Homecomings for losing teams

[mackers]

I remember thinking that the Armagh players needed the show of support during the homecoming much more after the 03 defeat than the 02 victory.

[blanketattack]

If you did a poll of players on the losing team if they wanted a homecoming, bearing in mind just what they wanted themselves not any sense of duty, I'm sure 100% of teams would vote against it.

Do players on losing teams visit Crumlin hospital? Didn't Mayo players visit one year?

[Armagh18]

If you did a poll of players on the losing team if they wanted a homecoming, bearing in mind just what they wanted themselves not any sense of duty, I'm sure 100% of teams would vote against it.

Do players on losing teams visit Crumlin hospital? Didn't Mayo players visit one year?

I'm sure we've all had days after losing games (not to the importance of an all ireland obviously) where the last thing you want to do is even see people or talk about it, but I'm sure it would mean something if there was a big turn out a losing homecoming to show support snd appreciation for the journey and hard work all year

[From the Bunker]

Homecomings end up a bit embarrassing and cringey. The losing team team after enduring the after game banquet and feeling not the best the next day after a plethora of consolation drinks the night before - then have to take a a Bus or train journey home. They are then paraded with heads down on the back of a trailer to a sparse gathering of people. 

And before you say the players owe it to the fans - They don't.

And if the fans want to show their appreciation - turn up in numbers for their first League match.

[Baile Brigín 2]

Are doing homecomings for losing teams - just one big embarrassment?

Why do we do them in Inter-county GAA? Does having them have any plus points?

Depends on the county. If you have massively overachieved making the final, probably no harm. But for established top counties, not a chance. Celebrating failure

So did Donegal overachieve reaching the final, or was it a failure that Kerry tore them a new one?

Baring in the mind Donegal have only appeared in 4 AI finals, winning 2 and now losing 2.

I would consider Donegal an elite county so yes, that event was demeaning.

But if a minnow made it, absolutely. A Fermanagh, Sligo or Meath level side.

Demeaning, celebrating failure... No harm but you're coming across as a complete tool
We're talking amateur footballers here, club men representing their county who bring enormous pride to their clubs, communities and families. These homecomings will be packed with family, friends, clubmates,  all who've travelled the length and breadth of the country to support their county. To mock or belittle a homecoming for the losing finalist is some elitist bullshit imo

Are you a soccer first, clubless Dublin supporter?

Hold on. Lots of teams in lots of sports are amateur and community based. I have never heard of a rugby or soccer team having a civic reception for losing a final. Again, if Sligo lost the Connaught final, go for it. But the likes of Donegal should have higher standards. Do you think the players wanted to be there?

No, no, yes.

[From the Bunker]

Are doing homecomings for losing teams - just one big embarrassment?

Why do we do them in Inter-county GAA? Does having them have any plus points?

Depends on the county. If you have massively overachieved making the final, probably no harm. But for established top counties, not a chance. Celebrating failure

So did Donegal overachieve reaching the final, or was it a failure that Kerry tore them a new one?

Baring in the mind Donegal have only appeared in 4 AI finals, winning 2 and now losing 2.

I would consider Donegal an elite county so yes, that event was demeaning.

But if a minnow made it, absolutely. A Fermanagh, Sligo or Meath level side.

Demeaning, celebrating failure... No harm but you're coming across as a complete tool
We're talking amateur footballers here, club men representing their county who bring enormous pride to their clubs, communities and families. These homecomings will be packed with family, friends, clubmates,  all who've travelled the length and breadth of the country to support their county. To mock or belittle a homecoming for the losing finalist is some elitist bullshit imo

Are you a soccer first, clubless Dublin supporter?

Hold on. Lots of teams in lots of sports are amateur and community based. I have never heard of a rugby or soccer team having a civic reception for losing a final. Again, if Sligo lost the Connaught final, go for it. But the likes of Donegal should have higher standards. Do you think the players wanted to be there?

No, no, yes.

In fairness, Sligo have been to umpteen Connacht finals that they have lost and never had a homecoming.

On another note you have to love the blinkered view the GAA has that it's the only voluntary organisation in Ireland.

