Limerick hurlers entered the history books last Sunday when they become the first local team in any code to parade their skills in front of a live audience of 83,000.

A rousing welcome awaited the vanquished Limerick hurling team on their arrival back in the Treaty city on Monday evening.

The sun shone and thousands of fans, supporters and the many city people whose spirits the gallant boys in green and white had lifted in the rain sodden weeks leading up to the big challenge against Kilkenny in Croke Park, poured on to O’Connell Street to show their appreciation and ongoing support for Richie Bennis and his team.

Chairman of Limerick County Council, Cllr Kevin Sheahan, paid tribute to the enthusiasm and strength of the Limerick supporter turnout in Croke Park on Sunday.

"There was no doubting the enthusiasm of the supporters, I have never seen anything like it before. I was most impressed by the performance of the team and they know their supporters are confident they will bring back the Liam McCarthy Cup next time," he said to a roar of applause.

Further praise and appreciation for the Limerick hurlers came from Finbarr Brougham, regional manager, Shannon Development, who said: "We are very proud to be associated with this tripartite sponsorship and very proud of what the team has given the city and county. We look forward to supporting them again in 2008 when they will go one step further".

Limerick County Board chairman, Denis Holmes, thanked all the supporters, the management and team for all the excitement and enjoyment they generated for Limerick people throughout the summer months.

"We are proud of what they did for Limerick city and county and we will definitely be back next year to bring the Liam McCarthy Cup home to Limerick,"he said.

With the sun shining and the streets packed with people and supporters the atmosphere was one of celebration of great Limerick sportsmanship and passionate support for a great team that all of Limerick is looking forward to seeing back in Croke Park this time next year.

The Homecoming and Big Screen broadcast of the All-Ireland hurling final on the streets of Limerick were sponsored by the Sporting Limerick partnership of Limerick City Council, Limerick County Council and Shannon development.