Dublin victory party: Major traffic restrictions in city ahead of homecoming tonight

PARKING and traffic restrictions will be imposed in the capital today as a blue army of up to 30,000 fans is expected to gather this evening to hail all-Irelandchampions Dublin.

A large stage will be in place at the junction of Merrion Square East and Mount Street Upper in Merrion Square for the celebration, which will start at 7pm.

Fans have been asked to start arriving at 6pm and to use public transport. No alcohol will be allowed at the event.

But the huge celebrations will result in parking and traffic restrictions from 7am today on Merrion Square South, Merrion Square East, Fitzwilliam Street lower and Mount Street upper. Those streets will then be closed at 10am. Restrictions are expected to be lifted after the event.

Pedestrians are urged to enter from Merrion Square East, Merrion Square South or from Fitzwilliam Street lower. Access will only be allowed after 6pm.

Fans hoping for a peek of the trophy in the hands of the players as it passes through the city will be left disappointed, with no open-top bus ride planned.

"It's just too big to put on at this stage," a council spokesman said.

"It is a day that will go down in Dublin's GAA history due to the heroic efforts of this year's gallant team under the leadership of their bainisteoir Pat Gilroy and captain Bryan Cullen," said Lord Mayor Andrew Montague.

"On behalf of all Dubliners, I wish to pay tribute to the Dublin senior footballers for the battling qualities, skill, hunger for victory and bravery they have shown, not just today, but throughout the championship.

"It is great to see the Sam Maguire back in Dublin after 16 years," he added.

Train

The Kerry players will return to Tralee at around 5.55pm today on a special train from Heuston Station.

From there they will travel by coach to Denny Street for 6.35pm, before being taken to Killarney for 8.30pm.

Dublin's win was also a victory for the bookies.

Boylesports said that the Kingdom had been heavily backed from the start of the season and would have cost almost €500,000 in payouts if they had triumphed