Traditionally when Wexford wins a major trophy at Croke Park the homecoming celebrations are ignited in Gorey, and while one slice of history was repeated, a new chapter was written as cheering crowds gathered to welcome home the Wexford junior football All-Ireland victors, the first ever adult ladies team to win a football championship.

The scene was set against the background of a brilliant Sunday in Dublin when Wexford defeated New York on a scoreline of 1-12 to 1-10.

Throughout the summer, Gorey had been bedecked with purple and gold flags along the Main Street in anticipation of a big result from Dublin, it finally came last Sunday, and no sooner had the final whistle gone when Gorey Municipal Council announced a Civic Reception for the Wexford team.

The team arrived at Civic Centre, Gorey at 5 pm on Monday, walking from the Main Street, and proudly holding aloft the West County Hotel Cup, and there was a fine crowd there to greet them.

Who better to welcome the victorious team to Gorey than former inter-county football star, John Hegarty, donning the chains of Wexford Municipal Council.

“Let’s give a big shout out for the new All Ireland champions from Wexford,” said Cllr Hegarty, who joked “At the moment I am supposed to be at a meeting of the Council, and that’s where all my colleagues are, but after 15 years trying to win an All-Ireland and failing, there was no way I was missing a homecoming when a Wexford football team actually did win an All-Ireland and are bring the cup back to Gorey.

“Winning any All-Ireland title is not easy and when you are trying to do something for the first time it is even more difficult and that is what makes yesterday extra special.

“Not only did these girls win an All-Ireland title, but they made history.”

Full coverage in all editions of THE WEXFORD ECHO.