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| The Sam Maguire Cup is brought back across the border in 1961 by Captain Paddy Doherty, assisted by P.J. McElroy, James McCartan, Brian Morgan, Patsy O'Hagan and Pat Rice. |
JUBILATION
AND
CELEBRATIONS
INCREDIBLE and unforgettable scenes of celebration were witnessed on Croke Park and throughout Dublin city centre in the aftermath of Down's historic capture of the Sam Maguire Cup in 1960.
And as the coveted trophy was borne proudly across the border for the first time the joyful occasion was captured on film by a bevy of cameramen.
Mid-way between the two customs posts at Killeen, captain Kevin Mussen, escorted by County Board Chairman George Tinnelly, team-manager Barney Carr and Father Hugh
Esler, marched at the head of a colourful parade and raised "Sam" on high for all to see.
The heroic squad travelled by special bus, escorted by a huge cavalcade of cars at funeral-pace along the beflagging route into Newry, where a breath-taklng reception was waiting.
A huge float stood ready at the Glen, decked in the Down colours, and with the sign "Welcome, Sam Maguire" emblazoned on it, ready for a triumphal tour of the frontier town.
Hill Street was one vast mass of humanity, and the players themselves seemed to be over-awed at the multitude. Pride of place on the platform was accorded to the President of Down GAA and long-time County Secretary Peadar Barry, who officially welcomed the team.
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| President of Down G.A.A. and long time County Secretary, Peadar Barry proudly holds the Sam Maguire Cup in the Down dressing room after the 1960 final. |
Bonfires blazed at cross-road, all the way from Balbriggan to Newry, and in every townland throughout the Kingdom of Mourne, as the never-ending, flag-waving cavalcade swept north.
The streets of Newry that Sunday night were one continuous blare of motor-horns as the exultant fans made their feelings felt to all and sundry, while people stood in little groups, replaying the high points of the match.
Meanwhile, back in the capital, the Down squad were being toasted at a Victory Banquet in a Clontarf hotel, organised by Down folk living in Dublin.
And a tremendous honour was accorded next morning with an invitation from President Eamon de Valera to a reception at Arus An Uachtaraln.
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