Jack O'Connor lifts Kerry to All-Ireland No39 but says he's still just ‘trotting after Micko' in Kingdom's golden legacy
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Kerry players, staff and family celebrate with after their 39th Sam Maguire cup win
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Kerry manager Jack O'Connor hailed the late and great Mick O'Dwyer after the triumph
Micko made All-Irelands a right of passage in Kerry. Sam Maguire is their trophy, and only ever on loan when it goes elsewhere.
Nobody knows that more than
But he still carried Micko's mantle to win his
O'Dwyer won his first Sam as boss 50 years ago this summer, and his last 11 years later in 1986.
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After the final game, GAA president Jarlath Burns said from the Hogan Stand steps that it's time for Jacko and Micko to be mentioned in the same breath.
Not many can argue with that now, even if O'Connor did his best after their 10-point mauling of Donegal.
Five as manager ends the debate over his greatness as a manager, even if his credentials in Kerry were often questioned. Those queries can no longer be asked.
One of his proudest moments was visiting O'Dwyer in Waterville with Sam - a memory he will cherish forever.
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Micko led the way - and Jack has only followed.
He said: 'Sure look, the rest of us are only trotting after Micko. He's created a great history and tradition in Kerry and the rest of us are only trotting after him now.
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"It's a bit sentimental for me because I brought the cup to him, to his house in 2022. We had a nice half an hour of a chat there and there was a nice photograph taken of the thing.
'So I'll treasure that always because he was an idol of mine. As I say, he's created history, and the rest of us are all trotting after him.'
When Micko took them to the top, O'Connor ensured they stayed there.
They say you should never go back - but the Dromid Pearses man's third coming has delivered TWO to titles on top of their glory in 2004, 2006 and 2009.
He is now the the third most successful manager in the history of Gaelic Football - only behind Micko on eight and Jim Gavin on six.
Their 2022 title was one thing, but this was another. Dublin stealing their crown in 2023 hurt badly.
But a new, darker and angrier shade of blue proved their class at Croker.
Kerry were down and out after their shock group stage
O'Connor warned us how dangerous they can be when they are questioned as Armagh, Tyrone and Donegal bore the brunt of and as they stormed home to title 39.
This was no classic, but Kerry won't care. One medal is never enough in the Kingdom and now the bulk of this squad have two, and Paul Geaney and Paul Murphy won their third.
CLIFFORD CLASS
His coronation as the greatest of all was rubber stamped in 2022 and cemented here - even if Donegal full-back Brendan McCole did a half decent job on him.
His brother, Paudie was equally devastating and the cheer of the day rang out at Croker when the siblings and David's son, Ogie, held Sam aloft with glee.
Clifford had barely touched the ball until his first orange flag on nine minutes, and Kerry laid down a marker that this game would be played on their terms.
Donegal's zonal defensive shape was torn apart, as Gavin White made Croke Park his own and capped a stunning captain's display with 0-3.
Kerry devoured Donegal on kick-outs and breaking ball - two facets of the Ulster champions that led them to this final.
But leaving McFadden on the bench yesterday hurt them in the middle, and those wounds opened even more when Ciarán Thompson hobbled off after 23 minutes.
Joe O'Connor was the main reason for Kerry's midfield conviction - and his journey to the top has been a hell of a story.
The Austin Stacks clubman was their captain in 2022 yet could not get into O'Connor's team. He was only 22 at the time, and still getting grips with life in that daunting green and gold jersey.
The man who could not be picked for their All-Ireland final win over Galway three years ago cannot be left out, and his heroic display won this Sam Maguire.
He annihilated Donegal in the air, set up countless Kerry attacks and sealed the fairytale ending when he hammered the ball past Shaun Patton into the net in front of Hill 16.
And his manager could only gleam at O'Connor's journey from the side of the stage to the main act on the biggest day of all.
KINGDOM COME
He said: 'Yeah, Joe was inspirational. I said it here a few weeks ago, a man that played a bit part here in 22, even though he was captain - he played five minutes of that final.
'The way that man has got down to work, improved himself physically and football-wise is just a credit. He's a great lad and he's got a massive effect on the rest of the players.'
Donegal are on their own journey and will be back. McGuinness has unfinished business, and keeping comeback legend Michael Murphy on board - who turns 36 next month - will be crucial heading into 2026.
O'Connor might well bow out at the top, and what a way to do it. There will be no photograph this time, but he will take Sam to Waterville first.
As long as Kerry are winning All-Irelands, Micko's mantra is alive and well.
