An air of pride as Irish Press Cup returns to the Déise
Waterford minor team cross Rice bridge with the All-Ireland Minor hurling cup. Photos: Noel Browne
The Saturday evening traffic coming into Waterford city across Rice bridge came to a standstill just shy of half nine as Waterford captain James Comerford stepped off the bus with his teammates with the Irish Press Cup.
Local photographer Noel Browne was on hand to shoot the return of another All-Ireland title as some locals were present to pass on their congratulations to a young team that brought home a fourth minor title to the county.
The horns blared from both sides of the road, and the moment to treasure didn’t upset those who were held up momentarily whilst the special shots were taken with captain Comerford lifting the cup high into the blue skies.
After making the trip across the city, the team made its way to the Woodlands Hotel, where James Comerford was the first to step off the bus clutching the All-Ireland trophy, where he was welcomed home by the newly elected Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Seamus Ryan.
Speaking at the Woodlands Hotel to the Waterford News & Star, Mayor Ryan expressed his congratulations and delight to the team on a massive result. “It has always been the wish of every new mayor that they would bring an All-Ireland back to Waterford. I’m not saying that it had anything to do with me, but isn’t it great for this group of young lads.
“I think that this win really lifts the spirits of the city and county. I want to give particular credit to this team because that was such a performance. I know that they won’t like me saying it, but I felt that the game was over after ten to 15 minutes, but they continued to hurl magnificently during the course of the game.
“It’s brilliant for an All-Ireland to come back to Waterford because it’s always hard to win one. We know that. We’ve been disappointed on a number of occasions. It’s great to be able to welcome an All-Ireland winning team representing the city and county home. To me, that’s magnificent.”
Also paying tribute to the team on their success at the Woodlands Hotel, Government Chief Whip and Minister for State at the Department of Health with responsibility for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD, said: “It’s a fantastic day for Waterford and I can’t keep the smile off my face. We were halfway through the game, and I turned to my husband to say that I thought it would be our day.
“All-Ireland titles don’t come too often to Waterford, unfortunately, but for those bunch of young lads, you’d be just bursting with pride. They were so solid as a team, and they went for every ball.
“Today is just so special, and this will give a big lift to the city and county. I’m just delighted for them and I congratulate each and every one of them on this marvellous success. It’s a brilliant day for Waterford and hopefully there’ll be many more of them.”
Sinn Féin TD Conor D. McGuinness, who attended the match at Semple Stadium and was also present at Woodlands Hotel, said: “This squad, and the management set up behind them, have given the country a huge boost, and a thrilling few weeks. Their skill and strength are second to none, and their performance on Saturday proves that.
“Success is always earned, but in this case, it is so emphatically and thoroughly deserved. Hats off to the team for their work ethic, determination, and teamwork. The atmosphere in Thurles on Saturday was electric. The roar from the stands and the celebration at the final whistle were second to none.”
Posting on social media, Minister for State for Planning and Local Government, John Cummins TD, said: "Amazing win for the Waterford GAA Minor Hurlers today in the All Ireland Final. Each of them are a credit to their clubs, county, and families. Enjoy the celebrations, lads."
