The drama was high in Croke Park on Saturday, as Ballygunner claimed a maiden All-Ireland title right at the death. Two goals - firstly from Dessie Hutchinson and then, with the last puck of the game, Harry Ruddle - sealed a one-point win over Ballyhale Shamrocks in the hurling final.
Man-of-the-match Hutchinson gave a powerful interview to TG4 at full-time, and he was visibly emotional as he thanked and praised the Ballygunner club and community.
"Best Feeling In The World" - Dessie Hutchinson in tears at final whistle in Croke Park
Dessie Hutchinson was a crucial cog in Ballygunner's winning machine in Croke Park on Saturday, contributing 1-03 to their dramatic 2-17 to 1-19 victory over Ballyhale Shamrocks.
Hutchinson was awarded man-of-the-match by TG4 and, in his post-match interview, he said that nothing in his career compared to the sheer emotion of Ballygunner's triumph.
It's the best feeling in the world! I can't describe it. That last few minutes, I thought it was gone from us and then Harry with a moment of genius. All-Ireland champions - agh!
I know it's a cliché but we talked about our process all year and we talked about the last few minutes in games when we were a couple of points down. Just keep going, stick the ball over the bar if it's not on.
We didn't force goals there and thankfully Harry just popped up. It was unbelievable.
It's Croke Park with your club, All-Ireland final day, just doesn't get any better than that.
The noise in Croke Park when Ruddle's winning goal went in was thunderous, and the Ballygunner crowd were immense for the whole game.
“It's the best feeling in the world, I can't explain it!” 👌👊
Is é Dessie Hutchinson @ballygunnerHc Laoch na hImeartha inniu! 🥳🥳 Comhghairdeas leat 👏👏👏
@GAA_BEO @officialgaa @WaterfordGAA @MunsterGAA
#GAABeo | #TheToughest | #GAA pic.twitter.com/kAUpgL1LJ7— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) February 12, 2022
Hutchinson would go on to pay tribute to the supporters, especially those who couldn't be in Croker for the decider, or who had passed away in recent years.
It's unbelievable. You look at all these people here today, the absolute buzz we're after bringing to the community. There's a lot of people that can't be with us today from the community that passed away in the last couple of years - it's for them, it's for all these people. The lads - unbelievable.
If you're looking for a party on Saturday night, we'd wager a bet that Ballygunner in County Waterford might just be the place to be.
SEE ALSO: Watch: Ballygunner Snatch All-Ireland Title At The Death With Spectacular Last-Gasp Goal
