trained but still these golden guys glowed. Another youth team. Another glorious homecoming. And Brian Kerr, the man with the midas touch.
Flight EI199 touched down at 11.30 p.m. last night at a damp Dublin Airport carrying an extremely precious cargo: The under18 European champions. Ireland's newest heroes.
Inside the North Terminal building a 1,000 strong tribal gathering was taking place. There were no mere observers. Just Quinns. And Doyles. And even a Partridge family. All of them bathed in flags with faces painted green, white and orange. They were clutching banners and balloons and wearing face-breaking smiles.
So what's it like to be the sister of goal scorer Alan Quinn? "Brilliant," croaked Jennifer, her voice hoarse from cheering. How it feels to be the dad of Keith Doyle. "Out of this world," said Sean.
There were cousins, aunties, next-door neighbours, fans and friends, young boys and girls with new home grown soccer stars. And there were brothers. "I thought they were going to lose at the penalty shoot out," said David Heary, brother of Thomas. "My brother is fantastic," said Paul Heary (7).
Thirty fans had travelled from Donnycarney. A pint-sized army to welcome them home. Sean, Kevvo, Natasha, Ryanner. "Ole, ole, ole," they sang. The newly elected Lord Mayor of Dublin, Joe Doyle, was on hand to greet the heroes.
By the time the boys stepped in to face their ecstatic public, conditions were as hot and sweaty as on that dusty Cyprus pitch. The tension was reflected by an unseemly scuffle between a photgrapher and an over eager security guard.
Manager Brian Kerr introduced the team individually. Ear-splitting cheers for each one. Afterwards there were autographs to be signed, hugs and kisses for the mothers. The silver cup raised lovingly by eager hands.
Dreadlocked Liam George, who scored the final penalty for victory, kept repeating his mantra. "Unbelievable." Captain fantastic, Barry Quinn's catch phrase was: "Brilliant." Brian Kerr and management mate Noel O'Reilly revealed the secret was team spirit. It smelt like teen spirit.
After leaving the airport in an open-top bus, players, family and friends adjourned for a reception and dinner in a nearby hotel. Hobbling into the foyer on crutches was Louise Kerr (13), daughter of Brian. She was celebrating with her three sisters, Yvonne (19), Linda (22), and Caroline (23). Louise sprained her ankle while tackling her manager during a soccer game for Parkvale club.
Earlier a sound system pumped out music recorded decades before any of these golden guys were born. One of them I can't get no Satisfaction was way off the mark. Change the tune. The boys are back in town.