Lucky fans speak to the heroes of 96

WISE Wexford words. The banner hung over the entrance to The Grand Hotel in Malahide, a town which is becoming accustomed to hailing heroes of the sporting ilk.

Almost 12 months ago, Philip Walton was welcomed home from his Ryder Cup exploits in the United States; and just a couple of months ago, the local St Sylvester's club made history when taking the Dublin senior football title for the first time.

But even richer pickings - the Liam McCarthy Cup - lay in the heart of the north Dublin town last night, close to Wexford captain Martin Storey's claws, as 900 privileged guests, who had snapped up tickets at £35 a head within hours of their release, a la an Oasis concert, toasted the country's top hurling team.

The famine is over. Wexford, without a senior All Ireland title since 1968, will, of course, get a holiday in the sun (destination undecided, as yet) for all their efforts, but last night's occasion in the Grand was a chance to let their achievement soak in.

"The whole day has been a bit of a blur, especially since the end of the game. It hasn't sunk in yet, but it will. The time has just gone by so quickly," said Tom Moriarty, chairman of the Dublin branch of the Wexford Supporters' Club. "It was a brilliant win. Brilliant. But 28 years is a long time to wait."

It was time for the players, kitted out in their black blazers, to unwind, to celebrate. And the Fort Knox like nature of the security operation outside the hotel, with ticket holders only allowed into the reception, ensured only those who had purchased their tickets with Tom Dempsey like speed would sup and eat to their win.

And, if the Supporters' Club has any influence on the destiny of Wexford hurling, it won't be enduring an winless drought before savouring another Liam McCarthy Cup win. "Over 50 per cent of our fundraising activities actually goes back into coaching, with the rest contributing towards team costs, so it is great to see such a policy bearing fruit," said Moriarty. "It was a sweet win and I think everyone must be impressed by Wexford's determination and spirit."

Liam Griffin, the Wexford manager, just wanted to pay tribute to all the underage mentors around the country: "For every manager who drives 12 or 13 year old kids to matches every week, I'm their representative here tonight. I think the win will be great for the children of Wexford. I hope it is," he said.

While the Wexford players were, rightly, feted in the main ballroom of the hotel, some less fortunate Wexford followers were, instead, watching The Sunday Game on television in Matt Ryan's Bar, bemoaning the fact they couldn't rub shoulders with their heroes and, at the same time, reliving their magical day.

Sean Furlong, who plays hurling with the Grainne Uaile club in London, was among the many Wexford emigrants to return for the big day. "I was luckier than most," he said. "I was able to get a ticket for the match from my club in Harrow. I thought they (Wexford) were fantastic, fabulous. It is great for the county."

And another purple and gold clad Wexford supporter, Pat Chawke, who was confined to the hotel bar, said: "We went looking for tickets to the banquet last Tuesday, but they were like gold dust. Even harder to get than tickets to Croke Park. We will enjoy ourselves anyway, it could be another 28 years before we win another All Ireland and we will need something to tell our grandchildren."

The statement was made somewhat tongue in cheek. After yesterday's performance of passion and determination, Wexford supporters the world over are already planning their holidays for the month of September next year. And the strains of "Boolavogue" are getting an airing two years ahead of schedule. 1998 can wait.