Inspirational centre back Brian Hogan spoke of the his sheer delight after Kilkenny won their 34th All-Ireland Hurling title after beating Galway.
Brian Cody's men ran over convincing 3-22 to 3-11 winners on the day with Henry Shefflin top scoring with 0-09 points.
Hogan said after the match: "It means everything to us. I won’t lie to you, for the players it is why we come back every January and put in the work.
"You go through the turmoil and the injuries as you see with Michael Rice, because it means everything to us. It is what we live for and it never gets old. Every year it gets better and better. It is fantastic.
"All-Ireland finals are never easily won. Sometimes you can find a big game pass you by at times, it is so fast. You are just conscious of your own job. Every one of us has a job to do and you are just focused in on that and hope the rest will follow.
"The game was played at a frenetic pace for a large period but that is what it is all about. It makes it all the sweeter when you come out the other side of it."
Hogan also spoke about the influence Henry Shefflin brings to their great side:
”What can you say about him? The pundits will be looking for superlatives for him.
"The man is a legend and you can’t argue with that now. The facts tell the story. I have to mark him in training so I have a fair idea of what he is look to mark in matches – he is inspirational, unbelievable.
"Even particularly the last day, when things were not going well for us. Who was the guy that stood up? It was Henry and that was where it really matters. He deserves everything he gets."
Hogan is currently the 3/1 second favourite to win the GAA Hurler of the Year with
Paddy Power while Henry Shefflin remains the 3/10 odds-on favourite. Galway's Joe Canning is the 6/1 outsiders to land the award.
