Banner roar welcomes Clare’s homecoming hurling heroes
Tim Smythe Park was bedecked in saffron and blue as far as the eye could see as thousands of supporters squeezed into the park to pay homage to their senior and U21 heroes.
Victorious Clare senior manager Davy Fitzgerald said: “It is 16 years since we had the Liam MacCarthy Cup back in the Banner county. We are all so excited. This is why we play the game and are involved in it. It just means so much to everyone. For the young kids especially, we got to make the most of this and let them show what the county has achieved.”
The team arrived at Tim Smythe Park more than an hour behind schedule after communities across Clare gave their own welcomes to the team, after crossing the Limerick border shortly after 4pm yesterday.
Fatso the dog at Sixmilebridge to welcome home the hurlers
Thousands of supporters lined the route in hurling stronghold Cratloe, while manager Fitzgerald received a rapturous welcome in his home village of Sixmilebridge.
Later the team paraded the cup around Carrigoran nursing home outside Newmarket-on-Fergus, before entering John Conlon’s home village.
Thousands more met the team in Clarecastle before the team bus finally arrived in Ennis. Clare mayor Joe Arkins said: “This group of young hurlers have brought a joy and a pride to Clare that nothing else could — 5,000 jobs announced in the morning wouldn’t do it.
“I have never seen such joy in people — even more so than in 95 and 97 probably because of the difficult situation we are living in.
“That group of players, their commitment, dedication and hard graft; the fact that they have the courage to follow their dreams; they are fantastic role models for the people of Clare.
“They are a credit to the county and they are young and hopefully, that means we will be back here again and again. 2014 is the 100th anniversary of our first All-Ireland and we are hoping that Davy will march the team back to Croker next year.”
Clare hurlers in high spirits as their homecoming tour approaches Newmarket-on-Fergus. Pic: Sean Curtin Photo
Along with the crowds at Tim Smythe Park, thousands more Banner supporters watched the homecoming on the Ennis App.
One of those to see the Clare team in the flesh was Jessica Dsane, 11, who plays camogie with Ennis National School. She said: “I am very excited about the team. I am very proud to be from Clare today.
Her father, Ghana-born Chris Dsane, said: “We are living in Ennis nine years and what the team has achieved is just incredible.
“I didn’t know about hurling before coming to Ireland — Ghana is soccer country — but I am very proud of this team. They are the best in Ireland.”
Clare captain Pat Donnellan’s friend and work colleague, Des Egan from Doolin, was bursting with pride at the success of Donnellan and his team-mates.
He said: “It is fantastic for the whole county. What the team has achieved has given a huge lift to the entire community. Pat is a gentleman. His speech yesterday was humble; that is what we are all about. Being in Croke Park yesterday was a moment to savour. It was a privilege to be there.”
Des was there to witness Clare’s breakthrough All- Ireland successes in 1995 and 1997, but said: “This win beats them all. The atmosphere, the will to win yesterday was incredible.
“Winning one, I can see them winning more and please God they will.”
Kildysart man Peadar Finucane said: “Clare winning means the world to me. It has given a lift to the whole county — two cups in the space of two weeks. Just look around at the crowds.”
Peadar attended the first final three weeks ago but came up empty-handed in the scramble for tickets for the replay. At the homecoming with his son Conor, aged 6, Peadar said: “Conor just won’t take the jersey off and is playing with the hurley and ball all the time now. It is fantastic.”
Club hurler with Ennistymon, Brendan Hogan said: “Clare winning is great to see. There is a great buzz around the county.
“I was here to welcome the teams home in 1995 and 1997, but my two kids weren’t around for that, but they are here tonight, so it is fantastic. We are so proud of the team — they are a credit to the county. The brand of hurling they play, it is fantastic and just fabulous to be here.”
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