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The score was level at 1-11 each (i.e. 14 points each with 1 goal worth 3 points + 11 points across the bar). With just seconds left on the clock, Dublin won a free kick 45 yards out. The Dublin goal keeper Stephen Cluxton, jogged and marched towards what would be the biggest free kick of his life. The referee urged him to speed it up. Time was ticking away. He kicked it over the bar and clean through the posts. Croke Park erupted. Then the final whistle blew and after a 16 year wait Dublin had finally won the Sam Maguire Cup.

As the Dubs fell into rapturous celebrations a young Kerry player, Tomás Ó’Sé, fetched the ball, carried it up the pitch and presented it to the Dublin keeper. What a great gesture of true sportsmanship. What a great player Tomás Ó’Sé is. Congrats to the Dubs, my home town – am delighted but we also acknowledge the dignity and greatness of Kerry’s Tomás Ó’Sé   – he too has found greatness.

Although many of the thousands in the stadium and the millions watching on TV expected him to collapse into tears after coming very very close to winning the championship, he replied:

“No. I’m one of the lucky few that gets cheered for. So thank you for that. I appreciate it (massive applause). You know aww, I just want to say congratulations to Roger (Federer). You know he’s a true champion. He deserves everything he gets. So well done Roger.

Sue Barker: “You threw everything at him.”

“Well I tried. Sorry Pete (Pete Sampras who was in the crowd and whose record of 14 Grand Slams has now been taken Federer with his 15th Grand Slam title). I tried to hold him off. It was a pleasure playing here today in front of great champions like Pete (Sampras), Minolo (?), Rod (Laver) and Bjorn (Borg). I still hope one day that my name will be up there as winner of this tournament. And I’ll be back.” (massive applause).

- a true sportsman.

See the interview: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/8135340.stm