Former Déise hurler Brian Greene was blown away by the support at Saturday's senior hurling challenge between Waterford and Cork to raise funds for his battle with cancer and Waterford Hospice.
2,000 fans came out in wretched January weather at Fraher Field to get behind the 2002 Munster medallist.
“I’m overawed to be honest," an emotional Greene told WLR Sport. "It’s a long time since I was nervous before a big match! It’s amazing what my friends are after doing for me. I’m very humbled by it all. Through your career, you forge relationships with men and twenty years later, these men are there backing you up still. It says a lot for the bonds that are made with your team mates when you’re playing for your county. The GAA is such a valuable thing to us all. When you’re down on your luck, you can be always sure that there’s people there that will dig you out if you need it. I’m a little overawed by it, it’s sort of surreal to be honest but eternally grateful to everyone involved.”
The Mount Sion man paid tribute to the organising committee of Sonya Kelly, Sean Daly and John Mullane.
“I don’t have enough words to thank them. Everything that’s after been done the last couple of years is appreciated no end. I’ve been nervous this week but it’s a huge buzz for me to think that people think enough of you to do something like this. That’s the humbling part of it.”
Brian has been battling lung cancer for the past two years but he is in good spirits.
“Doing well. Doing everything I’m told. I have to take it as it comes. I’m staying very positive. I seem to be getting on well but we’ll take it as it comes and cross bridges as they come. For now, this morning, I’m a hundred per cent, I’m feeling great. I’d nearly go out and have a game!”
Managers Peter Queally and Pat Ryan presented him with signed shirts during the post-match meal.
