Rejoice Rebels you did hurling proud

I am writing to express my thanks and gratitude to the hurlers of Cork for the delight and joy which they have brought to my life over the past three years.

As more and more international sports is consumed by greed and the scourge of drugs, it is wonderful to see these young men who epitomise the very best of sporting values and ideals.

Though they failed in their bid for a third consecutive All-Ireland crown, the manner in which they reacted in defeat has proven again that they are a credit to their county, their country and their sport.