Anthony Daly: The glow of All-Ireland victory is rare and wonderful 

Everyone in Watergrasshill will smile for the rest of their lives when they think of that match-winning moment.

Watergrasshill players Anthony Cronin, centre, and Patrick Cronin, left, celebrate after their side's victory in the All-Ireland IHC final. Picture: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile

I didn’t want to start off my first column of 2025 talking about Clare – especially the weekend of the All-Ireland Intermediate and Junior finals in Croke Park – but I feel I have to. The hurlers were presented with their medals in Dromoland Castle on Saturday night. And it was an honour to be there.

I didn’t expect to be, but I was delighted to be invited. Eilis and I were a little late but we were seated at a table full of players receiving that precious Celtic Cross – Aron Shanagher, Cathal Malone, David Reidy.