Ballymacelligott’s victory over Clogher Éire Óg is a day that will go down in history for the Kerry club, as the Kerry champions paid an emotional tribute to their late teammate Luke Silles following Sunday’s final victory.

Ballymacelligott completed a historic season by adding an All-Ireland crown to their Kerry and Munster titles, defeating Tyrone’s Clogher Éire Óg by 1-16 to 0-13. But as celebrations began, thoughts quickly turned to Silles, who tragically died after drowning while swimming at Fenit Pier in May 2025. He was just 18 years of age.

Throughout their championship run, Ballymacelligott have carried Luke’s memory with them. On the biggest day of all, his name and the words “Live for Luke” were embroidered beneath the club crest on their jerseys, a visible reminder of the teammate they lost and the motivation that drove them on.

Kerry Club Honour Late Teammate With Special All-Ireland Final Jersey

Recommended

Captain Daire Keane, who was named Man of the Match after contributing two points from play, spoke movingly in his post-match interview about what the win meant to the group.

We just wanted to go out and make Luke proud and do his family proud today. And I’m sure he’s fairly proud of us after that.

The sense of Luke’s presence was felt deeply within the squad, not least because his father Tony was part of the Ballymacelligott management team as they climbed the steps to collect the trophy.

In his victory speech, Keane again returned to the teammate who was never far from their thoughts.

To the one man who isn’t with us today but is always in our heads, Luke Silles. We felt your presence in the dressing room this year and there’s no doubt he was the 16th man today.

For Ballymacelligott, this All-Ireland title caps a season that will live long in the memory. But amid the joy, there was a quiet dignity to the way the club honoured one of their own.

SEE ALSO: Kilbrittain Captain Pays Incredible Tribute To Fallen Teammate After Cork Club Win Junior All-Ireland
SEE ALSO: ‘We Got Robbed’ Sligo Boss Rages After All-Ireland Final Red Card