More than 500 people gathered to welcome Waterford FC home, giving the players a heartfelt reception after a season that has brought fresh hope to the city. The welcome was full of pride and emotion, with supporters of all ages turning out to show what the team means to them.

WLR’s Seamus Barry hosted a special 2-hour Sport Láirge, where he was joined by The News & Star Sport’s Editor, Adrian Flanagan, alongside WLR’s own Ray Scott, “Mr Blue”. They were joined by Waterford captain Padraig Amond at the outside broadcast at the RSC.

Podge said the moment the players crossed the bridge, it had begun to sink in. He knew what it meant to the city, and the sight of so many people waiting to greet them moved him.

“It was amazing,” he said. “The amount of kids that were there — this is what it’s all about. It’s all about inspiring the next generation and having those supporters have hope.”

The season has been a remarkable journey. In May, Waterford faced a 99 per cent chance of relegation. The team fought its way back, bringing supporters along with it and giving the city something to believe in.

The previous day’s result may not have gone the way the players hoped, but the welcome home showed how much they had already achieved. As Amond put it, the disappointment was football; the tragedies faced by families in recent weeks were what truly mattered. His thoughts, he said, were with the English family.

He also spoke warmly about the group around him, describing his teammates as brothers and saying he believed more success lay ahead for the club.

For one evening, the result could wait. Waterford came together to welcome its team home — and to recognise the hope, pride and connection the players have brought back to the city.

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