Thousands of jubilant supporters have given the victorious All-Ireland-winning Tyrone team a huge reception at separate homecoming events held to honour the new Sam Maguire Cup holders.
An estimated crowd of some 6,000 were at O’Neill’s Healy Park in Omagh for the largest event, while several thousand more thronged the hometown of team captain Padraig Hampsey in Coalisland.
It was the biggest celebration seen in Coalisland since Dennis Taylor returned home from winning the World Snooker Championship in 1985.
Among those at the main county ground, Healy Park, was local man Paul Meldrum, a native of Northumbria in England. He has been living in Tyrone for more than 20 years and described the 2021 success is very sweet.
“It’s an absolutely magical success which will lift the mood of the whole community,” he said.
“Just 16 days ago nobody thought Tyrone would come close. Coming from the northeast of England, I love Gaelic games because the players play for their communities and everyone knows them.”
Cookstown woman Lisa Devine was in the Lower Hogan for the big game and also travelled to Omagh for the homecoming.
“For me the best moment was when the final whistle blew. It was a brilliant day. I can’t believe we’ve won the title.”
Among those relishing the joy of the latest Sam Maguire Cup triumph was 11-year-old Eoin O’Neill from Beragh.
“I was at the final in 2018 when Tyrone lost and to see them win was just brilliant,” he said.
“We saw the Sam Maguire Cup afterwards in the Cusack Stand. It’s a dream come through for me, and I really enjoyed the fun going home from the game.”
His father, Declan, said the match was extraordinary and it was a thrill to see the Sam Maguire won again by Tyrone.
“It made my day for Eoin to be in Croke Park and to see all the excitement. We hugged after the final whistle. I was at the three wins before, but we’ve waited a long time for this one.”
‘Great euphoria’
A new generation of Tyrone supporters are getting to sample the joy of an All-Ireland win for the first time. Conor Sally, chairman of the Omagh St Enda’s GAA club, said there was nothing like winning the Sam.
“This win is bringing everyone in the county together with great euphoria,” he said.
Many of the players stood on the Healy Park pitch for more than an hour signing autographs for young fans, many of whom were experiencing the glory of an All-Ireland win for the first time.
Joint team manager Feargal Logan said the players had dedicated their lives to the cause of winning an All-Ireland.
“Everyone in Tyrone has got behind us so well and understand how much they deserve to be All-Ireland winners. I’m delighted that this team now have an All-Ireland medal in their pockets.
“Win, lose or draw in the All-Ireland final, the clubs of Tyrone would be out again the next night. We appreciate all the work done in the clubs, and we very sincerely thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts.”
Tyrone county chairman Michael Kerr thanked the thousands of people who turned up to welcome the team home.
On Saturday night the players, management and their families had enjoyed a celebration function in Armagh City Hotel.The players were welcomed into the function, which was also attended by former manager Mickey Harte.
A poignant tribute was paid to former trainer Fergal McCann from Augher, who died earlier this year and had coached Tyrone to All-Ireland senior titles in the 2000s.
Joe McMahon, a member of the backroom team and two-time winner, said Mr McCann’s legacy would never be forgotten.