‘Comeback kids’ get a premier welcome

TWO weeks ago, their senior hurlers returned home disconsolate after giving up their All-Ireland title, but last night Tipperary GAA supporters were en fete again as they welcomed their young footballing heroes home to the GAA’s birthplace.

It’s rare for Thurles to be putting on a homecoming party so late in September but, thanks to the Tipp minors’ stunning victory against hot favourites Dublin on Sunday, the old town put on its best bib and tucker to congratulate the Premier County’s newest All-Ireland champions.

And old footballing strongholds in Cork, Kerry, Dublin, Tyrone and elsewhere should be on guard: the Tipp lads intend coming back for more. Not content with winning the hurling title with regularity, they now have their sights set on senior football success to add to Sunday’s first minor football crown since 1934.