GEE FOR GRATEFUL

O'Connor thanks AFL employers as they help him realise his All-Ireland dream with Dingle

- PADDY TIERNEY

HE knew he couldn't stand to watch from the other side of the world, more than 10,000 miles away.

Dingle to Croke Park via Geelong in South Australia, Mark O'Connor's path to an All-Ireland club title has been frantic.

He returned to Kerry to help his club win a first senior county title since 1948.

Almost immediately, there were doubts as to whether or not they would see him again.

O'Connor tentatively enquired if a return to Ireland would be out of the question and he revealed Geelong couldn't have been more accommodating.

He repaid their trust by helping Dingle edge out St Brigid's in an epic club final on Sunday.

"They've been phenomenal.

They didn't actually need any convincing," O'Connor said of his AFL employers.