CEO of Digicel Jamaica, Mark Linehan (centre), Reggae Boyz coach John Barnes (right) and Antonia Graham (left), head of group public relations at Digicel, take in the action. - Photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

For the Reggae Boyz, the celebration was like a preview of the real triumph.

Before they lifted the Digicel Caribbean Championship on Sunday, the Boyz, along with members of the Cuban, Guadeloupean and Grenadian squad, were guests of the sponsors and the Jamaica Football Federation at a reception at Devon House last Friday.

The four remaining teams (Guadeloupe eventually claimed third, with Cuba fourth) were fêted like gladiators before they went out to battle. There was no competing from the lads this time, just the enjoyment of cool drinks (even a little alcohol didn't hurt) and good vibes.

Groovy selections

The Grenadians seemed quite at home with the reggae music coming through the speakers, while the Guadeloupeans really put on their dancing boots with the hip-hop tunes. CEO of Digicel Jamaica, Mark Linehan, underlined the company's commitment to Caribbean football with a presence in 15 countries in the region, as well as its sponsorship of Jamaican club and schoolboy football.

Apart from groovy selections, 2008 Rising Stars winner, Cameal Davis, gave a cameo performance to add to the entertainment.

Guests out included Horace Reid, Jeff Barnes, Lennox Aldred, Maurice Foster, Clyde McKenzie, Vin Blaine, Wayne Walker, Leighton McKnight, Richard and Diana Stewart, Bruce James, Oral Tracy and Curtis Myrie.

Digicel divas (from left), Nicola Sutherland-Hawkins, group events and promotions; Emma Hines, group public-relations manager, and Antonia Graham, head of group public relations, enjoy Digicel-hosted cocktail reception for the final four teams in the Caribbean Championship Football, held at Devon House, Hope Road, last Friday.

Grenada's Kellon Baptiste (left) gets all demonstrative with Digicel's Jamie Dean.