[larryin89]

Went to the 1989 homecoming , it was incredible to experience, the county went bananas for weeks before and the homecoming was special . They made their way from knock airport through Kilmovee and stopped before they hit ballagh , Johno stepped off the coach and told the crowd why he stopped here of course he was born in Magherboy in Kilmovee . It was very exciting for all albeit I was a child at the time .

Fast forward to all the finals after , I never went myself , I thought it was getting ridiculous as the finals came and went , 96/97/0/06/12/13/16/17&21  . It's just not right , I don't believe the players wanted in 17 especially or so o heard anyway .

Point is every county is different our journey is uniquely tragic and should not have a homecoming till the day they bring the big cup along with them .

Donegal people are a little mad tbh , they have a parade for winning Ulster and Shur look that's their thing .

If Roscommon / Cavan / Kildare made a final for example and lost id imagine a homecoming would be the right fit , if ya get me

[Blowitupref]

Went to the 1989 homecoming , it was incredible to experience, the county went bananas for weeks before and the homecoming was special . They made their way from knock airport through Kilmovee and stopped before they hit ballagh , Johno stepped off the coach and told the crowd why he stopped here of course he was born in Magherboy in Kilmovee . It was very exciting for all albeit I was a child at the time .

Fast forward to all the finals after , I never went myself , I thought it was getting ridiculous as the finals came and went , 96/97/0/06/12/13/16/17&21  . It's just not right , I don't believe the players wanted in 17 especially or so o heard anyway .

Point is every county is different our journey is uniquely tragic and should not have a homecoming till the day they bring the big cup along with them .

Donegal people are a little mad tbh , they have a parade for winning Ulster and Shur look that's their thing .

If Roscommon / Cavan / Kildare made a final for example and lost id imagine a homecoming would be the right fit , if ya get me

Agreed a first or rare final is a good fit for a homecoming not much need for it after you lose a few finals in a short space of time.

On 1989 which was Mayos first All-Ireland final since 1951 didn't the late Johno arrange the flight into knock himself instead of a bus,train down as he wanted the quickest and most direct route to Mayo with Sam Maguire on board.

In 1998 he did the bus route with Galway and all got off the bus in Athlone to walk across the Shannon into Connacht.

[AustinPowers]

Homecomings end up a bit embarrassing and cringey. The losing team team after enduring the after game banquet and feeling not the best the next day after a plethora of consolation drinks the night before - then have to take a a Bus or train journey home. They are then paraded with heads down on the back of a trailer to a sparse gathering of people. 

And before you say the players owe it to the fans - They don't.

And if the fans want to show their appreciation - turn up in numbers for their first League match.

Half won't know what  that is.

[johnnycool]

Homecomings end up a bit embarrassing and cringey. The losing team team after enduring the after game banquet and feeling not the best the next day after a plethora of consolation drinks the night before - then have to take a a Bus or train journey home. They are then paraded with heads down on the back of a trailer to a sparse gathering of people. 

And before you say the players owe it to the fans - They don't.

And if the fans want to show their appreciation - turn up in numbers for their first League match.

Half won't know what  that is.

Any of you remember the GOAL charity game which usually took place the week after with the AI winners playing a game with a select to raise money for the GOAL charity?

It used to pull in big crowds.

[AustinPowers]

Homecomings end up a bit embarrassing and cringey. The losing team team after enduring the after game banquet and feeling not the best the next day after a plethora of consolation drinks the night before - then have to take a a Bus or train journey home. They are then paraded with heads down on the back of a trailer to a sparse gathering of people. 

And before you say the players owe it to the fans - They don't.

And if the fans want to show their appreciation - turn up in numbers for their first League match.

Half won't know what  that is.

Any of you remember the GOAL charity game which usually took place the week after with the AI winners playing a game with a select to raise money for the GOAL charity?

It used to pull in big crowds.

Remember them well. Why  did they stop those? Was a great way for fans to  recognise the winning  team and get a glimpse of Sam

[johnnycool]

Homecomings end up a bit embarrassing and cringey. The losing team team after enduring the after game banquet and feeling not the best the next day after a plethora of consolation drinks the night before - then have to take a a Bus or train journey home. They are then paraded with heads down on the back of a trailer to a sparse gathering of people. 

