It was a long time coming but it just made it all that little bit sweeter for Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh when she climbed the steps of the Hogan Stand on Sunday to hold the Brendan Martin cup aloft.
And it was a magical moment that every Kerry supporter everywhere had waited to witness and celebrate.
One of the greatest players to ever lace a pair of boots – by some distance – she is a four-time All-Star recipient but an All-Ireland medal was the one honour that had eluded her during her remarkable 16-year involvement with the Kerry senior ladies’ team.
The Corca Dhuibhne player – who teaches in Tralee and lives in Killarney – first wore the green and gold, at the age of 16, in 2008 and she went on to establish herself as one of the classiest ladies’ players of all time, producing so many to-drawer performances game after game and year after year.
Picture: Ray McManus/Sportsfile
An All-Star in 2012, 2013, 2022 and 2023 – also being named Player of the Year last year – the high-scoring Louise has suffered so many disappointments along the way and was on the losing side in three finals at Croke Park.
Her dedication, her skill, her passion for the game and her love of Kerry is why so much attention was focused on Louise when the final whistle sounded in Sunday’s victory against Galway.
Just how much Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh meant to the Kerry supporters was clear with the massive ovation she received when she was called ashore four minutes before the final whistle, after contributing six points to her team’s tally.
Just how much Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh meant to her team-mates was obvious when they hoisted her high on their shoulders to celebrate on the greatest stage of all.
And just how much Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh meant to her peers was clear in an emotional interview given afterwards by Dublin star Ciara Trant who admitted that seeing Louise lift the cup brought a tear to her eye.
“You just appreciate her class and her skill,” she remarked.
“When I was young I was watching Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh play. When I played against her I had this moment where I thought ‘Oh my God, that’s Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh’,”
Ciara added: “She is the nicest, most genuine girl you could ever meet. What she has done for Kerry football, for clubs, summer camps and events.
“She is the nicest girl ever. If there’s anyone you want to win something or deserves something it’s Louise.
“There’s no ego. She just loves football and she’s just so sound,” Ciara added.
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