Quigleys’ emotional victory for Thurles

Tommy Quigley hugged his sons and team-mates Stephen and Shane as Thurles celebrated their first AIG Pierce Purcell Shield win for 18 years.

But while there was great joy among the Tipperary men as they beat Connacht champions Gort 3½-1½ at Carton House, there were also tears of sadness as they claimed the title wearing black ribbons in tribute to their late team-mate Vinnie O’Brien, who passed away suddenly at the age of 52 just four weeks ago.

“He was the heart and soul of the team,” said Tommy, a member of the 1979 team that claimed the title in Dundalk, as he was consoled by his son.