And before you say the players owe it to the fans - They don't.

And if the fans want to show their appreciation - turn up in numbers for their first League match.

Half won't know what  that is.

Any of you remember the GOAL charity game which usually took place the week after with the AI winners playing a game with a select to raise money for the GOAL charity?

It used to pull in big crowds.

Remember them well. Why  did they stop those? Was a great way for fans to  recognise the winning  team and get a glimpse of Sam

Not sure exactly, but something to do with the lad from Goal who organised them..

[twohands!!!]

Homecomings end up a bit embarrassing and cringey. The losing team team after enduring the after game banquet and feeling not the best the next day after a plethora of consolation drinks the night before - then have to take a a Bus or train journey home. They are then paraded with heads down on the back of a trailer to a sparse gathering of people. 

And before you say the players owe it to the fans - They don't.

And if the fans want to show their appreciation - turn up in numbers for their first League match.

Half won't know what  that is.

Any of you remember the GOAL charity game which usually took place the week after with the AI winners playing a game with a select to raise money for the GOAL charity?

It used to pull in big crowds.

Remember them well. Why  did they stop those? Was a great way for fans to  recognise the winning  team and get a glimpse of Sam

Standard Irish charity financial scandal meant that no-one wanted to be associated with them.

[Dag Dog]

The losing teams always vow to be back next year and go a step further.

It usually doesn't happen.

[blanketattack]

Are doing homecomings for losing teams - just one big embarrassment?

Why do we do them in Inter-county GAA? Does having them have any plus points?

Depends on the county. If you have massively overachieved making the final, probably no harm. But for established top counties, not a chance. Celebrating failure

So did Donegal overachieve reaching the final, or was it a failure that Kerry tore them a new one?

Baring in the mind Donegal have only appeared in 4 AI finals, winning 2 and now losing 2.

I would consider Donegal an elite county so yes, that event was demeaning.

But if a minnow made it, absolutely. A Fermanagh, Sligo or Meath level side.

Demeaning, celebrating failure... No harm but you're coming across as a complete tool
We're talking amateur footballers here, club men representing their county who bring enormous pride to their clubs, communities and families. These homecomings will be packed with family, friends, clubmates,  all who've travelled the length and breadth of the country to support their county. To mock or belittle a homecoming for the losing finalist is some elitist bullshit imo

Are you a soccer first, clubless Dublin supporter?

Hold on. Lots of teams in lots of sports are amateur and community based. I have never heard of a rugby or soccer team having a civic reception for losing a final. Again, if Sligo lost the Connaught final, go for it. But the likes of Donegal should have higher standards. Do you think the players wanted to be there?

No, no, yes.

Are doing homecomings for losing teams - just one big embarrassment?

Why do we do them in Inter-county GAA? Does having them have any plus points?

Depends on the county. If you have massively overachieved making the final, probably no harm. But for established top counties, not a chance. Celebrating failure

So did Donegal overachieve reaching the final, or was it a failure that Kerry tore them a new one?

Baring in the mind Donegal have only appeared in 4 AI finals, winning 2 and now losing 2.

I would consider Donegal an elite county so yes, that event was demeaning.

But if a minnow made it, absolutely. A Fermanagh, Sligo or Meath level side.

Demeaning, celebrating failure... No harm but you're coming across as a complete tool
We're talking amateur footballers here, club men representing their county who bring enormous pride to their clubs, communities and families. These homecomings will be packed with family, friends, clubmates,  all who've travelled the length and breadth of the country to support their county. To mock or belittle a homecoming for the losing finalist is some elitist bullshit imo

Are you a soccer first, clubless Dublin supporter?

Hold on. Lots of teams in lots of sports are amateur and community based. I have never heard of a rugby or soccer team having a civic reception for losing a final. Again, if Sligo lost the Connaught final, go for it. But the likes of Donegal should have higher standards. Do you think the players wanted to be there?

No, no, yes.

Most Football World Cup losing finalists have one
E.g https://youtu.be/Ixmif6QYb-w?si=WQ_Tcrup1qNn6FgP

Munster had a homecoming parade after losing the 2000 Heineken Cup final.