Kerry team manager, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, signs a football for a young fan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
THE Kerry Senior and Minor winning teams received one of the highest honours the Kerry County Council can bestow when, on Monday night, they were treated to a civic reception in the Council buildings in Rathass.
Representatives from the senior panel in attendance were, Donnchadh Walsh, Killian Young, Barry John Keane, Marc O’Se, Mark Griffin, Shane Enright and manager Eamoon Fitzmaurice.
Unfortunately, minor team manager, Jack O’Connor, was unable to attend, but captain, Liam Kearney was there to bring in the cup.
The players and management were greeted to a packed chamber, many decked out in green and gold jerseys.
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Mayor of Kerry, John Brassil, spoke about his gratitude to the team for giving Kerry supporters one of the most unique and greatest games of all time in that semi-final replay against Mayo in the Gaelic Grounds.
Eamonn Fitzmaurice, thanked the people of Kerry for the superb support, but saved an extra special thank you for the players that soldiered under him this year.
“The most important thing are the players, the amount of effort the lads put in is absolutely incredible” said Eamonn Fitzmaurice.
“They are amateurs, but they are professional amateurs, in everything they do, the way they prepare, the way the look after themselves, the way they train, there in the gym Monday and Friday, they have training Tuesday and Thursday, then a match at the weekend, so for people holding down full time jobs, there isn’t a whole lot of time there for family life” said Eamonn.
“The commitment the lads give is second to none, they are a fantastic bunch and they are privilege to work with,” said Eamonn.
Five time All-Ireland winner, Marc O’Se, spoke on the players’ behalf.
“Coming into Tralee on the Monday after winning the All-Ireland was a wonderful feeling really,” said Marc O’Se
“All year you want to give something for the supporters to cheer, because I live and work in Tralee, it was a little bit special as well,” said Marc.
After the speeches were made, the Kerry teams, posed for photos and signed autographs with the many children in attendance.
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At the civic reception for the Kerry senior and minor All-Ireland winning teams at Kerry County Council were, from left: Liam Kearney, Maura Murrell, John Brassil and Eamonn Fitzmaurice. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the civic reception for the Kerry senior and minor All-Ireland winning teams at Kerry County Council were, From left: Abbey Canty and Eoin, Ciara and Maeve Slattery. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the civic reception for the Kerry senior and minor All-Ireland winning teams at Kerry County Council were, from left: Dara Caplis, Sean Broderick and Jordan Mason. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the civic reception for the Kerry senior and minor All-Ireland winning teams at Kerry County Council were, from left: Ben, George and Sean Geaney.
