'It's all about the passion' says O'Connor as ecstatic Kerry fans welcome their heroes

Thousands turn out to welcome Kerry's footballers after Sunday's victory, with many more days of celebration to come

Brian Ó Beaglaoich pauses for a selfie with fans while brandishing the Sam Maguire trophy which Kerry's senior footballers won on Sunday at Croke Park. Picture: Tom Maher/INPHO

Grown men had wept on Sunday in Kerry, overcome with emotion as they watched their team defeat Galway in the All-Ireland Senior football final, and whole families shouted with joy on Monday night as the team returned to a deafening reception on the streets of Tralee.

Eight years without Sam is a long time in Kerry, and tens of thousands turned out to welcome their heroes home and join the celebrations.