Record-breaking Rebelettes stage triumphant return to Leeside

Forget Kilkenny hurlers.

Push aside the Kerry footballers records. And don’t even mention the Dubs.

Some of the most successful GAA players across any code were last night celebrating yet another triumphant All-Ireland homecoming to Cork — entering the record books in the process.

Hundreds of fans came out in force just after 8pm to welcome home the team who on Sunday won their seventh All-Ireland title in just eight years.

As the squad was whisked onto the stage outside the Imperial Hotel on the city’s South Mall, Lord Mayor John Buttimer said the latest win underlined the side’s near-decade dominance.

And emphasising the incredible run of results, which have set a new watermark of success across all GAA codes, he said the record-breaking victories should be celebrated by everyone in the county.

“Meatloaf used to sing that two out of three ain’t bad, but seven out of eight is phenomenal, in any code. There’s been a lot of talk about Kilkenny in recent years, but this team is the first ever to win five in a row. That record speaks for itself,” he said.

His comments were echoed by captain Rena Buckley, who said the secret to their success was hard work, team spirit and commitment. “It’s the whole group effort. There’s a great bond among us, they’re just a fantastic group of people.”

The star added that while there is no risk of the side taking their foot off the peddle after their latest win they may “be celebrating for a couple of weeks or months” before training starts again in January.

The carnival atmosphere was clear on the faces of fans, family and even gardaí, who let out a deafening roar as the side arrived.

Among them were Jim Twomey and his children Aodh, Michael, James, Moira and Bridgin, who on Sunday saw their favourite aunt Bríd Corkery win yet again.

Proud brother-in-law Jim, from Aghinagh near Macroom, said it was a marvellous achievement to win even one title. Highlighting the importance of the wins, he pointed to 12-year-old Aodh, who has gone to every All-Ireland since he was born, and 18-month-old Bridgin — named after her aunt.

The appearance of coach Eamon Ryan, whose legend rivals that of the Kilkenny’s Brian Cody, saw the crowd’s roar hit new heights.

But, as ever, he was keeping his feet firmly on the ground. “These girls just do anything you ask them to. They’re not just great footballers, they’re great people too.”

The race for eight starts here.