Tony Griffin: 'Parents had tears in their eyes thanking me for helping their sons reach their dreams'

Kerry performance coach Tony Griffin explains his role with the newly crowned All-Ireland champions

KEY MAN: Kerry performance coach Tony Griffin lifts the Sam Maguire Cup following last Sunday's win over Galway at Croke Park. Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Once a month. That was supposed to be height of Tony Griffin’s visits to Kerry this season. That’s exactly what Jack O’Connor put on the table in The Bianconi Inn in Killorglin when they met last autumn. One visit and matchdays.

Turns out, because of O’Connor’s “silver tongue” it was a lot more. From Griffin’s home in Ballymore Eustace to Killarney, it’s a six-hour plus return drive but on occasion he shared it with Paddy Tally on his way from Galbally. Long before last Sunday came around, the performance coach was hardly feeling the commute. “If you’re in, you’re really in – at least I am – and it really was a joy."