Latest news with #SamMaguireCup
Irish Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Kerry hero on how injury helped make him Footballer of the Year contender
Kerry hero Joe O'Connor says that his cruciate nightmare helped to make him into a Footballer of the Year contender. Although David Clifford appears to be a shoo in for the biggest individual honour in the game after another virtuoso display in the All-Ireland final win over Donegal, O'Connor will likely join him as a nominee for the award after a series of barnstorming displays as Kerry took their 39th title. It's been a long road for the 26-year-old, however, as a knee injury sustained while on club duty in early 2022 left him chasing his tail for much of that season as Kerry won the All-Ireland, while a cruciate ligament rupture in September of that year ruled him out for 2023. He reflected: 'The positive was that I had a year to work on my physique and work-ons, like my sprinting and stuff like that. I probably wouldn't have been able to do that if I'd been playing game after game. 'So I tried to do that with the S&Cs and the physios, just really went after those work-ons to come back in way better shape. I probably did come back in better shape. I was more mobile. It ended up that way, yeah.' O'Connor actually lifted the Sam Maguire Cup with Seán O'Shea as captain in 2022, an honour he enjoyed by virtue of his club Austin Stacks being county champions, but he was only a bit-part player at the time. 'It was about two minutes I'd say off the bench and that was just my role at the time and obviously getting to be a starter and probably a bit more of an impact. So it's always what I wanted. I wanted to be a starter and try to be a big player. 'It was a tricky enough year probably being captain and getting token minutes and getting probably five or six minutes off the bench and it was just a weird enough position for me, but I always kind of knew that I wanted to, I wasn't happy with that and I wanted to break in, and I just felt like I wouldn't stop until I would be a starter.' He rounded off a dream season by crashing in the game's only goal late on against Donegal, roofing his finish after learning from his wastefulness against Tyrone in the semi-final. 'Yeah, I actually was getting a good few goal chances and I had to work on it because in the Tyrone game I was ballooning them over the bar and stuff, so I actually worked on it for the last few weeks and chatting a good bit to the 'keepers and stuff. 'But a rush of blood really, I just had a pop. It was a class feeling into the Hill and just the way the game was probably over at that stage as well, it was very special and the crowd was lifting, so it was class.'
RTÉ News
20 hours ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
'Stronger going forward' - Donegal team welcomed home
Donegal manager Jim McGuinness has described the hurt his side are experiencing after yesterday's All-Ireland final defeat to Kerry as a feeling they will use to "make themselves stronger going forward". Thousands of supporters packed the Pier Carpark in Donegal Town and braved torrential rainfall this evening to welcome home their heroes. Taking to the stage in front of his players, McGuinness said he wanted to recognise the efforts of the panel and his management team. He said: "There's a lot of hurt behind me. There's a lot of pain behind me. There's is no doubt about it that these fellas wanted to be standing up here today, and they wanted to have the Sam Maguire, and that's not here. There's nobody more disappointed than this group of players. "I really hope that this could be a moment that they can latch on to that will make them stronger, more resilient, and bring them to a point where they are in a better position than they were yesterday afternoon in terms of going into a big game and taking on a big team." The Donegal manager thanked his players for their "efforts, commitment and sacrifice" over the past 24 months since he began his second spell in the job. He also said that the future of Donegal football is "looking bright". "We're very disappointed more than anything for you people, particularly all these young children across the front here that are the future of Donegal football on the male and the female sides. "But there will be brighter days, the rain will stop and the sun will shine, and I know for a fact that Donegal will be back here someday with the Sam Maguire Cup," he said, addressing the crowd. He added: "I hope in my heart of hearts, that day is not too long away, and I hope that everybody on this stage will be part of that and enjoy that moment. "We have had a fantastic journey over the last two years, back-to-back Ulster Champions and they were really special to us when we got into Pettigo and Donegal Town. "And as I say, please God, we will be back here again to celebrate a big, big night together." Meanwhile, Donegal captain Patrick McBrearty thanked the supporters who turned out in their droves to welcome the team home despite the inclement weather. He said: "There was a massive crowd in Pettigo and obviously, there is a massive crowd here and this has given us a big, big boost so thanks very much. "On behalf of myself, from the player point-of-view, I want to thank the county board. I want to thank Jim and the backroom team for everything they have done. Everything we have demanded off them as players, we have got it. There was no stone left unturned. He also praised the efforts of his fellow players. "I just want to thank the lads behind me. They are an incredible group. They deserved an All-Ireland. To be honest, some of us are lucky to have one, but I have no doubt that there is a lot of lads on the stage here that will end up with an All-Ireland. "They need to get back on the horse now. They are a great group. They are role models. If you want to be like someone, be like these lads," McBrearty added, which was met with a massive cheer. The Chairperson of the Donegal County Board, Mary Coughlan also addressed the crowd and thanked McGuinness, his players and backroom team for the year they have given the county. She also thanked the work of her fellow county board members throughout the year. Those who braved the elements were also treated to an evening of entertainment by a number of local acts, including Darren Booth and folk group Onóir, while Daniel O'Donnell performed his song 'Home to Donegal'.
