WATCH: Noel McGrath got a hero’s welcome at Croker after beating cancer
Four months after receiving a diagnosis of testicular cancer, Noel McGrath took to the field in yesterday’s All-Ireland semi-final and GAA headquarters erupted.
The Tipperary hurler came on to the field to a standing ovation from every fan in Croke Park, regardless of the colour of their jersey.
GAA supporters were united in their admiration for the 24-year-old, who underwent surgery after his diagnosis and was making his first appearance in an inter-county jersey since the operation.
Seeing Noel McGrath back on the pitch today was just brilliant. Sport is sport but that man deserves savage respect. #hero @TheSundayGame
— Martin O'Sullivan (@therocketncw) August 16, 2015
@jduggantodayfm sport is special.
— Christopher Ryan (@cryan171) August 16, 2015
But after that reaction for Noel McGrath when he came on. Irish sport can stand tall and very proud.
He nearly got the fairytale ending - scoring in the 69th minute to give Tipperary the lead.
But it wasn’t to be, with Galway fighting back to book their place in the All-Ireland final.
Lost the match,won the battle #NoelMcGrath #GAA pic.twitter.com/LKVRh8dlZY
— UnOfficialGaa (@UnOfficialGaa) August 16, 2015
There was a lovely moment between McGrath and Anthony Cunningham - the Galway manager went straight over to the player after the full-time whistle to congratulate him on his return.
He may not have won the game, but yesterday was as much of a success for Noel as for anyone on the Galway panel.
. @TipperaryGAA may have lost today but how good was it to see Noel McGrath come on! What a point he scored too! #GAA pic.twitter.com/GHdD5wIqey
— sportsfile (@sportsfile) August 16, 2015
Galway won today but the real winner is #NoelMcGrath. Unbelievable achievement to be back playing at the highest level so soon! #Gaa
— Darragh Foley (@Dfoley9) August 16, 2015
