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Jubilant Down fans carry captain Paddy Doherty shoulder-high after the 1961 All-Ireland triumph.
The fruits of two years' planning and dedication were witnessed as "the immortals" in red and black scaled undreamt-of heights on that glorious day in 1960s, when under-dogs Down made the impossible dream come true.

The scenes of triumph and celebration on that sacred sward as captain Kevin Mussen received the coveted trophy from President de Valera still live in the memory of those privileged to have been present on that momentous occasion.

Who can forget the exhilaration as the dark-horses from the north humbled a majestic, star-studded Kerry side with a style and arrogance which left cynical, seasoned commentators dumfounded, and sent shock waves throughout the GAA world.

That morning, in the centre of Newry, the All-lreland contenders were given a rousing send-off. Among the VIPs present was the Bishop of Dromore, the late Dr Eugene O'Doherty who, on being introduced to veteran sports-editor Malcolm Brodie quipped: "Never on a Sunday." (Bridge was a prominent opponent of Sunday sport.)

Then it was off to Croke Park, as a cavalcade of cars and coaches conveyed the battalions of flag-waving supporters to the capital.

My first port of call was at Amiens Street station (now Connolly Station) to photograph the expectant fans. Then on to O'Connell Street, which had been virtually taken over by a sea of red and black, with a march past the GPO.

The scene inside the seething cauldron of that famed stadium was incredible, with almost 90,000 eager spectators crammed into every space. Hundreds were locked out, and Patsy O'Hagan told me later how he and Brian Morgan, the last to leave the dressing-room, had slipped the bolt on the rear door so that many gleeful fans got a sideline view of that historic game.

Two generations of Newry Shamrocks captains and All-Ireland medal winners, D.J. Kane and Tony Hadden.
Sean O'Neill leaves the field after his last game in a Down jersey. He is accompanied by Frank McAteer.
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© Fabian Boyle 2001-2008