The thousands of Tyrone fans who gathered in Omagh and Aughnacloy last night managed to get a glimpse of the famous all-Ireland trophy while tonight team captain Brian Dooher will bring ‘Sam’ back to his home club, Clan Na Gael in Aughabrack, to let the fans who are the “backbone” of the GAA lift the cup.

The celebrations will continue tomorrow night when fans will get to see their team in action again in Healey Park in Omagh for the ‘traditional’ All-Ireland champions charity match in aid of Goal, an Irish charity that responds to nearly every major natural and man-made disaster in the world.

Amidst all the glory in the county, there remained a sense of loss and sadness last night for the family of Tyrone goalkeeper John Devine who lost their father, also called John, just hours before the final got underway. A minute of silence was held in honour of Mr Devine Snr. before the throw-in and the team wore black armbands as a mark of respect.

“Tyrone rose to the occasion despite the unfortunate death of John Devine’s father. It had a big impact on the whole team but I think they used it to spur them on and it sort of lifted them throughout the game,” Aodhan Harkin, chairman of Strabane Sigerson’s GAA club said.

Mr Harkin added that the team never faltered, despite a close scoreline throughout.

“I was a bit nervous at half time when Kerry was one point up but once they came out and scored that goal they never faltered. We’ll just have to wait now for our turn to see Sam in Strabane,” he said.

Meanwhile, a PSNI spokesperson said that Tyrone celebrations in Strabane passed off relatively peacefully. However there were a few reports of minor disturbances and a few bottles were thrown at police. Alcohol was also confiscated from a number of underage drinkers.