Mark O’Connor speaks from the heart after making history with Dingle

This victory completed an extraordinary season for Dingle, who had already ended a 77-year wait for a Kerry Senior Football Championship title before going on to lift their first Munster crown. Now, they have gone one step further, writing their name into the history books on the biggest stage of all.

O’Connor, who won an AFL Premiership with Geelong in 2022 and played in last year’s Grand Final, was immense once again at midfield, producing a performance of composure and power in a contest that stretched deep into extra time. His contribution, both on the ball and in leadership, was pivotal as Dingle outlasted a brilliant St Brigid’s side.

Speaking afterwards, O’Connor reflected on the significance of the occasion and the presence of familiar faces in the crowd.
“It was a full circle moment for me looking up and seeing the lads, I made sure that I saw them before the game”

“I made a special point of looking up into the crowd before games this year, because they’re the things that I remember”.

O’Connor was also keen to acknowledge the role Geelong played in making the dream possible.
“I do want to pay tribute to Geelong, because it didn’t even take much convincing to be honest. I played a few years ago without permission, I probably got in a small bit of trouble for that but I probably explained to them what the club actually meant to me and they just, after explaining they just said ‘Why didn’t you just ask?’”

His gratitude was unmistakable.
“I can say here with full confidence I wouldn’t still be in Australia if it wasn’t for Geelong”

“I love them and I appreciate them massively”

As Dingle celebrated long into the evening, O’Connor will soon return to Australia. However, he returns with an All-Ireland medal, a fulfilled promise to his club, and a legacy that now spans hemispheres.