Kerry manager Jack O’Connor has given his strongest hint yet that he will step down after yesterday’s All Ireland triumph. 

The Kingdom beat Donegal 1-26 to 0-19, claiming their 39th All Ireland title. 

Reflecting on the match to Off The Ball’s Tommy Rooney, Mr O’Connor said the team had been “very determined” before they stepped onto the pitch at Croke Park. 

“We weren’t going to sit back and let Donegal attack us,” he said. 

“We managed to drive on again and there were a great few moments there.” 

Michael Langan of Donegal in action against Joe O'Connor of Kerry. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

When questioned about his future after five All Irelands, Mr O’Connor hinted it would be his last. 

“Who knows? We might pass on the baton,” he said. 

“It’s a long time as well, that’s the other side of it.” 

🗣️"Tá an-athas orm inniú an corn seo a ghlacadh ar son foireann Ciarraí!!"

Your 2025 All-Ireland Football Champions - @Kerry_Official 👏👏#KERVDON pic.twitter.com/RGAgohGZnr

— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 27, 2025

Also speaking to Tommy Rooney was Joe O’Connor who buried the ball in the back on the net at the very last minute. 

The Austin Stacks player described his goal yesterday as "unbelievable" and “so special”, but added that his performance took a huge amount of training and determination. 

Joe O'Connor of Kerry in action against Michael Murphy of Donegal. Photo by: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

“I probably wasn’t getting minutes for the first two years, then I just had to really work hard and talk to management about what they wanted,” he explained. 

“I was able to work my way into the team then; management want you to express yourself and go after the game.”

The homecoming for the Kerry team will begin in Tralee this evening at 6pm.

Main image: Kerry captain Gavin White lifts the Sam Maguire cup after the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship final match between Kerry and Donegal. Picture by: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.