Niamh Carmody: 'It is going to be the greatest day of my life'

Kayleigh Cronin urged perseverance and Kerry's was rewarded in style

Kerry captain Niamh Carmody celebrates with her aunt Eilís Lyons and cousin Sinead after her side's victory in the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship final match between Galway and Kerry at Croke Park, Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Shortly after the hooter sounded and Kerry’s 31-year famine ended, Kayleigh Cronin was whisked away from the celebrations to collect her player of the match award and to try to put into words what had just been achieved.

Cronin had spoken very different words on the same field 12 months ago. They weren’t words of delight or delirium. They are words forever burned into the memory of her teammate and captain Niamh Carmody.