Cats left grinning ear to ear as 20,000 fans cheer

OLD hands they may be at this triumphant homecoming lark, but Kilkenny supporters turned out in their thousands last night to welcome their hurling heroes from another glorious weekend in Dublin.

The well-worn route from MacDonagh Station through the streets of the old city were lined with about 20,000 people from all over the county as an open-topped bus brought the Liam McCarthy Cup to the Market Yard.

Since Brian Cody became manager, the journey, trophy and all, has been made eight times — including in five of the last six Septembers — but the appetite for success of players, backroom team and fans alike is showing no signs of being sated.

“Ah sure lookat,” the boss said last night when asked what’s next for this team, “the months will pass by and next year will come along for the players and they’ll just get on and play hurling, because that’s what they do. The feeling is just majestic now.”

As they greeted family, friends and neighbours, several players alluded to the added motivation of last season’s loss to Tipperary.

Midfielder and goalscorer Michael Fennelly said: “After last year’s defeat, when we lost by [eight] points, the question was there — are we good enough — and thankfully, you know, we answered those questions on Sunday.”

The link between team and fans was also mentioned.

“We do speak about the support we get in the dressingroom beforehand,” said star forward Henry Shefflin. “It’s good that we’re able to do this tonight for them.”

Eventually they boarded the open-top bus and, when they finally reached the Market Yard, Mayor of Kilkenny David Fitzgerald led a civic reception and all of the players and management were introduced on stage by MC Edwina Grace. The loudest cheers were reserved for the two Brians — Cody and Hogan.

Meanwhile, a despondent Tipperary team alighted in Thurles. The only note of encouragement was in the vows from players and management alike to return in 2012 for another crack at the Cats.

Less than 50 kilometres away in the Marble City, those Cats were grinning from ear to ear and there’ll be no let-up for their hurling rivals. Dismantling the barriers that kept the players and crowds safe, one steward said to another with a laugh: “See you next year.”