Clifford thanks fans after All-Ireland loss

Football fans braved the weather on Monday evening to welcome home the Kerry football.

Despite their loss to Dublin in Sunday’s All Ireland Football final the Kerry County board went ahead with a low key homecoming reception in Killarney’s Glebe Car Park and College St.

A similar event in Tralee did not go ahead as a result of the heart breaking twopoint loss to Dublin on Sunday. Monday’s reception was led by Killarney Mayor Brendan Cronin and Kerry TD Norma Foley. Local businessman and Kerry County Board chairman Patrick O’Sullivan was also in attendance

Fossa hero praised the Kerry fans for their support throughout the season.

“We are very sorry to you that we weren’t able to deliver on Sunday. Thanks very much for all the support ye’ve given us. We’re very thankful for it. I know maybe we take it for granted sometimes but we know we’re very lucky to have such a brilliant Kerry support. So thanks very much to all of ye for coming out all through the year” he said on stage on Monday night.

“Tough finish, but thanks to all the lads for all the commitment they’ve given throughout the year. To Jack and all the management team. “Thanks very much for leaving no stone unturned throughout the course of the year, and the last two years. Obviously bringing home the All-Ireland last year and getting back to the All-Ireland this year.

“Again, we’re very sorry to ye that we weren’t able to deliver yesterday. But hopefully we can continue to build on this and go and right the wrongs next year.”

Clifford the younger thanked many people during his speech tonight - the County and East Kerry boards, his fellow players, sponsors - but his most stirring words came while acknowledging Jack O'Connor and his management team: “Very sorry to ye that we weren't able to deliver yesterday, but hopefully we can continue to build on this and go right the wrongs next year.”

Homecoming nights are as much about the players thanking the supporters as the supporters thanking the players, and he assured the fans that their loyalty - evident again this night in the driving Killarney rain - is deeply appreciated by the men who wear the green and gold.

“It would be remiss of me not to [thank] the supporters…ye followed us everywhere we went and ye're here tonight, in the wind and rain,” he said.

“We take it for granted sometimes, but we're lucky to have such brilliant Kerry support.”

THIS WEEKEND!