CLARE GAA fans provided a goosebumps-worthy atmosphere during the All-Ireland champions’ heroic homecoming.
The Banner County got their hands on Liam McCarthy for the first time since 2013 after beating Cork at Croke Park on Sunday.
After initially joyous celebrations in Dublin last night, Brian Lohan’s men paid a visit to Temple Street Children’s Hospital, where they took photos with young kids.
From there, they made their home back to Clare to for an extensive homecoming tour on Monday.
The first leg brought them to Wolfe Tones na Sionna GAA club in Shannon, the home club of their beloved manager.
A large bandstand was erected for the occasion, with a massive crowd turning out to welcome their conquering idols.
Before the players arrived, the band started playing ‘My Lovely Rose of Clare’, but the lead singer did not have to do much as the crowd collectively sang the anthem.
It made for a wonderful moment which was captured on camera by RTE star Marty Morrissey.
He tweeted a clip of the rendition to X, commenting: “So away we go…My Lovely Rose of Clare !!! First time …this evening!! Shannon Rocks !!!!”
At time of writing, it has been viewed 25,000 times, with fans blown away by the atmosphere provided by the crowd.
Catherine commented: “Enjoy Clare well done” while Niamh Begley praised: “#Goosebumps Fantastic scenes” and Sheenagh beamed: “Isn’t this just wonderful!”
Clare were aided towards Liam McCarthy by a tour de force performance by their talismanic captain Tony Kelly.
He ended the day with 1-4, including a magnificent solo goal that will go down as one of the finest to have ever been scored at Croke Park.
And praising his skipper, Brian Lohan said: “When Tony is playing, there’s a different dimension for us.
“When he’s there, there’s always that threat regardless of what position in the field he plays in, whether he’s in the middle of the field, centre-forward or full-forward – there is that threat.
“And if a team ignores him, they will suffer.
“We’re just delighted to have him, absolutely delighted that he has gone up as captain of the team and collected the Liam MacCarthy.
“Just thrilled for him and thrilled for Conor as well, our vice-captain.
“Tremendous guys. Conor Cleary collected the league trophy earlier on and now Tony has collected the Liam MacCarthy.”
