More than 25,000 hurling fans filled O'Connell Street in Limerick last night to welcome home the county's hurlers, despite Sunday's crushing defeat to Kilkenny at Croke Park.
The team received a rapturous reception when they arrived at the city's Colbert Station shortly after 4pm and the city came to a standstill when the team, led by manager Richie Bennis, took to a stage on O'Connell St.
Two giant television screens were in place to relay the ceremony to the massive crowds who had gathered for the homecoming celebrations.
Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Ger Fahy, paid tribute to the hurlers, who had contested Limerick's first All Ireland final in 11 years. "You have gained tremendous respect, support and admiration across the country . . . and you have demonstrated to the nation that this hurling team will not go away," he said.
Team captain Damien Reale thanked the fans who supported the team throughout the 2007 championship.
Richie Bennis, who won an All Ireland for Limerick in 1973, took to the stage amid chants of "Richie, Richie, Richie" and, almost overcome with emotion, he told the crowds: "I have to feel a small bit embarrassed. We have no trophy here tonight yet the turnout is unbelievable.
"I can tell you this - we will leave no stone unturned in 2008 to fulfil all of your dreams."