Plans for Homecoming Day 3
Ryan O'Donoghue of Mayo is congratulated by his mother Brenda afterAll-Ireland final. He will bring Sam Maguire to Belmullet this evening. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Day 3 of the homecoming of the 2026 All-Ireland champions sees Sam Maguire cross into North Mayo.
Here is a rundown of the day:
Sam Maguire will be walked across the bridge over the River Moy in Foxford at approximately 12.40pm today. All times are subject to change. Local heroes Darren McHale from Knockmore and Cian McHale from Moy Davitts will carry the cup across the bridge in Foxford.
The bridge represents the border between East Mayo and North Mayo in GAA terms and, more particularly, the boundary between Knockmore and Moy Davitts clubs.
James Stephens Park, home of Ballina Stephenites, will be the venue for the Sam Maguire homecoming in the North Mayo capital.
The players are expected to arrive at approximately 3pm. Please note this is a change from the earlier planned arrival of 4pm. Ballina is home to All-Ireland champions Sam Callinan, Dylan Thornton, Frank Irwin and Liam Golden, as well as team doctor Dr Seán Moffatt and team nutritionist and former Mayo player Evan Regan.
The gates will open at 2pm. There is strictly no parking in or around the club grounds but free parking is available throughout Ballina town and at the Mart car park on the Crossmolina Road.
Ahead of the arrival of the All-Ireland champions, there will be a series of interviews with some Mayo and Ballina legends while a 40 foot big screen will reshow the game. Patrons are asked to follow the instructions of An Garda Siochána and stewards at all times.
It has just been confirmed this morning that there will be a homecoming in Crossmolina. The All-Ireland champions are due to arrive at the Deel Rovers' home grounds of St Tiernan's Park at 5pm. The gates will open at 3pm. Parking within club grounds is for Blue Badge holders only. Patrons are advised to park away from the pitch and walk to the grounds. The team will be welcomed on the steps of the stand and patrons are asked to follow the instructions of stewards. Crossmolina is home to All-Ireland champions Conor Loftus, Jordan Flynn and Kobe McDonald.
Day 3 of the homecoming for the All-Ireland champions will conclude in Belmullet. The time of arrival is to be confirmed but the venue will be Tallagh, home of CLG Béal an Mhuirthead. The club, home of 2026 All-Ireland final Man of the Match Ryan O’Donoghue and Séamus Howard, have advised that there will be very limited parking at Tallagh itself.
However, there will be a free park and ride service that will operate from The Square every ten minutes. Bus times for that will be confirmed later today.
There will be live music and entertainment ahead of the arrival of the champions!
