The celebrations may have lacked the manic intensity of three years ago, but there seemed to be sweet satisfaction in the air as the Galway football team enjoyed a triumphant return to their native county last night.
Thousands of supporters turned out at Ballinasloe, Galway, and Tuam to greet their heroes, whose journey home by train proved far less arduous than their mammoth bus trip in 1998.
Back then, when the team brought home the Sam Maguire Cup for the first time in 32 years, they did not reach the city until 3 a.m. after a marathon journey through the footballing heartlands to the north of the county. They finally sat down for a celebratory dinner after 4 a.m.
But last night╣s homecoming ran far more smoothly as the players and officials enjoyed brief stops at Athlone and Ballinasloe before completing their train journey to Galway, on schedule, shortly before 6 p.m.
Publicans throughout the county were re-playing videos of the match over and over as the fans celebrated a historic victory over a Meath team who were strong favourites going into Sunday╣s final. Young children were particularly delighted by the opportunity to greet the players and small replica team jerseys were prominent among the 8,000- strong crowd who attended a civic reception at the Cathedral car park in the city.
Team manager John O╣Mahony, the Mayo man who has guided Galway to two All-Ireland titles in four years, told the crowd this group of players deserved a second title.
"We have a brilliant team both on and off the field and in the background," he said. "It is wonderful to look out at this massive crowd and it╣s great to see so many young children here. This success has helped to continue the winning tradition in Galway. Enjoy tonight and the days to come." The team captain, Gary Fahey, said it was a dream come true to lift the Sam Maguire Cup in Croke Park. He is the first captain from west of the River Corrib to lead Galway to an All-Ireland final victory.
Although the dream of a first Galway "double" died when the hurlers lost to Tipperary two weeks ago, the captain was quick to salute the hurling team last night. "This is not a day for individuals, it is a day for Galway," he said.
The Mayor, Cllr Donal Lyons, said Galway people all over the world were very proud when they watched the team╣s display on Sunday.
"It was a marvellous achievement from a great team to take Sam in such style. It was one of the best second half performances ever seen in Croke Park." After the 20 minute reception in the city, the team then travelled by bus to Tuam Stadium, where a crowd in excess of 10,000 turned out to greet them.
The players returned to the city for a meal at the Sacre Coeur Hotel, at a far more hospitable time than three years ago.