The Governor of the State of New York has written a letter of support to Kerry ahead of tomorrow's All-Ireland final against Galway.
Kathy Hochul's grandparents were both from the village of Cutteen on the Maharees peninsula, though they met for the first time in the American Midwest in 1919.
They moved to Buffalo, New York, where they married and began their family.
In her letter, Governor Hochul states: "Although I know that the best team will prevail, my deep roots in County Kerry compel me to root for my home team."
She explains that her grandfather, John Courtney, was the founder and president of the North American GAA and describes him as "a star player for our local Buffalo team, as was his son, my father, Jack, after him".
"The fighting Kerry spirit is ingrained in who I am today, and I know well the commitment, skill and team work required to play this fierce and exciting game.
"I can't wait to see who takes Sam home."
