the homecoming…

THEY might be too young to have clear memories of Clare’s homecoming after the 1995 Munster final, but what the U-21 panel looked out onto on Monday night was evocative of that summer night 14 years ago. On both evenings, O’Connell Square and the streets leading off it were thronged with well-wishers and supporters as a rare carnival atmosphere rested over the centre of Ennis.

One of the pleasing aspects of Monday night was the large number of teenagers and young children who were there. Many of them couldn’t have any recollection whatsoever of 1995 and ’97, but as Mayor of Clare Tony Mulcahy alluded to, a new generation now knows what it’s like to see the county winning an All-Ireland.
Monday night also showed that there is a large latent support around the county for any successful senior hurling or football side that might emerge. Although the number of Clare supporters attending championship games has fallen dramatically since the nineties, the reaction to the U-21s shows the county will still get behind a side that’s in serious contention for honours.
Syl O’Connor was MC for the night and he introduced a buoyant group of hurlers to the masses just after 7.30pm.
After man of the match John Conlon gave the crowd a few bars of We are the Champions, Mayor of Ennis Frankie Neylon praised the panel. “They’re a great bunch of lads and they’ve brought great cheer to the streets of Ennis,” he said.
Councillor Neylon said the success should lead to senior honours. “I’ve no doubt that there will be a senior team up here and they’ll be given the same reception as ’97,” he said.
Mayor of Clare Tony Mulcahy also addressed the crowd. “Jaysus, what a day. It was great to be up there,” he said
One segment of Ciarán O’Doherty’s victory speech was particularly sweet when he added, “The best part was the captain asking for three cheers for Kilkenny, you don’t often hear that”.
County chairman Michael O’Neill said he couldn’t adequately articulate the emotion and excitement of the evening. “What a fantastic night, words don’t really describe it.” He thanked all the people of the county who keep the GAA going. “The people who sell tickets, the people who wash jerseys and who carry young lads around the county when it mightn’t be fashionable to do so, to all of you I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Manger John Minogue also spoke to the crowd as the panel cheered and sang around him. “I hope you now realise what an achievement it was to get these guys to win anything,” he joked.
Minogue paid tribute to all involved in the various aspects of the team’s preparations and he praised his young charges’ commitment. “They’ve made a huge effort. Some of them are with us for three years and our training doesn’t always take place when the sun is shining.”
Captain Ciarán O’Doherty also thanked those involved in the set up and for the supporters who had come to Ennis. “This caps it all off. It makes it seriously special, I can’t thank ye enough,” he said.