Sam Maguire arrives back in Donegal

Published Monday, 24 September 2012
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After a break of 20 years, the Sam Maguire cup has finally arrived back in Donegal.

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Following Sunday's four-point victory over Mayo in the All-Ireland final, thousands of fans turned out in pouring rain to welcome the victorious team home.

And while the proceedings ran a little late, Donegal town was buzzing with anticipation as green and gold clad revellers converged on the Diamond to await their local heroes.

It was just after 10pm when Jim McGuinness and his men carried the famous trophy back to the hills, after making the 148 mile journey from Dublin.

The celebrations are now well under way and are expected to continue for days to come.

"It just felt fantastic," one girl told UTV.

"It was 20 years ago when they won the last one. I think I was about seven and I remember the excitement afterwards so it is good to be able to do it all over again."

Another man, who had been in Croke Park for the nervy decider, said: "I was standing on the hill and we were just begging for it to be over!

"There were a lot of boys from home and it was completely crazy, completely unbelievable, best thing that has happened to me over the last - can't remember how many years!"

Donegal got off to a perfect start on Sunday when Michael Murphy netted the opening goal inside three minutes - and Colm McFadden added a second soon after.

Mayo clawed their way back into the game, scoring five of the last six points to trail by just three at half time, but Donegal maintained their lead to seal a historic victory.

McFadden said: "It's great, after so many years.

"We were always watching the finals and seeing Tyrone win and Kerry win and Armagh and Cork recently, Dublin last year. We followed in them footsteps and finally got the success for ourselves and have followed in the footsteps of the boys of 92. It's just hard to take in."

A huge cheer went up for the team as they were greeted by a sea of colour and a massive crowd of supporters at Monday night's special homecoming party.

Team captain Michael Murphy raised the Sam Maguire aloft after the team carried the cup back to the hills for the first time since 1992.

© UTV News
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2 Comments
Ben in Dublin wrote (237 days ago):
Congratulations Donegal, good to see an Ulster team win. Well Done
paul killen in gravesend kent wrote (237 days ago):
well done lads. well deserved. enjoy the party. armagh paul
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