By Cian O'Connell

The picturesque village of Portroe is celebrating following a sweet Sunday at Croke Park.

Darren Gleeson produced another fine display to help Tipperary secure a first All Ireland title since 2010, while John Sheedy's role as a selector with the minor winning side shouldn't be underestimated either.

“It’s brilliant," Gleeson said about representing Portroe. "We’ve unbelievable people in Port’. 

"I met John Sheedy after the match, a selector with the minors. That would mean as much to John as it would to me. I’ve fantastic supporters, a great club. 

"I think I’m the only one in Port’ with a medal, but I tell you the whole parish will cherish my medals. It’s a group effort and they’re fantastic behind me."

Gleeson hopes to stay involved in 2017. “Mick has to pick a panel in November and I’ve never been the smallest in November," Gleeson laughs. "If he wants me to do it, I have to be smaller than I usually am."

Substitute to Brendan Cummins six years ago Gleeson was thrilled to play a leading part for the Premier County. “Ah, look 2010 was special," Gleeson acknowledges. "It’s just a dream for me to get to the field. Long time waiting for it and I’ve a lot of people to thank for getting me there, staying with me. 

"Mick could have easily went with a young goalie and put his own stamp on it, but he trusted me and I’m delighted he gave me the honour for doing that."

Tipperary's response to Kevin Kelly's goal was critical according to Gleeson. “We’re a long time building for this. A lot of hurt shown out on the field. Lads have been building it up for the guts of two years. We didn’t let it out when we should have had last year and look we redeemed ourselves.

“Ten minutes after half-time, we concentrated on that and I think the goal brought us to life. We must have hit four or five points after that. I think the goal worked and we were just ready. We stopped their runners coming down the middle late on and I think that was important. We haven’t done that in the past."