Geelong Cats AFL premiership player Mark O'Connor has lived out a lifelong ambition, playing a pivotal role in his hometown Gaelic football club's historic All-Ireland victory before paying a heartfelt tribute to his Australian club for making it possible.
A Dream Realised in Dublin
The 29-year-old defender, originally from Kerry in Ireland, was reportedly immense in the midfield as Dingle secured the All-Ireland club title for the first time ever, defeating St Brigid's by 0-23 to 1-19. The win at Dublin's famed Croke Park represents the pinnacle of Gaelic football.
"It hasn't fully sunk in yet. It doesn't get any more special than this," an elated O'Connor confessed after the final siren. "If there's anything that I thought I'd ever get out of sport this is probably the one I'd choose. This is the most personal ... it's a dream."
Geelong Teammates Fly In For Support
In a powerful show of solidarity, three of O'Connor's Geelong teammates—captain Patrick Dangerfield, Mark Blicavs, and Jack Henry—made the marathon trip to Ireland to watch the match, sitting alongside O'Connor's family in the stands.
The trio's whirlwind trip to Dublin lasted less than 60 hours, a sacrifice made to support their teammate. "It really is a once-in-a-lifetime sort of opportunity, so we thought, bugger it, let's do it," Dangerfield told 7NEWS before departing Melbourne.
O'Connor was deeply moved by their presence. "It was just such a full-circle moment to have the Geelong lads in the crowd next to my family," he said. "I made sure to look up and see them before the game... Looking forward to having a pint with them soon, too."
A Profound Tribute to the Geelong Football Club
O'Connor, who debuted for the Cats in 2017 and was a member of their 2022 AFL premiership side, reserved his highest praise for the club that allowed him to chase his dream. He revealed a past incident where he played Gaelic football without permission, but said the club's response defined their culture.
"I really want to pay tribute to Geelong," O'Connor stated. "I played a few years ago without permission and got into a small bit of trouble for it. But when I explained what the club meant to me, they said 'why didn't you just ask?'"
He emphasised the club's personal approach, a stark contrast to what he initially expected of professional Australian sport. "They've been unbelievable ever since. I can say with full confidence I wouldn't still be in Australia if it wasn't for them. They're just different. They care about what matters to you as a person."
Now, with his childhood dream achieved, O'Connor has vowed to repay that faith. His current AFL contract runs through the 2026 season, and he is determined to give everything upon his return to pre-season training. "I'm just so grateful for them and I'll give them my absolute all," he promised.
The support extended beyond the three teammates in Dublin. Dangerfield noted the entire club had adjusted its schedule, with a contingent of players and staff gathering in the early hours of the Australian morning to watch the match live. "We really see the value in supporting Mark," Dangerfield said.
