Nemo singing the Blues as St Vincent's take club title
Tuesday March 18 2008
CELEBRATIONS were under way in Dublin last night after Marino-based GAA club St Vincent's claimed the All-Ireland championship for the first time in 32 years.
As the final whistle went, a roar almost lifted the roof off Croke Park as the team managed by former Dublin boss Mickey Whelan were crowned All-Ireland club football champions.
The Dublin club had only captured the Andy Merrigan Cup once before, way back in 1976, but they defied the odds to overcome Cork club Nemo Rangers, the 2003 champions, who were going for their eighth title.
A sea of white and blue jerseys joined the flow of St Patrick's Day green from O'Connell Street as the supporters marched triumphantly from Croke Park following the 1-11 to 0-13 victory.
Earlier,Portumna were crowned the All-Ireland club hurling champions for the second time in three years after they beat Birr by 3-19 to 3-9.
Birr's early lead in the match was soon wiped out thanks to a goal from Andrew Smith in the 14th minute and 10 points from their 19-year-old hero Joe Canning.
Our main picture by Ray McManus shows five-year-old St Vincent's supporter Fionagh Lambe, from Clonturk Park, Drumcondra, racing onto the pitch to celebrate her team's win yesterday.
In a picture by Doug O'Connor (top), St Vincent's supporters (left-right) Catherine Mangan, Niamh Clinton, Nicole O'Dwyer, Hannah Costelo and Ciara Buckley are seen outside Croke Park.
Above, Portumna player Damien Hayes celebrates with his father Al, the team sponsor, after their victory in a picture taken by Damien Eagers.
See Sport 74-75
