Thousands of Offaly fans throng O'Connor Park to welcome home All-Ireland U-20 hurling champions

Players and the management and back room teams were given a huge welcome as each player was introduced individually to to the fans by team captain, Dan Bourke.

Fans from all corners of the county began gathering in O'Connor Park just after 11am when the grounds officially opened for the homecoming event which was scheduled for 12 noon.

In the event formalities didn't get going until well after 12 when the players, the back room outfit and county board officials arrived onto the pitch.

Beforehand the huge crowds were entertained by local bands Ruaille Buaille and JigJam who belted out old favourites ”The Fields of Athenry”, “Galway Girl”, “Sweet Caroline” and “The Hills of Donegal”.

As the team marched through the pitch between a massive line of honour the bands led the huge crowd in singing “The Offaly Rover”. JigJam only returned last night from the United States where they've completed a massively successful tour.

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Master of Ceremonies, Pat Teehan, Offaly Count Board, said Offaly was one of only three counties which had the distinction of winning minor, U-20 and senior all-Ireland's in hurling and football.

County Board chairman, Michael Duignan said he was unbelievably proud to stand in front to the cheering Offaly supporters and congratulated “these great young men” on a fantastic achievement..

He said the victory in the U-20 All-Ireland “means the world” to former Offaly players such as himself.

The County Board chief added that the enthusiasm and passion shown by ever single one of the players was second to none.

“The pride, passion and skill of this Offaly team is unbelievable,” he added.

The Banagher man extended thanks to manager Leo O'Connor and all the back room team – Tony Gleeson, Johnny Pilkington, Hughie Hannon, Collie Malone, Aoife Hoctor, Alan Scully, Banjo Flynn, Derek Handy, Keith Handy, Ellie McEvoy, Paul Ryan, Keith Screeney, John Maloney, Joe Quinn and Shane Carroll.

To thunderous applause, he said that manager Leo O'Connor was now an adopted son of Offaly and said his contribution to the team's success had been immense.

Mr Duignan also thanked all Offaly GAA's sponsors, in particular main sponsor Glenisk. He asked fans to take note of the businesses on the sideline hoardings in O'Connor Park and support them where possible.

He also thanked all those who sit on Offaly County Board and those involved with teams at underage level for all the work they have done over the years.

“This is a long time coming and we've had a long hard road,” stressed Manager Leo O'Connor.

He added: “Without the hard work of the players and the back room team we would not be here today . . . it takes a lot of effort to achieve what we have.”

Mr O'Connor said he could not thank his management and back room team enough and also paid tribute to the players parents and families for their support.

The Manager added that the supporters have been great throughout the championships campaign and paid tribute to Michael Duignan and all the county board for their support.

Mr O'Connor also welcomed members of the Offaly senior hurling panel to the homecoming and wished them all the best in te future.

Captain Dan Bourke – fittingly described by MC Pat Teehan as “one of those people born to lead” - extended special thanks to Leo O'Connor and all the management team for the huge energy they invested in the players throughout the campaign.

He also thanked the supporters, the county board and all Offaly GAA's sponsors for their support.

Concluding he introduced each of the players individually to wild cheering from the thousands of fans on the pitch and in the stand.

Just before the end of formalities, Michael Duignan appealed to the thousands of supporters present to pack out Croke Park next Saturday when Offaly senior hurlers take on Laois in the Joe McDonagh Cup final.