It was a night to relish at Donegal pier as hardy Donegal fans braved the lashing rain to welcome their team home.
Thousands turned out for the All-Ireland homecoming of the Donegal Senior Football team and, although they were crestfallen after yesterday’s defeat to Kerry, the roaring crowd lifted spirits high.
Manager Jim McGuinness gave a message of hope: “There will be brighter days, the rain will stop, the sun will shine and I know for a fact Donegal will be back here some day with the Sam Maguire cup.
“I hope in my heart of hearts that that day is not long away and I hope everybody on this stage will be part of that moment.”
The rain didn’t dampen spirits one bit tonight and the flags, the jerseys and the singalongs were a sample of the passionate fans that have backed Donegal all the way to their first All-Ireland final in 11 years.
“It‘s amazing to be going into big games knowing you have everybody in Donegal behind you 100%. Even though we were unsuccessful yesterday, everybody is still here,” said McGuinness.
A massive crowd packs the pier in Donegal Town for the homecoming of the All-Ireland finalistsDonegal Captain Paddy McBrearty told the crowd that the turnout was a “big boost”.
Praising the team, with some of them overcome with emotion, he said: “They are a terrific group of lads, they deserve an All-Ireland, some of us are lucky to have one but I have no doubt there will be a lot of lads on the stage here that will end up with an All-Ireland. They need to get back on the horse now.
“They are role-models, if you want to grow up and be like someone, be like these guys on and off the field.”
After 24 months of effort, commitment and sacrifice, Jim McGuinness said there is nobody more disappointed than the players that they are not returning on a victory tour.
Standing in front of the squad, he said: “There is a lot of hurt behind me, there is a lot of pain behind me. There is no doubt about it, these fellas wanted to stand in front of you and have the Sam Maguire.
“I really hope this can be a moment they can latch on to, that will make them stronger and more resilient and bring them to a point where they are in a better position than they were yesterday afternoon.”
Chairperson of the County Board Mary Coughlan said she hoped that the team and backroom staff could take heart in the support shown tonight and on their journey so far.
For many fans this evening, their turning up was a show of respect and thanks to a team that has battled 11 championship games, providing a summer of excitement and entertainment for all.
In the words of Coughlan: “We are resilient, we are Donegal people and I bet you any money if it was raining in Killarney they wouldn’t be out like we are out tonight!”
Tonight’s homecoming was organised by Donegal County Council in association with Four Masters GAA club, featuring local acts including Onoir, Darren Boot, Stephen Bennett, The Stinging Rogers, the Encore homecoming choir and piper Christy Murray.
Packed Donegal homecoming boosts hope for brighter days was last modified: July 28th, 2025 by Staff Writer