Swifts parade Irish Cup in unforgettable homecoming celebration
Rodney McAree has a special story to tell. (Image: John Stafford)
Just after 7pm on Monday evening, beneath a sunlit blue sky, the Dungannon Swifts made their triumphant return home, arriving on an open-top bus to a rapturous reception in Market Square.
The winning team pulled up beside a specially constructed stage, greeted by crowds singing, cheering, letting off flares, and waving blue and white flags in celebration of their dramatic Irish Cup victory over Cliftonville at Windsor Park on Saturday.
The team remained atop the bus for a time, soaking up the moment and energising the crowd as they danced and proudly paraded the Cup – now in its third day of celebrations.
Excitement surged as Mid Ulster Council Chairman, Councillor Eugene McConnell, introduced local sports personality Adrian Logan to the stage, prompting a roar of approval from the packed square.
When Logan declared the Swifts 'Irish Cup champions,' the crowd erupted, joining the team in a spontaneous rendition of We Are the Champions.
Among those interviewed live on stage by 'Logie' were Swifts' captain Dean Currie, club chairman Keith Boyd, goalkeeper Declan Dunne, and goalscorer John McGovern – who sparked laughter with his candid remark: 'You see to be honest, I don't remember anything about the goal.'
As each player appeared on stage, fans serenaded them with individual chants, with many of the squad now boasting their own unique songs.
The players revelled in the atmosphere, and cheers reached a crescendo when manager Rodney McAree and his wife Adele took to the stage. Visibly moved, Mr. McAree told the crowd: 'I keep thinking this is a dream and we've already gone to Heaven, looking down, imagining what could have been. It's unbelievable – to drive in the town road and see so many supporters.'
He then joked: 'I got promoted with Fulham (as a player) and I scored a goal at Fulham which was better than any of these boys could do,' prompting a quick retort from Logan: 'Look, he had 485 appearances and he scored one goal.'
Mr. McAree continued: 'We did an open top bus parade around Fulham but there was nobody on the streets, it was embarrassing and I really worried about this night but this here is phenomenal. You guys are exceptional and I thank you so much.'
He needn't have worried – the turnout, in Adrian Logan's words, numbered in the thousands, made up of seasoned Swifts fans and newly converted supporters alike.
But the undisputed star of the night was country music legend Philomena Begley. Dressed in blue and white, the 82-year-old took to the stage with her trademark wit and powerhouse vocals, belting out her iconic hit Blanket on the Ground – now the unofficial anthem of Dungannon Swifts.
Ms Begley mingled with players and supporters, chatting, singing, and dancing with the team, their families, and the entire crowd. The celebrations reached a high as jubilant goalkeeper Declan Dunne lifted manager McAree – and the Irish Cup – onto his shoulders in front of an ecstatic audience.
Among those in attendance was Mid Ulster Councillor Dominic Molloy, who told The Impartial Reporter: 'I can't believe the turnout in the Square! Great to see the sea of blue and white bringing everyone together. I heartily congratulate the players, management and backroom team of Dungannon Swifts FC on their historic win. It really was the icing on the cake in a very successful year for the club. The win and run up to the final has been a huge lift for the entire Dungannon area."
It was, by all accounts, a night to remember – a triumphant celebration of football, music, and community spirit that brought Dungannon together in spectacular style.
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