The hairstyles and the jerseys may have changed, but the song remains the same. The Banks rang out in Cork last night as thousands welcomed back the All-Ireland hurling champions.
An estimated 40,000 fans greeted Jimmy Barry-Murphy's team, thronging McCurtain Street and Patrick Street before congregating in Grand Parade.
Cork people from all parts of the city and county vied for a vantage point to see captain Mark Landers raise the Liam McCarthy Cup on Leeside.
Corner back Fergal Ryan admitted he was overwhelmed by the reception. "Jeepers, it's unbelievable - I never thought it would be like this. It really makes it sink in - the idea that we've won an All-Ireland - and shows what the people of Cork think about it."
Among the dignitaries to welcome the team were the Lord Mayor of Cork, Mr Damian Wallace; the chairman of Cork County Council, Mr Tomas Ryan - himself an All-Ireland medal winner in 1970; and the Minister for Education, Mr Martin.
But the loudest cheers were reserved for the team - heroes like Brian Corcoran, Joe Deane and captain Landers, as well as the man who more than 25 years ago endeared himself to Corkonians as a 19-year old skinhead - Jimmy Barry-Murphy.
In Kilkenny, the defeated finalists were also given an enthusiastic homecoming. Around 10,000 cheering and flag-waving supporters welcomed home the players, who attended a civic reception in the Market Yard given by the Mayor, Mr Tony Patterson, and members of the corporation.
The Kilkenny team manager, Mr Brian Cody, told the fans that the warm welcome was a huge boost to the team. There was an enthusiastic response when he said, "The word will go from here that we have our sights set on victory next year".
