THE Down Ladies footballers enjoyed a celebratory homecoming in Newcastle on Monday night, and the fans came out in their droves to cheer on their heroes. The Ladies team had defeated Limerick by two points, 1-7 to 0-8, at Croke Park and after celebrating in Dublin and then Newry on Sunday, they made their way to the Bryansford Club in Newcastle on Monday to show off the trophy. A spokesperson for the Bryansford club told the Mourne Observer: “Fans gathered at Bryansford GAC to celebrate their All-Ireland champions.
The fans came out in force, waving flags and banners to the stars of the County Down. “The team arrived carrying the West County Hotel Cup to awaiting fans. “Bryansford GAC had their club covered in a sea of red and black. They had music provided from local DJ Magiggs who had the place electric from the get-go. Also local ice cream business Nugelato provided their award-winning product to the team and supporting fans. “Past Down manager Benji Ward was MC for the evening and he provided questions to some of the Ladies team and management. “Joint Down manager Caoibhe spoke to the crowd of fans, thanking them and she introduced the management and backroom team. “The night was finished off with the Down Ladies autographing jerseys and getting selfies with fans from around the county. “Bryansford GAC would like to thank all local clubs for coming out and making the Down Ladies’ homecoming a great success for our All-Ireland Junior Ladies winning team.”
The tributes flowed in for the team from across the county, from clubs and fans alike. But there were many more who wanted to pay tribute to the team. Earlier on Monday, while enjoying a celebratory meal at Quinn’s Bar Newcastle, the team had a surprise meeting with former world champion boxer Carl Frampton who posed for a photo with the entire squad. Meanwhile on social media the praise was wide and varied.
Crusaders Football Club posted a message on their Facebook account, with a nod to one of their players Amy McGivern, the Down goalkeeper, who is a midfielder for Crusaders Strikers. It read: “Well done to Amy McGivern and her team for their Junior All-Ireland win this afternoon at Croke Park defeating Limerick. Good to see the Strikers first team out in force cheering on their teammate down in Dublin.”
Murphy’s Bar in Downpatrick wrote on their social media: “Congratulations to our local superstars! Downpatrick is very proud of you ladies today.”
The Canal Court Hotel published a message on their social media on Sunday that read: “Massive congratulations to Down LGFA on their All-Ireland victory. All-Ireland champions 2023 – we look forward to the celebrations this evening at the Canal Court Hotel – it’s going to be a good one.”
The Whistledown Hotel wrote: “Here come the girls. Congratulations to Whistledown’s Katie Howlett and her fellow Down Ladies teammates on winning today’s All-Ireland Junior Ladies Football. An amazing game. Well done girls.”
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council also marked the triumph with a message for the team on their Facebook page. “Our Chairperson, Cllr Valerie Harte, would like to congratulate Down LGFA on becoming the All-Ireland Ladies Junior Football Champions,” the post began. “Winning the All-Ireland title is a fantastic achievement and is a testament to every member of the team’s dedication, hard work and endless hours of training. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire team, coaches, management and supporters on this amazing triumph. Your unwavering dedication is an inspiration to us all. I look forward to hosting a civic reception to celebrate your success.”
Sinn Féin MLA Sinéad Ennis praised the team on social media also. She wrote: “Down are All-Ireland Champions! Comhghairdeas to Caoibhe, Peter and every player on the Down panel who carried this team through a phenomenal year. The girls in red and black are back!”
SDLP councillor Gareth Sharvin wrote on social media: “A massive congratulations to Down LGFA players and management on winning the AllIreland Junior Championship. A fantastic achievement, and the county are extremely proud. I have contacted the Chair of Council to request that the council host a civic reception to acknowledge this outstanding achievement.” Liz Kimmins MLA wrote: “Comhghairdeas Down LGFA! Junior AllIreland Champions. A fantastic achievement for Caoibhe, Peter and all the girls!”
St Louis Grammar School wrote: “Congratulations to the Down LGFA on their All-Ireland win against Limerick at Croke Park today. Special mention to past pupils Alice McAlea (player) and Ryan O’Gorman (part of the management team).” St Mary’s High School Downpatrick has this message for their past pupils: “Congratulations to the Down Ladies Gaelic team who won the All-Ireland Junior Championship today in Croke Park, beating Limerick.