Kerry team members on the bus on Denny Street on Monday evening. Photo by Dermot CreanWHAT a difference a year makes.
From the elation of victory and a celebratory atmosphere in Tralee 12 months ago, to the pain of defeat and a far more subdued affair yesterday evening.
It’s a tough time for the players and management and they looked sombre on board the homecoming bus but in fairness they showed their appreciation for the crowd that showed up to commiserate with them after defeat to Mayo on Sunday.
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After messages of thanks from Mayor of Tralee Angie Baily and Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council Mikey Sheehy, Kerry manager Jack O’Connor spoke to the crowd thanking them for showing up in such numbers.
He also thanked the fans for their support all year in Killarney and Croke Park and said they were determined to bring Sam back next year.
This sentiment was also expressed by captain Paul Geaney in his speech and with the talent in this team, who would bet against Kerry winning title number 40 in 2027. Scroll down for photos…
Fans give the team a great welcome. Photo by Dermot Crean
Fans give the team a great welcome. Photo by Dermot Crean
Fans give the team a great welcome. Photo by Dermot Crean
Fans give the team a great welcome. Photo by Dermot Crean
Fans give the team a great welcome. Photo by Dermot Crean
Fans give the team a great welcome. Photo by Dermot Crean
Fans give the team a great welcome. Photo by Dermot Crean
Fans give the team a great welcome. Photo by Dermot Crean
Fans give the team a great welcome. Photo by Dermot Crean
Fans give the team a great welcome. Photo by Dermot Crean
Fans give the team a great welcome. Photo by Dermot Crean
Photo by Dermot Crean
Faces in the crowd waiting for Kerry to arrive. Photo by Dermot Crean
The bus comes up Denny Street. Photo by Dermot Crean
Photo by Dermot Crean
The team bus comes up Castle Street. Photo by Dermot Crean
Faces in the crowd waiting for Kerry to arrive. Photo by Dermot Crean
Faces in the crowd waiting for Kerry to arrive. Photo by Dermot Crean
Faces in the crowd waiting for Kerry to arrive. Photo by Dermot Crean
Big Jim kept the crowd entertained before the Kerry team arrived on Denny Street. Photo by Dermot Crean
Paul Geaney thanked the crowd for their support. Photo by Dermot Crean
Jack O’Connor speaks to the crowd. Photo by Dermot Crean
Photo by Dermot Crean
The big crowd in front of the Ashe Memorial Hall. Photo by Dermot Crean
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council addresses the crowd. Photo by Dermot Crean
Mayor of Tralee Angie Baily addresses the crowd. Photo by Dermot Crean
Photo by Dermot Crean
Jack O’Connor and Paul Geaney on the stage. Photo by Dermot Crean
Part of the big crowd on Denny Street. Photo by Dermot Crean
Kerry for Sam and we will only have wait 12 months.