‘It's about time' – Dublin's All-Ireland team arrive in Smithfield for first-ever ladies' homecoming celebration
Dublin won their seventh All-Ireland ladies title in front of a crowd of more than 48,000 people at Croke Park on Sunday.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, Dublin captain, Carla Rowe, said tonight's celebration marked the first dedicated homecoming for the Dublin ladies' team.
'It's the first-ever homecoming for a ladies' team by itself, which is absolutely amazing. So we're gonna just soak it all in, and whatever comes our way, we're gonna enjoy it.
"We're all together, and we have our friends, our partners and our families close by us, so we're just enjoying every moment while we can,' she added.
"It means a lot to be here and share it, even with young girls and boys who are coming up and show them that this is achievable for so many of them.
"That's the kind of role model status that you want to get back to the city of Dublin. And we're just so delighted that we can do that this year.
'We're so excited for the next weeks and months to come, and we've been just enjoying the last few days and soaking it in,' she added.
Dublin manager, Paul Casey, said it was 'fantastic' to see the support of loyal Blues' fans.
"It's the cherry on top of the cake for the girls after all their hard work they put in,' he said.
"It's great for them to have an evening out like this, where their supporters get to come out and show their appreciation for what the girls have been doing in the county over the last number of months.
"To get to win on Sunday was fantastic, so we're delighted for the girls. We're delighted to be here. It's a privileged position,' he added.
The celebration, hosted by MC and RTÉ presenter Blathnaid Treacy, was initially planned yesterday, but was rescheduled due to bad weather.
Families gathered for this evening's homecoming and were entertained by music, dancing and face-painting. Air cannons fired football jerseys into the crowd to huge cheers.
Announcing the team on stage just before 7pm, Dublin Lord Mayor, Ray McAdam said the ladies team 'have made our city and our county proud'.
"This is also a historic night, because this is the first time Dublin City Council and the Lord Mayor have hosted a dedicated homecoming celebration for the Dublin ladies football champions. It's about time,' he said.
"It's a fitting way to celebrate every member of this squad who has achieved so much on the pitch and has represented our city and our county so well over the last number of years.
"They are inspiring the young girls and the young boys here before us, and they are going to be the future of Dublin in Croke Park over the years ahead.
"Members of this team have shown that with heart, with commitment and with dedication, you can achieve anything. So all of you, young boys and girls, bear that in mind.'
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