Thousands turn out for Dublin homecoming

An estimated 35,000 delirious supporters lined the streets of the capital on Monday night to greet the victorious Dublin team after their heroics ended a 16-year All-Ireland drought.

They came to greet Sam Maguire, who hasn’t stayed in the capital since 1995, but more importantly they came to pay homage to their heroes in Sky Blue, who delivered them to the Promised Land with Sunday’s spectacular win over Kerry.

They flocked around a hastily-erected stage in the Merrion Square area of the city, where RTÉ’s Des Cahill presented the triumphant players and backroom staff to an expectant crowd.

Fans had queued for hours, but it all seemed worthwhile when team captain Bryan Cullen and his weary-looking troops walked out on to the main stage, sparking a spontaneous and joyous rendition of fans’ favourite Come on You Boys in Blue.

Goal hero and super sub Kevin McManamon sang his by now infamous version of the Damien Dempsey’s Sing All Your Cares Away, with specially adapted verses designed to cause a few red faces amongst his team-mates and the Dublin backroom team.

From the thronged streets of the city centre, the Dublin team bus then made its way to the home Club of captain Bryan Cullen, Skerries Harps in North County Dublin.

Up to 15,000 supporters were waiting in the seaside town which was cloaked in mist, but bathed in a sea of blue and navy.

The players made their way into the bar and then greeted more fans on the pitch, where local hero Cullen, clutching Sam Maguire closely, was greeted like a rock star.

"It was amazing. I had an idea what was coming but didn't expect this. It was unbelievable," said Cullen.

An unbelievable end to a perfect day.