Eamonn Cregan hails heroic Mary I

Mary I 1-30 UL 3-22: Eamonn Cregan fought back the tears. After 23 years of service, Saturday was his final afternoon in the Mary I corner.

Not a bad way to sign off, mind; the Limerick teacher-training college capturing a historic first Fitzgibbon Cup crown following two periods of extra-time during which the lead changed hands on six occasions.

Leant against the wall outside the victorious dressing-room, the former Limerick manager put Mary I’s breakthrough up there with the All-Ireland final win of ’73.