The victorious Donegal team arrived in Donegal Town last night to the screams of a staggering 20,000 fans.
Jim McGuinness and his team could not believe their eyes when they finally arrived home with the Sam Maguire cup into The Diamond just after 10.20pm
Fans waited in the wind and rain from 6pm waiting for their heroes to arrive at 8pm.
Not surprisingly there were delays but nobody really cared.
The masses were entertained by everyone from Daniel O’Donnell to Mickey Harte.
Captain Michael Murphy, proudly wearing his Evolve Menswear clothing, said the wining of the Sam Maguire was a team effort.
“People of Donegal, we did it. I want to thank you all for coming out and thank the players. We are good friends on and off the pitch and it is nice to share these memories
“Also the whole backroom team. On behalf of the players I want to thank all of them for helping us to perform without any distractions.
“To the sponsors and the county board I want to thank them for everything,” he said.
He also paid a heartfelt thanks to the management team of Jim McGuinness and Rory Gallagher.
“Last but not least to you the fans. The colour, noise and the songs, everything. Unfortunately we haven’t ben able to provide you with the silverware you deserve. But to bring Sam here in front of you is richly, richly deserved.
“Be safe and enjoy yourselves,” he said.
Manager Jim McGuinness said the turn-out was even bigger than 1992.
“It is here. We have it. It’s here. I would like to say really well done to the numbers have turned out.
“It’s just staggering to see the amount of people out here tonight. I got a few hugs and I know you are wet. It makes it all so worthwhile for all the players.
“On a night like tonight it wouldn’t be there without a lot of hard work.
“I would like to thank the backroom staff, the county board and I hope we can build a stronger relationship moving forward.
“I would like to thank all the clubs for using their facilities and it is very much appreciated.
“I would like to thank everyone that is here. We started on May 20th and that’s a long time ago. We haven’t lost a match and there’s only one group of people responsible for that and that’s this group of people here.
“All you want is people with hunger and desire and every single one of these people have that mindset and have an attitude of getting the best out of themselves and that’s why that cup is sitting there.
“We felt we were in a priviledged position to be working with these very talented players that want to do something with their life and want to make the people of Donegal proud of where they come from.
“I have nothing but respect for them because they just want to move forward, If the hunger is there things will continue to move forward,” he said.
Chairman of the Donegal County Board PJ McGowan apologised to the crowds for the delay.
“He said “This is the most unbelievable scene I have ever seen. What has made it extra special is the colour, expectation and the number of people saying we were going to win it.
“We have won it and I know it has made you people – the supporters, proud. I want to thank you for that support and they way you have dipped your hands in your pockets.
“What makes this group unique is the fabulous character that is in each and everyone of them,” he said.
Lord Mayor of Donegal Frank McBrearty said he was a very proud Donegal man.
Lord Mayor of Donegal Tom Conaghan said in the words of Frank Sinatra – Jim McGuinness has done it his way.
And they even persuaded Jim McGuinness to sing a few verses of Destination Donegal along with another amazing ambassador, Daniel O’Donnell.
In the words of Van Morrisson – ‘There’ll Be Days Like This.”
Let the party begin.
