By Conor Sharkey

The Clann country are well used to it by now but no doubt welcoming Sam Maguire will be as sweet as ever for the people of Aughabrack and Dunamanagh.

Normally a sleepy, rural village, Aughabrack will once again be transformed into a blanket of white and red this Saturday evening.

Clann na nGael is home to Super Dooher, Tyrone captain and forward Stephen O Neill.

Following their heroics at Croke Park on Sunday past, the victorious Tyrone team are expected to arrive at 10pm.

In the days after the now historic wins of 2003 and 2005, thousands of GAA spectators gathered to welcome the squad and in particular, local boys Brian Dooher and Stephen O'Neill.

And according to chairman of Clann na nGael GAA Club Adrian Conroy, they are expecting a similar reception, if not greater this year.

"We are very proud to be able to welcome the squad so soon after their win.

"The atmosphere has been great out here for several weeks now, but it has been just fantastic since Sunday's win.

"No doubt the arrival of the team and in particular the local lads will add even more smiles," he said.

Mr Conroy added that while celebrations have been marred by the sad passing of the father of Tyrone goalkeeper John Devine last Friday, he hopes it won't over shadow Saturday's homecoming too much.

"The sad death of John Devine Snr showed us that football isn't everything but hopefully a good reception and big turnout here will lift the spirits of the team.

"Gaelic has been at the heart of Aughabrack for as long as I can remember and it is brilliant that we have two players like Brian and Stephen.

"They are an inspiration to so many young people and I'm sure the people of the Strabane District will be out in force on Saturday night to see them back here with Sam again," Mr Conroy added.