Sure what would a homecoming really be if it didn’t involve a bit of festive cheer?
Perhaps the greatest thing about Irish jubilation is that it usually reaches a point where no-one cares about anything anymore.
We celebrate and marvel and come together in such a euphoric way that inhibitions are lost and, before you know it, thousands of Irish people could be singing Christmas songs under the Dame Street summer sun and, whilst no-one knows how you got here, no-one is too worried either.
The Irish hockey team returned on Monday from a simply unbelievable World Cup campaign.
After beating America and beating India, they topped a group including host nation England.
Then they beat India again. Then they beat Spain.
And, out of nowhere, the 16th ranked team in the competition were contesting the final – the country’s first ever World Cup final in any field sport.
Whatever was to happen in that game against the Netherlands, this was an historic moment for every Irish person at home and abroad so, when the women returned from London on the Bank Holiday, it was only right that Dame Street in the heart of Dublin city was baved in green with thousands of supporters waiting patiently to welcome the heroes home.
And, in the spirit of completely losing yourself in the sheer joy and bliss of the occasion, it was only right that the hockey team would lead the masses in a famous Christmas song – All I Want Is You by Mariah Carey.
😂😂 Christmas songs at the #Irishhockey homecoming!! What a wonderful group of talented, charming & humble young women. An honour & a pleasure to MC the event for @LordMayorDublin – very well organised! pic.twitter.com/UcNppgJoKM
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) August 6, 2018
