WATCH: Limerick selector Donal O'Grady hails panel versatility after All-Ireland win

LIMERICK selector Donal O'Grady described his emotions as a mixture of pride and relief after the county's fourth All-Ireland title in-a-row was accomplished with the win over Kilkenny.

O'Grady, who captained Limerick to the 2013 Munster title is now a highly respected member of John Kiely's management team, put all the credit down to the Limerick players following the win over the Cats.

"The work these fellas have put in to get to where they are now. It's just amazing. There is a smile on everyone's face around Limerick. It's great.

"Things didn't go our way in the first half. I wouldn't say there were any panic buttons pushed. We just regrouped at half time.

“One of the strengths of this group is the way that you can spread the load.

"Gearóid (Hegarty) scores 1-5 in the final last year, didn't hit 1-5 this year but Peter Casey pops up. The way they can spread that around is amazing.

"I don't think that I have ever been in Croke Park in the last few years with the atmosphere there when the Limerick crowd knew that we were coming and getting into our flow. The supporters rallied in behind that.”

O'Grady added that Limerick players' versatility has played a huge part in the success of recent years with many of the panel forced to move positions throughout the seasons and at times, even during games.

"It's not easy on players. To balance the team and get the strongest outfit onto the pitch, you have to make them little changes. Kyle at 11 last year and back at seven this year.

“In a mad kind of way, It freshens the team as well. It's a new point of attack at times. Going back to Dan (Morrissey).

“When you know that he is there (at full back), it's a sense of security for everyone. What a man. He goes about his business nice and quietly. So dependable."