Hype of recent weeks turns to pride as defeated hurlers return to Waterford

"DON'T STOP believin'; hold on to that feelin'," was still the tune on the lips of many of the 10,000 or more supporters who turned out to welcome home the Waterford hurling team last night.

The hit, by 1980s outfit Journey, had become an anthem in the city in recent weeks.

And there was never a more appropriate time for the county's senior hurling team to hear it.

The hype that had reached fever pitch in Waterford was replaced by pride in the county's hurlers. It was the polar opposite of the mood in the city following Sunday's defeat by 23 points to Kilkenny.

The crowds erupted as the big screen showed the train carrying the team had pulled into Plunkett Station in Ferrybank.

An open-topped bus carried "our lads" over the bridge and past the Clock Tower, where they were very well received. The cheers for players such as Michael "Brick" Walsh, John Mullane, Paul Flynn and Dan Shanahan were deafening. Even more so for Tony Browne. Then there was Ken McGrath, hailed as "Master McGrath" by the MC for the evening, Ciaran O'Connor. The hurler fought back tears as thousands cheered and whistled.

"Our day will come; have no doubt about that," deputy mayor of Co Waterford, Damien Geoghegan said. Dr Tom Higgins, the mayor of Co Waterford, is the Waterford senior hurling team doctor.

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Martin Cullen said: "I have been a proud Waterford man all my life; in the last few weeks, yesterday morning, and I am still a a proud Waterford man today."

Mr Cullen said he was proud of three Munster titles, a league title and the fact that Waterford had reached its first All-Ireland final since 1963.

Waterford manager Davy Fitzgerald said: "What I'm after seeing here this evening has put a new light on the GAA for me."

Fitzgerald said he was "absolutely flabbergasted" at the reception he had received in Waterford.

Regarding his players, he said: "I've fought them for years - but the respect I have for these men . . . They will be back, I promise you that."