Thousands of people packed into Guildhall Square to welcome home Derry City's footballers following their FAI Cup final triumph.

The Candystripes secured their seventh FAI Cup win with a 1-0 victory over Waterford at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Sunday.

A 69th-minute long-range goal from Darragh Burns, his first in the red and white of Derry City, was enough to secure a hard-fought victory and edge out The Blues in front of almost 37,000 fans.

The victory marks a remarkable turnaround in the club's fortunes over the course of what has been a tumultuous season both on and off the field.

Interim manager Mark Connolly took over in May, after the club had struggled in the early months of the campaign.

Connolly enjoyed a successful spell in the role, guiding the Candystripes to a fifth-place finish in the Premier Division before capping off the season with FAI Cup glory and securing European football for next season.

Mayor Grace Uí Niallais hosted a private reception for the first-team squad, club staff and management at the Guildhall on Monday afternoon before the team joined her on the stage in Guildhall Square.

Speaking on stage during the celebrations, Uí Niallais said the city was so proud of the team's performance and the every single fan city helped "bring the cup home".

"The whole city and community showed up in Dublin and brought the cup home," the mayor said.

"You are the 12th player of this club."

Thousands of spectators, many dressed in the club's famous red and white colours, braved the cold and gathered in the city centre to cheer and applaud their team home.

Sporadic chants of 'Red and White Army' and D.C.F.C Ole ole ole' broke out throughout the proceedings on Monday evening.

Fans enjoyed music, some fireworks all hoping to get a view of the new silverware as the players and club chairman Phillip O'Doherty took to the stage.

Many young fans waved Derry City flags and blew red trumpets to make themselves heard amidst the large crowd.

Among those in attendance in Guildhall Square was passionate 10-year-old Derry City supporter Oliver.

He decided to come down early to get the best possible view of the stage.

Oliver watched the final at home and says he was delighted with the win and wanted to come out and show his appreciation for all the players.

"I wanted to come out tonight because I love Derry City and I want to see all my favourite players.

"It was a good game and it was a very good goal."

Oliver said he hoped to see his favourite players like Michael Duffy, Kevin Dos Santos and Paddy McClean.

Asked what he enjoys most about Derry City, Oliver said he loves going to the games in the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium and said he was hoping to add some player signatures to his Derry City shirt.

For bothers Casey and Joe, with friend Ollie, they said they had absolutely no doubt that Derry would come out on top in the final.

"The final was absolutely unbelievable," Ollie said.

"What a goal from Burns and that was his first ever goal in the final," Casey said.

"We all watched on TV as we didn't go to Dublin, but it'll be class today to see all the players."

Both brothers are hoped to see their favourite players up close, but for Ollie, he said he was most looking forward to seeing the FAI trophy.

For seven-year-old City fan Freddie, he said the team are "the best in the world".

Freddie was down in Guildhall Square with his step-father Joseph Donnelly and mother Emma Murphy.

Freddie, who is in Primary One, said he loves Derry City and loves playing football himself.

Joseph Donnelly said he has been following Derry City for longer than he'd care to admit.

He said the final was incredibly tough, and says Waterford played incredibly well, but believes the Candystripes were well deserved winners.

"It was a cagey game but Derry were definitely the better side," he said.

"Mark Connolly turned the whole season around for us.

"I would love to see him stay, but I know that may not be the case but whoever takes the reigns next season will have our full support."

Joseph said the event in Guildhall Square is great for families and said it is a brilliant thing for young fans, like Freddie, to enjoy.

For 12-year-old friends Hannah and Orla they said the event tonight is a great way to say thank you to all the team.

Hannah said she was at the match in Dublin with all her family and said it was an unbelievable experience.

"All of us, like me and all my cousins, just went crazy when we scored - it was nuts.

"I wanted to be here tonight to show my appreciation to the team, they've made everyone so happy."