the way in.
"But look, it didn't matter thankfully in the end but as a goalkeeper you'd obviously be a little disappointed not to keep that clean sheet,” Quaid concluded.