Tyrone stars and Sam thrill crowds at St Patrick’s parade in Philadelphia

THE St Patrick’s Day parade in Philadelphia had a special visitor on Sunday when the Sam Maguire Cup was carried along the route by two of the stars of last year’s All-Ireland winning triumph, Tiernan McCann, from Killyclogher, and Hugh Pat McGeary, from Pomeroy.

The presence of the famous trophy thrilled revellers from many counties along the parade route.

Tiarnan and Hugh Pat were were hosted Stateside by Michael McMeel from Augher and the Trainor family from Coalisland-Clonoe.

They were also special guests at a Tyrone Philadelphia Society function and coached local children in the skills of Gaelic football.

Ciara Trainor, PRO for the Tyrone Society, explained, “It was the first time the Sam Maguire has been a part of the Philadelphia St Patrick’s Day parade.

“In addition to marching in the parade, Tiernan and Hugh Pat and Sam visited members of the Irish community who were unable to attend the parade or after party.”

Ciara, who is the daughter of Aidan Trainor from Clonoe and Siobhan Wylie-Trainor from Coalisland, said the Sam Maguire Cup drew an ‘amazing’ response from all members of the Philadelphia Irish community along the route of the parade.

She added, “The last few years everyone has been through a lot and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the 2021 All-Ireland champions.

“It was fantastic to have Tiernan and Hugh Pat out to share in the celebrations. They are fantastic ambassadors for Tyrone.

“Everyone was thrilled to see the Sam Maguire. Everyone knows its significance and it means so much to GAA people all over the world.”

‘dream come true’

Ciara, who plays for Notre Dames, Philadelphia, was at last year’s final in Croke Park and the wins in 2005 and 2008.

She described the opportunity to meet the players and hold the Sam Maguire Cup was like a “dream come thrue for people of all ages from the Tyrone community in Philadelphia”.

At the night of music and celebration at Glenside Gaelic Club, a presentation of Liberty Bells was made to the Tyrone players. Addressing those in attendance, Tiernan McCann thanked his hosts for their welcome.

He said, “The welcome we have got has been unbelievable.

“It really struck home, walking in the parade, what it means to be from Tyrone and Irish and what winning the Sam Maguire means to people here 3,000 miles away.

“So many people have come to get their photos taken and the emotion it has brought is incredible.

“Thank you to everyone for your support.”

There was also a presentation and standing ovation for three players from the victorious Tyrone All-Ireland Junior champions of 1968 who reside in Philadelphia; Michael McGonigle and Frank McCartan from Carrickmore and Peter Coyle from Ardboe.