Irish Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Kerry welcomed home by a sea of green and gold as Jack O'Connor backed for President
Rathmore Railway Station in Kerry was not the final destination for the newly-crowned All-Ireland champions on Monday. However, in keeping with tradition, the Kerry footballers stopped off there. Fog horns blasted and roars of approval sounded as it was announced that the team's train was pulling into the station. The first two people on the platformwere local heroes – Kerry goalkeeper Shane Ryan and wing back Paul Murphy. Deafening cheers rang out and a sea of green and gold flags were raised as the team and management – wearing biscuit-coloured polo shirts – lined out for the crowd. READ MORE 'We are tired and a bit shook after the night but you have lifted our spirits,' manager Jack O'Connor told the crowd of several hundred who assembled from east Kerry and Sliabh Luachra. Kerry fans welcome the team home to Tralee. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho A Kerry fan dressed in the county colours for the team's homecoming. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho Paul Geaney, Paudie Clifford, Joe O'Connor, Dylan Casey and Shane Ryan with the Sam Maguire Cup at the team's homecoming. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho The Rathmore contribution to Kerry football 'goes back a long way', O'Connor said. He recalledpast victories with Declan O'Keeffe on the team of 2000, as well as Tom O'Sullivan and Aidan O'Mahony in the great Kerry team of the 2000s. 'This club has made a massive contribution to Kerry football and long may it continue,' he said. Goalkeeper Ryan said both he and Murphy were indebted to everyone who had supported them in Rathmore. It brought great joy to see all the young people and plenty of goalkeeper jerseys, he said, referring to the children in attendance. Murphy recalled how, as a young boy, hewelcomed O'Sullivan and O'Mahony home 19 years ago. He then spoke of his belief that some of the children present for the team of 2025 would star for Kerry in the future. Football expertise is nurtured young in Kerry, as Patrick McDonnell from Rathmore shows. He may only be seven and in first class, but his football knowledge is already very impressive. Not only can he name the entire Kerry team by name, he correctly predicted Gavin White as man of the match. Patrick was also able to name all the Donegal players from Sunday's final. . Rathmore's claim to fame is about more than producing great footballers. Last Saturday night, the club's bingo machine correctly predicted the 10-point winning margin for the Kingdom. There was a busy trade in '25 KY Sam' number plates. At €5 each , the county board-produced plates were for a good cause. The funds are going towards the Kerry team holiday, as was announced by MC and chair of Rathmore GAA, Kieran O'Keeffe. He thanked Irish Rail for continuing with the customary Rathmore stop on the victors' way through Kerry. The team received a massive cheer as the train pulled away following the 20-minute stop-off. The rain started on the way to Tralee but it didn't dampen anyone's spirits. Young Kerry fans out in force for the team's return home. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho Kerry fans celebrate as the team returns to Tralee. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho Led by a garda car, the Kerry players – now soaked to the skin – was paraded on an open-top bus through Tralee, as per tradition. Thousands of people came out to welcome them. Supporters gathered along Castle Street and packed out Denny Street all the way to the Ashe Memorial Hall. There, the players were introduced one by one to huge cheers. Waiting in Tralee to welcome home Sam Maguire was Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley. Mayor of Tralee, Terry O'Brien, was also in attendance to celebrate the newly-crowned champions. 'Jack is going for President of Ireland – and we'd be in safe hands,' said O'Brien of the Kerry manager. His remark was greeted with warm approval from the crowd. A special roar of welcome was reserved for local Austin Stacks hero Joe O'Connor. Meanwhile, in Killarney, home of the Clifford brothers, David and Paudie, and team captain Gavin White, one of the town's big car parks was cordoned off. The team made their way by open-top bus from Fitzgerald Stadium to the Glebe where huge crowds gathered.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Thousands pack Tralee streets as Kerry heroes return home with Sam Maguire after All-Ireland victory against Donegal
