WATCH: “That will live with me forever” | Gearoid Hegarty reflects on Munster win ahead of All-Ireland semi-final

Bord Gais Energy Ambassador Gearoid Hegarty was speaking ahead of Limerick’s All-Ireland semi-final on August 7.

Just under a fortnight ago, Limerick became the first side since the 1980’s to win three in a row in the Munster hurling championship as John Kiely’s men blitzed Tipperary in the decider.

And reigning Hurler of the Year Gearoid Hegarty acknowledges that these are the days of those players lives.

“These are the days of our lives. I am 26 and 27 in two weeks time and I won’t be at this forever. For a long long time Limerick hasn’t been at the top table in hurling, where they are consistently able to challenge for Munster titles, consistently able to get to Croke Park, consistently able to challenge for All Ireland titles and it may not last forever and it definitely won’t last forever for me, so we just have to enjoy it.

“Going down to Pairc Ui Chaoimh with fans inside in the stadium and to be actually able to give a ticket to your mother and father and brothers and sisters and they are so delighted to be going to games. You sometimes have to take a step back and appreciate the position we are in.”

Limerick are preparing for a fourth successive All-Ireland semi-final, winning two of their three previous last four ties.

Croke Park is quickly becoming a home like venue for Hegarty and co, with Limerick appearing in just four All-Ireland semi-finals in the previous twenty years prior to John Kiely’s arrival.

And speaking about the unique nature of semi-finals, Hegarty says it is arguably a bigger occasion than the final for home support

“I actually believe All-Ireland semi-final day is arguably just as special as All-Ireland final day. All-Ireland final day there can be a lot of neutral supporters because every county gets a certain amount of tickets, whereas All-Ireland semi-final can be real 50-50.”

Limerick will come into the last four meeting on the crest of a wave such was their imperious performance in the Munster final win over Tipperary.

Despite trailing by ten at the half, Limerick cruised to a five point win in Pairc Ui Chaoimh with the St Patricks man saying the second half performance “will live with me forever.”

“It’s absolutely brilliant and that’s why you do all the hard training in Rathkeale in November and December in the freezing cold and rain.”

“He (Wayne McNamara) used always talk about championship hurling being a drug. Once you experience a win in championship or the full heat and battle, it is something you can never forget and something you always want more of.

“As bad as the first half felt, that second half was something that will live with me forever.”

Watch the interview with Hegarty in full below.

Please accept YouTube cookies to play this video. By accepting you will be accessing content from YouTube, a service provided by an external third party.

YouTube privacy policy

If you accept this notice, your choice will be saved and the page will refresh.

Accept YouTube Content