Over 20,000 supporters turned out for Dublin’s official All-Ireland celebrations in Smithfield, writes Cóilín Duffy.
The event was hosted by Dublin City Council for the first time at the North Dublin City venue, following on from similar celebrations in Merrion Square and O’Connell Street in recent years.
Fans gathered from mid-afternoon, as the Dublin team arrived before 6pm, with the Sam Maguire Cup, Delaney Cup (Leinster) and Irish National Insurance Cup (League) silverware in tow.
All the players were introduced by M.C. Marty Morrissey to the large crowds, while Irish TV broadcast the event to thousands of viewers worldwide.
There was a jovial feel to proceedings with Dean Rock, Brian Fenton and Kevin McManamon among those who treated the crowd to some songs.
Kevin can hold a tune. #Dublin pic.twitter.com/CcAHTmAAzZ
— MaireT (@MaireTNC) October 2, 2016
Team captain and goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton spoke of his pride at being part of a squad claiming back-to-back All-Ireland titles.
“It’s a privilege to captain this team,” he said.
“These guys are just phenomenal athletes. They do themselves justice every day they go out, with every training session. They give it 100 percent.
“I only have to stand there and give out – that’s my job, so it’s very, very easy.
“These guys are privileged guys, and you guys are so privileged to be able to see this group of lads, because they are just phenomenal.
“I try my best for these lads. We have good days and bad days, but these lads pull through the whole time. It’s just a privilege to play with them really.”
Cluxton and Diarmuid Connolly are the only players to have played every minute of Dublin’s four All-Ireland wins since 2011.
