‘Shook’, not stirred: Adam English eyeing more medals in Limerick green

“WE’RE shook this morning,” said Adam English with a smile as Limerick’s All-Ireland celebrations took a step back on Monday morning.

“It doesn't feel real yet I don't think it will for another couple of weeks but it's nice.”

Doon midfielder English was soaking in the atmosphere as Treaty fans gathered to acknowledge the players after the victory banquet in the Clayton Burlington Hotel.

“At the start of the year we set out our goals, we wanted to win the Munster League, we wanted to win the Allianz League, we wanted to win the Munster final, we wanted to win the All-Ireland final - we got to do that. It’s exactly what we wanted to do.”

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After nail-biting wins over Cork and Clare to reach this final, it was a surprisingly routine victory on Sunday. Galway didn’t provide the high-scoring potential they showed throughout the season - they weren’t allowed. Limerick saved their best performance for last.

“I suppose we demanded out of ourselves to perform yesterday for the full 70 minutes,” said English. “The last two games we didn't perform at all for the 70 minutes, that's why we're so happy that we won obviously but that we got that performance for the full 70 minutes.”

Captain Cian Lynch was a second half sub in the semi-final win over Clare - and with the Patrickswell wizard expected to return to the starting line-up for this final, one of the Doon duo English and Darragh O’Donovan would drop to the bench.

English got the nod.

“I’d hate to be John Kiely coming into this match because the decisions he has has to make are just so tough,” he said.

But the attitude O’Donovan showed in preparation for the match despite starting on the bench showed his true character.

“You see, Darragh O’Donovan there - I’ve said before, he’s one of the best midfielders to ever play the game and it’s tough as a clubman coming into his position and not playing with him. It was great to see him coming on yesterday.

“You would think if you were to tell someone that you're not going to be playing in an All-Ireland final they’d be sulking, but to be fair to Darragh, he was the exact same person all week.

“He was roaring, he was shouting, he was having the craic, he wasn't selfish at all, he put the team first.”

O’Donovan replaced English after the hour mark - at which point the result was beyond doubt as Galway were reduced to 14 players.

“I was up in the stand but you can enjoy that moment. You can start talking to lads beside you and enjoy it a bit more, but yeah, it's a nice way to win it - it's not coming down to the last second and you're not giving the fans heart attacks.”

While the fans could relax and soak in the victory there was a word or warning for those counties looking to take the title off Limerick next season.

“Straight away we’re thinking about going back training in November or December already - you just want to get back on the horse again,” said English.