National Forum

Homecomings

(Oldest Posts First)

i was a young lad in 96 when we went to see the wexford teams homecoming after the defeat to cork and i thought then it was the cruelest thing ever making players go through that and seeing clips of galways homecoming had me thinking the same, id imagine its a nightmare for players, maybe im wrong, id guess they would just want to be alone with each other and family

Stmunnsriver (Wexford) - Posts: 2892 - 30/07/2024 10:05:55    2562875

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I was at the Meath homecomiing in 1991, it was a very tough watch as a kid,, we seemed destined to win it after 10 championship games. first time ever the greater irish GAA public felt sorry for Meath! i remember Gerry McEntee didnt get out of the coach in Dunboyne and was crying bitterly eventually got himself composed at later stops. he was a veteran by then and had styed on commuting from New York twice a week where he was a heart surgeon. crazy commitment. its a sporting tragedy meath didnt win that all ireland, but we were lucky enough in 96 to win one against all expectations. so these things balance out.

dickie10 (UK) - Posts: 767 - 30/07/2024 10:52:27    2562900

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Replying To Stmunnsriver:  "i was a young lad in 96 when we went to see the wexford teams homecoming after the defeat to cork and i thought then it was the cruelest thing ever making players go through that and seeing clips of galways homecoming had me thinking the same, id imagine its a nightmare for players, maybe im wrong, id guess they would just want to be alone with each other and family"
The Cork game in 96?

Galway9801 (Galway) - Posts: 1942 - 30/07/2024 11:25:36    2562921

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Replying To Galway9801:  "The Cork game in 96?"
Stmunnsriver might be 20 years older than they think?

Pope_Benedict (Galway) - Posts: 3875 - 30/07/2024 11:34:33    2562926

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Replying To Stmunnsriver:  "i was a young lad in 96 when we went to see the wexford teams homecoming after the defeat to cork and i thought then it was the cruelest thing ever making players go through that and seeing clips of galways homecoming had me thinking the same, id imagine its a nightmare for players, maybe im wrong, id guess they would just want to be alone with each other and family"
Yes I agree - it seems very harsh expecting the loosing county/players to put on brave faces for a homecoming - and if everyone was to tell the truth neither the players or supporters want them. The players feel obligated to make these legacy occasions and the supporters feel obligated to be in attendance.

MuineachanAbu (Monaghan) - Posts: 660 - 30/07/2024 11:39:28    2562929

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Replying To Galway9801:  "The Cork game in 96?"
I'm guessing he means '76, when Cork beat Wexford in the All-Ireland Final. Wexford had a different type of homecoming in '96 :)

Unfortunately we haven't had the opportunity to have an All-Ireland Final homecoming of either type since then.....

Pikeman96 (Wexford) - Posts: 2621 - 30/07/2024 11:50:54    2562934

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Tricky one for the losing team but a great way for fans to show their appreciation also.
I was in Armagh last night, absolutely brilliant homecoming, well done to all who organised.

sam2024 (Armagh) - Posts: 38 - 30/07/2024 11:58:39    2562941

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Replying To Galway9801:  "The Cork game in 96?"
Must have been the '76 final when Cork beat Wexford.
Wexford beat Limerick in the '96 final and had a great homecoming.

Curlew66 (Roscommon) - Posts: 577 - 30/07/2024 12:11:04    2562946

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I saw the Galway Footballers homecoming on Twitter and it was huge and that was for the losing team. I can only imagine if they would have won. I think it's great that the people turned out to show their appreciation for all the hard work and dedication it takes to get so far.

Trump2020 (Galway) - Posts: 2260 - 30/07/2024 12:58:04    2562965

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Replying To Trump2020:  "I saw the Galway Footballers homecoming on Twitter and it was huge and that was for the losing team. I can only imagine if they would have won. I think it's great that the people turned out to show their appreciation for all the hard work and dedication it takes to get so far."
I don't think the players should have to endure one after a defeat in all honesty,

galwayman2 (Galway) - Posts: 1278 - 30/07/2024 13:41:46    2562991

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Replying To galwayman2:  "I don't think the players should have to endure one after a defeat in all honesty,"
I'd agree.

Drax_the_destroyer (UK) - Posts: 241 - 30/07/2024 14:28:39    2563009

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I've never attended a GAA homecoming but I did see a Manchester United parade the last time they won the premier league. Derry had a bit of a gathering the night of the Ulster wins but had no interest in going. I imagine they are full of rowdy Generation Z people.

PattyONeill (Derry) - Posts: 246 - 30/07/2024 16:57:25    2563079

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Replying To galwayman2:  "I don't think the players should have to endure one after a defeat in all honesty,"
What should happen? Galway supporters were just showing their appreciation for Padraig Joyce and the Galway players for their efforts. No one likes losing, but the fans are just expressing their pride in the team. Should there be no welcome? It was a tight game down to fine margins, the width of a post etc.

thelongridge (Offaly) - Posts: 1879 - 30/07/2024 17:02:45    2563082

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Replying To Galway9801:  "The Cork game in 96?"
sorry 76, im old

Stmunnsriver (Wexford) - Posts: 2892 - 30/07/2024 17:11:21    2563085

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Replying To Pope_Benedict:  "Stmunnsriver might be 20 years older than they think?"
correct

Stmunnsriver (Wexford) - Posts: 2892 - 30/07/2024 17:13:03    2563086

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Talking to a former players they say it's hell but they feel it's an obligation to the fans, younger ones especially. The GAA is about more than winning all Irelands.

yew_tree (Mayo) - Posts: 11409 - 01/08/2024 12:32:17    2563409

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I don't think they should have to do it. I think it's fantastic that as it went ahead and they got a great crowd that they deserve, but they didn't want to be there.

If the players are asked and disagree go ahead with it, but I'd be surprised if they wanted it and just felt an obligation to be there for us. These lads do enough for us. They always have time after games for the young fans.

If it'd been a draw everything would've been cancelled so it's not a big deal to put plans in place then cancel if you lose.

Players should be asked. It doesn't matter what we think. They owe us nothing

galwayfball (Galway) - Posts: 1704 - 01/08/2024 14:23:52    2563437

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My lads were anxious to attend the Cork home coming, while I accept the players would wish to be anywhere else.
To be fair it seemed fitting to acknowledge the efforts put in for 2024 & also brought a certain closure to our All Ireland Hurling Final weekend & all the drama it brought to the county in both the build up & aftermath.

St.Mologga (Cork) - Posts: 121 - 01/08/2024 17:22:47    2563473

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