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.