KERRY'S All-Ireland champions were given a hero's welcome on Monday night as thousands of fans packed the streets of Tralee to celebrate their latest triumph. Fresh from their Advertisement 6 Kerry captain Gavin White with the Sam Maguire Cup during homecoming celebrations in Tralee for Kerry 6 A car decorated in team colours with a celebratory registration plate is seen during homecoming celebrations for Kerry 6 The open top bus carrying the winning team drives through the streets in Tralee was mobbed by fans after their win over Donegal 6 Kerry manager Jack O'Connor couldn't stop smiling as they celebrations got underway in Tralee 6 Thousands of Kerry fans littered the streets of Tralee to celebrate another joyous All-Ireland triumph for the Kingdom 6 Kerry star David Clifford saluted the thousands of fans during the joyous occasion The triumph and GAA HQ was their 39th t itle after they put on a swaggering display of to see off Jim McGuinness' Donegal men put up a fight, but they simply couldn't cope with the And after a busy but joyous 24 hours the Kingdom squad, they headed back home from Dublin on train before arriving to a massive party, with thousands celebrating another historic day in Dublin. Advertisement read more on gaa Manager The Fans of all ages filled the streets hours before the team arrived, waving flags, singing county tunes, and reliving Sunday's magic in Croke Park. There was also a slick car painted in the county colours that was fitted with a custom number plate to mark the title triumph. Advertisement Most read in Uncategorized Breaking And the celebrations look set to continue long into the summer night. The game itself drew huge numbers as it averaged Matthew Broderick reveals connection to Donegal GAA during RTE interview The action also drew 378,000 streams on Later that night, 'The Sunday Game' highlights show on RTÉ2 pulled in an average of 175,000 viewers with a 22% share, Advertisement It also drew 34,400 streams on RTÉ Player.
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Thousands of fans line the streets as victorious Kerry team get heroes' welcome
Tens of thousands of jubilant fans lined the streets of Tralee and Killarney on Monday evening as the Kerry Senior Football team returned home to a heroes' welcome following their stunning victory over Donegal in the All-Ireland final at Croke Park. The Kingdom's 39th title — their first in several years — sparked celebrations across the county, with green and gold flags waving proudly and chants echoing through the town as the team paraded the Sam Maguire Cup through the streets on an open top bus. The winning team and management travelled from Dublin to Tralee by train. They then travelled on the open top bus via Boherbee with a Garda escort to a Welcome Home reception in Denny Street. Prior to their arrival, Dreams of Freedom and DJ Big Jim entertained the thousands of fans with live music. David Clifford and Paudie Clifford during the homecoming (Image: ©INPHO/Ben Brady) Mayor of Tralee, Councillor Terry O'Brien, told the crowd: 'It's a huge honour for me to welcome you all to the capital town of the county to welcome home the Sam Maguire. We want to extend a huge thanks to Jack O'Connor and his team.' Manager Jack O'Connor, who has led Kerry to his fifth All Ireland title, told Master of Ceremonies Alan Cantwell: 'It's incredible, we were just talking about the size of the crowd. I think this tops it all. Thanks very much. 'This team at the moment is built for Croke Park, particularly with the new rules, with the way the pitch plays, it's a fast pitch and I think it suits us. 'We just wanted to get back to Croke Park. We knew as soon as we got back there we'd be okay. So that's the way it happened. Kerry manager Jack O'Connor during the homecoming (Image: ©INPHO/Ben Brady) 'It was a tough season; we lost a lot of good men along the way - some made it back, others didn't, unfortunately so will have to wait another year. 'We got tremendous support this year. And more than anything we have you, the supporters, because you backed the team like never before in the quarter-final and semi-final and that was huge. And we just had a great momentum going into the final," he said. "It's hugely rewarding to keep your best players for the biggest day. For Gavin to play as well as he did and captain the team in an All-Ireland final, that's the stuff of dreams. When asked if he will return for next year's season, Mr O'Connor replied: 'We will keep that for another day.' Joe O'Connor - who scored a goal in the last minute - said: 'We got a good start and the crowd got behind us and the atmosphere was unbelievable in Croke Park. Kerry fans celebrate as the team returns to Tralee (Image: ©INPHO/Ben Brady) Speaking of his goal, assisted by Killian Spillane, he said: 'I missed plenty of them and had to practice a lot over the last few weeks. I just had a hit and hope and the scenes afterwards were class." 