“The commitment has been unbelievable” - Peter Hogan
The Ballygunner co-captain, alongside Mikey Mahony, raised the Tommy Moore Cup aloft to jubilant seas of black and red along the hallowed turf.
Addressing the crowd, Hogan described the privilege of representing the club, community, and county and how success belongs to so many more people than those on the pitch.
“This group has had endless support, pushing us to become better players and better people day in and day out - wives, girlfriends, partners, supporters - thanks very much. The unseen work that’s going on in Ballygunner is just incredible, and it makes days like these happen.”
He paid tribute to the efforts of the opposition to thwart them in their bid for a second All-Ireland crown.
“To Loughrea, I know there’s nothing I can say that will console you today, but you’re an unbelievable team, and you did your club proud by winning two-in-a-row this year.”
Paying tribute to sponsors and those behind the scenes, Hogan also reserved special words of praise for the role of the backroom team, who helped the side to achieve their ultimate dream.
“Shane O’Sullivan and Harley Barnes were the life and soul of this team on the pitch for so many years - Shane is the best mindset coach ever, and our strength and conditioning team have been unbelievable this year. We’ve got the best out of everyone.”
The role of secretary Eddie Flynn was also acknowledged, as was that of Jason Ryan’s predecessors, who led the club to its previous All-Ireland success in 2022.
“From our last All-Ireland win in 2022 to the end of last year, there are a couple of men that I need to thank who got this team here today. To Darragh O’Sullivan, David Franks, Rory O’Sullivan, Pat Hearne, Shay Fitzpatrick and Michael Power.
“The work they’ve done for so many years has been unbelievable and we wouldn’t be here without you, so thanks so much lads.”
“When we went searching for a group of selectors to replace what seemed irreplaceable, we found people that we couldn’t ask for any more of. Fergal Hartley, Packie O’Sullivan, Aidan Maher and our selector and S&C coach, Darragh Mulcahy. The commitment of these men is just unbelievable, and we can’t thank you enough.”
The role of Jason Ryan himself could also not be understated.
“At the end of last year, we were hurting badly, and there was one man who wanted to lead us, our manager, Jason Ryan. The energy, the sacrifice, the commitment to find details from our management team and Jason this year has been second to none, so just thanks so much, lads. Up the Gunners!”
