Newly-crowned All-Ireland club football champions Dingle will be fully behind Geelong when the new AFL season commences in March.

In a heartfelt post on social media, the West Kerry club expressed their gratitude to the Aussie Rules club for allowing Mark O’Connor to fulfil his All-Ireland dream and also thanked his Cats team-mates Patrick Dangerfield, Mark Blicas and Jack Henry for travelling to Croke Park to support him.

“To our friends at Geelong. Go raibh míle maith agaibh doesn’t even come close,” the post read.

“By allowing Mark return to his roots, you helped Dingle bridge a 77-year gap to county glory and fuelled a historic run all the way to Croke Park. But it wasn’t just about the football!

“To the Geelong lads who travelled over to support Mark, you didn't just watch from the sidelines—you dived into our traditions, joined the madness of the celebrations and became part of our community.

“Our clubs are now twinned by a bond of friendship and fierce loyalty that will stand forever; we are two communities, oceans apart, now joined as one.

“Geelong Cats will be forever etched into the folklore of our town! From the gates of Páirc an Ághasaigh to the stands of Kardinia Park, we are one family.

“We may be a small spot on the map, but we never forget our own. Come March, the homes & pubs of Dingle will be packed with a new breed of Cats fans roaring you on from across the sea.

“Best of luck for the season ahead. Let's keep the momentum going!”

Arriving back in Australia for pre-season training last week, 2022 Premiership winner O’Connor told Geelong supporters: “I feel super motivated to come back and give this season a full crack. I’m ready to go.”

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