'It's a special feeling. It's the stuff of dreams to bring the Sam Maguire down Denny Street, it's something you dream of as a child. It's a great achievement to be able to represent our county and then obviously manage to bring some silverware back home,' Kerry player Dylan Casey told Radio Kerry's Terrace Talk prior to taking his position on the stage. Their next stop was Killarney, where the victorious team took an open top bus from Fitzgerald Stadium to a reception in the Glebe Car park before travelling to the Gleneagle Hotel, where the celebrations continued with a victory Super Ceili for supporters and a disco. It was a moment of pure joy for Kerry supporters, young and old, as they honoured their champions and the county's proud footballing tradition. Earlier, a group of Kerry senior footballers swapped celebrations for something even more meaningful - a visit to Children's Health Ireland (CHI) at Temple Street in Dublin on Monday morning. Players Diarmuid O'Connor, Paul Murphy, Killian Spillane, Gavin White and Tadhg Morley turned up bright and early, proudly bringing the Sam Maguire Cup with them. A view of a Palestine flag at the homecoming (Image: ©INPHO/Ben Brady) Their appearance was part of a post-final tradition that sees All-Ireland champions visit young patients in hospital. The players posed with the Sam Maguire along with staff and patient Chloe Garrell, 10, from Walkinstown in Dublin. A thrilled Amy Lilly, 4, lifted the Sam Maguire Cup with Kerry player Paul Murphy, while Saoirse McDonagh, 10, from Liscannor, Co Clare was pictured with RTÉ Sports Commentator Marty Morrissey. Cody Sheedy, 14, from Ballinahinch, Co Tipperary, was also pictured with Sam Maguire Cup and player Paul Murphy. And in keeping with a long-standard tradition, the Kerry team visited The Boar's Head pub on Dublin's Capel Street on Monday morning after their All-Ireland win, carrying the Sam Maguire Cup and delighting fans. In a tweet on X on Sunday after the All-Ireland final, Taoiseach Micheal Martin congratulated the winning side. An Taoiseach tweeted: "Wonderful game of Gaelic football at Croke Park under the new rules. Scintillating display by Kerry against a very spirited Donegal team. Congratulations.' Meanwhile, Kerry's win over Donegal in the All Ireland football final drew an average audience of 933,000 viewers to RTÉ One's coverage on The Sunday Game Live, with 79 per cent of the available audience tuning in as Joanne Cantwell presented live coverage of the Kingdom's record-extending 39th All Ireland title. Viewership peaked at 1,033,000 towards the end of the game. The Sunday Game Live (including Sunday Game Beo) had 378,000 streams on RTÉ Player yesterday. Sunday Game Beo on RTÉ News channel and RTÉ Player, presented by Gráinne McElwain, had Irish language commentary of the final, while Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1 brought listeners all the action from the final, as did Raidió na Gaeltachta's Spórt an Lae. On Sunday night, Jacqui Hurley and pundits picked the Football team of the year, while Kerry captain Gavin White was named Man of the Match on The Sunday Game on RTÉ2, which was watched by an average of 175,000 with a share of 22 per cent, while there were 34,400 streams on RTÉ Player. The craic began on Saturday night on RTÉ One as an average audience of 309,000 watched Up For The Match on RTÉ One as Jacqui Hurley and Des Cahill were joined live in studio by GAA legends and fans and Marty Morrissey was joined by Hollywood star Matthew Broderick live in Kilcar, Donegal ahead of the All-Ireland final. Up For The Match had 44,000 streams on RTÉ Player. Fans were heavily engaged with The Sunday Game across RTÉ's social media platforms, with video views reaching 6.73 million with over 705,000 engagements. President Michael D Higgins' last men's All Ireland Final was the top-performing piece of content across all RTÉ social channels and platforms. And in Donegal on Monday evening, there may have been no Sam Maguire but Donegal supporters gathered in their thousands in Donegal Town to acknowledge the championship achievements of the county's senior gaelic football team. The Donegal Homecoming began at 6.30pm at the Pier car park in Donegal Town, where there was live music from Onoir, Darren Boots and others prior to the team's arrival. Sign up to the Irish Mirror's Courts and Crime newsletter here and get breaking crime updates and news from the courts direct to your inbox. 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