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Premier County fans hail Liam Cahill's heroes after thrilling All-Ireland triumph

- BY NICOLA DONNELLY

THERE were jubilant scenes in Tipperary last night as thousands of fans welcomed home their All-Ireland hurling heroes.

The Premier County was awash with blue and gold as the team made their way through towns and villages proudly displaying the Liam MacCarthy Cup.

After a thrilling final that saw Tipperary outplay their rivals Cork in Croke Park on Sunday, the county was ready to party.

The 2 Johnnies, Una Healy and Cailin Lua warmed up the thousands who gathered in Semple Stadium in Thurles before Captain Ronan Maher led the victorious to the stage.

Earlier, the father of late Tipperary player Dillon Quirke said he was "on their shoulders" on Sunday at Croke Park.

Tragic Dillon, who captained his club Clonoulty-Rossmore, collapsed on the pitch and died three years ago.

Since his death, his family have worked to raise awareness of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome and to fund cardiac screening for young people involved in sport.

TRIBUTE Dillon's parents Dan and Hazel watched Tipperary the win from home where they heard skipper Ronan and manager Liam Cahill pay tribute to Dillon.

Speaking on RTE'S News at One, Mr Quirke said it was a day of "mixed emotions" and he was delighted the team performed so well.

He added: "[They] gave a super exhibition of hurling in the second half.

"I didn't see that coming earlier on in the year, but God they've been magnificent and hats off to Liam Cahill for what he's done with all these young men.

"They're great young guys.

We actually had a few of them out to us here on Friday evening, they visited Dillon's grave after.