Eight years without Sam is a long time in Kerry. That was reflected in the tens of thousands of people who filled the streets of Tralee to welcome the county’s champion footballers home.
The N22 between the town and Killarney was lined with green and gold flags, sitting in the tall gold and green of the roadside ragwort that is being left uncut this year in Kerry’s rewilding effort.
People stood outside their homes on the roadside to wave and cheer as the team made its way across the county to the reception in Tralee.
Led by the Killorglin and District Pipe Band, and a Garda escort, the open-top bus arrived in Denny Street around 6.30pm taking the traditional route from Boherbee up Castle Street to turn into a sea Kerry jerseys, flags and bunting.
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“Passion” was what distinguished Kerry football, manager Jack O’Connor said, speaking from the stand outside the Ashe Hall.
Thanking the people of Kerry for their contribution, and for their “amazing” turnout , he recalled events 25 years ago when, he said, he was lucky enough to be with Páidí Ó Sé in Denny Street when Kerry won after a famine of 11 years.
Between 25,000 and 30,000 people turned out on that occasion and O’Connor reckoned Monday’s crowd was at least as big.
“When I was trying to entice [coach] Paddy Tally from Tyrone . . . one of the things I spoke about was the passion for football there is in this county. It was that passion that fed the players to make the effort they made and to come back year after year and make the sacrifices they did. They are feeding off the passion you have shown this evening,” O’Connor said.
Continuing the long political tradition famously championed by Charlie Haughey of getting close to winning sports stars, Minister for Education Minister Norma Foley was one of the first to greet the Kerry players as they emerged from the open-top bus.
“It’s great to have the All-Ireland. That’s what we are all about,” Ms Foley, in a mint green jacket, told the press.
Newly-elected mayor of Kerry John Francis Flynn (FF) admitted he “picked a good year” for holding the chain of office.
Adding to the Fianna Fáil contingent was mayor of Tralee Mikey Sheehy, who, in an antique gold Kerry jersey, said “we are just so proud here in Tralee to welcome the warriors home”.
“It was such an epic battle. What this means to young and old is just incredible.”
All the Kerry players got a cheer, but some of the biggest roars were reserved for man of the match, Fossa man David Clifford.
“Seánie, Seánie were shouts from young supporters as Seán O’Shea was introduced as “the man with the golden boot” .
“It is unbelievable. It is the stuff you dream of,” said O’Shea, who kicked the already-famous winning point against Dublin in the semi-final
Galway had put up a great battle and, no doubt, Kerry would meet them again, O’Shea added.
Waiting at the stand for the team to arrive was Chole Passway (11) and her family from Derrymore East near Tralee. Chole was in a boot with a leg injury, but she was determined to turn out. With her was younger brother Dylan (9) and Luke (13).
“It’s brilliant. It gives everyone a great boost,” mum Irene said.
On Tuesday, the cup is set for a trip to Austin Stacks, the home of club man and county captain Joe O’Connor. On Wednesday evening it heads for Kenmare, home town of seven of the Kerry seniors, where another lively reception is expected.