There was no Liam McCarthy but Kilkenny fans turned out en masse to celebrate their sporting heroes last night.
As well as recognising the sporting exploits of the 40-man senior hurling team, the under-20 hurlers and the county’s junior footballers were also celebrated at the event in UPMC Nowlan Park.
An open-top bus carrying the senior team arrived at the grounds following a city tour, which began at Kilkenny Castle.
And as the team took to the stage Kilkenny manager Brian Cody commended his player’s efforts at Croke Park on Sunday.
“It was a top quality game, an outstanding game, we were coming up against the champions for the past two years, trying to win three in a row, hugely experienced team, physically powerful team, excellent team,” said Brian.
“We had a team, certainly with some very good experience, just close to half our team playing in their first All Ireland final, which is very demanding for everybody”.
“All I can say as the manager of the team is that I’ve never ever been as proud of a team leaving Croke Park as I was yesterday (Sunday).