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David Clifford the Player of the Year as Kerry dominate Team of the Year selection
And, after so much change to the game of Gaelic football, Kerry are the champions for the second time in four seasons, and a record extending 39th time overall. Since the end of the dominant Dublin period, the men from the Kingdom have won two All-Irelands - that's one more than anybody else. You could tell something was brewing when they ripped last year's All-Ireland champions Armagh to shreds in a dominant 15 minute period at the quarter-final stage, after emerging from the long grass of another Munster title and a surprise defeat to Meath in the All-Ireland group stages. Then, in the semis, they upped the ante after the break to make a break for the decider, but it was their performance today which was arguably the most impressive of the lot. Jack O'Connor had spoken of his desire for, "a good, steady, even performance" but this was so much more than that. They were well on top from the first minute, with Dylan Geaney opening the scoring inside 15 seconds. David Clifford contributed seven points in the first half, including three two-pointers. Donegal threatened to put up a comeback when they cut the gap to four but the Munster men had the answers with the late goal from Joe O'Connor meaning they ended up winning both halves - worthy winners. Kerry top the list with eight players, with beaten finallists Donegal managing four - Meath, Tyrone and Armagh complete the 15, with no player from Connacht making the cut in a year when the province failed to provide an All-Ireland semi-finalist. Shane Ryan (Kerry) An excellent distributor of the ball who has an ability to get the ball away with some haste, which helped Kerry with some big scores over the summer. A superb shot stopper as well, he never conceded a goal across the entire run to the Sam Maguire. Managed 0-04 points during the summer although ended the All-Ireland final with a score, missing a few frees. Seán Rafferty (Meath) Only made his championship debut for Meath against Carlow in April this year but was a solid presence throughout their campaign. Often took the tough marking job on David Clifford, Shane Walsh and Michael Murphy. He was off the field when Meath conceded 2-03 against Galway. Jason Foley (Kerry) A tall, strong full back with bags of pace. Started every championship game on Kerry's run to the Sam Maguire. Kept Michael Murphy to two points from play in this afternoon's final. Brendan McCole (Donegal) The New York born defender was Donegal's main man marker during the year, doing a particularly impressive jobs on Derry's Shane McGuigan and on Jordan Morris in the semi-final victory over Meath. As most mortals do, found David Clifford too hot to handle in the decider but overall, a very impressive year for the 27-year-old. Brian Ó Beaglaoich (Kerry) A brilliant defender but so dangerous going forward with the pace that he has. A standout player in a line that launches so much of Kerry's most important moves. Gavin White (Kerry) His tenth season with the Kingdom, and his third as captain, but this one surely tops the lot as he got to climb the steps of the Hogan Stand on All-Ireland final day after disappointment in 2019 and last year. An inspirational All-Ireland final performance as he scored 0-03 and set up other scores throughout the game as an attacking wing-back. Kieran McGeary (Tyrone) Tyrone's sole representative in the selection, Kieran McGeary showed his ability with an early two-pointer as Tyrone saw off Dublin in the All-Ireland quarter-final. Joe O'Connor (Kerry) Not long after Kerry's last All-Ireland in 2022, O'Connor did his ACL playing a club game for Austin Stacks and he was off the field for 15 months. Since his return at the start of 2024, he's started all 15 of Kerry's Championship games and all but two of their league games in that period. It's an incredible record but reflects the form he has managed in midfield. Showed his ability to win the ball and carry it early in today's final and was a consistent thorn in Donegal's side with his incisive runs. Capped it all off with the last score of the day, a goal into the Hill 16 End. Michael Langan (Donegal) The super experienced midfielder made his Donegal debut in 2017. He's a majestic fielder of the ball and covers plenty of ground in the middle third of the field. Nominated for an All-Star last year and continued where he left off with some big performances this year. His goal against Monaghan helped the Tír Chonaill men turned around a seven-point half-time deficit. Seán O'Shea (Kerry) Kicked 12 points against from nine shots against Armagh when the Orchard decided to go after David Clifford. Such a consistent play maker in the Kerry team. Managed a point from play in the final as well as kicking two two-pointers from place balls. Paudie Clifford (Kerry) Injury kept Clifford out of the team until later in the year but he emerged at half-time in the quarter-final dethroning of Armagh, hitting two points. Started the semi final win over Tyrone and hit another two points before managing three this afternoon. An orchestrator of a lot of what Kerry do well. Oisín Conaty (Armagh) The only player included who didn't play for a team that won anything this year. It should tell you something about how impressive the Armagh attacker was as their All-Ireland defence fell short. A very talented soccer player in his younger years, he managed six points from play in the Ulster final loss to Donegal. David Clifford (Kerry) The greatest footballer of his generation and he delivered once again in the biggest game in the sport. Coming into today, the Fossa man had already hit 8-53 in his eight championship games. He added seven points in the first half, including three two-pointers, before another two from play down the home stretch. Clifford is the attacker of his generation (Galway and Dublin fans might have something to say), consistently tormenting opposition defences. When he fires, Kerry tend to win, and that was the case once in 2025. Michael Murphy (Donegal) Came back to win a second Celtic Cross but came up just short. One of just two players who has played in every Donegal v Kerry championship game, stretching back to a quarter-final win back in 2012. A talismanic figure looking to pull off one of the greatest comebacks having made himself available after two seasons out. Got special mention from the Uachtarán Jarlath Burns in his speech before handing over the Sam Maguire, calling him "the best player ever to come from" Donegal. Conor O'Donnell (Donegal) A dangerous attacker who was always worth a few scores for Donegal. He hit 1-03 in the All-Ireland semi-final victory over Meath and on a more difficult afternoon in the final, he was their top scorer from play with four points - two in each half. Gavin White (Kerry) A massive All-Ireland final performance from the very first minute, as he burst through and fed Geaney for the opening score, setting the tone for a golden afternoon for Kerry. He added a score himself shortly afterwards and would have three before the afternoon was out. Repeated his support role early in the second half to set up Seán O'Shea and he was consistent danger throughout with his powerful running. SUNDAY GAME FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR David Clifford (Kerry) What more can be said about the Fossa man? He ends the season with 8-62 from nine games as the greatest player of his generation continues to perform when its most needed. He hit seven in the first half this afternoon including a two-pointer after the buzzer which his manager picked out as a critical score in the game. Earlier in the campaign, he was heavily marked against Armagh but still ended up with seven points, and had his best scoring contribution of the year in the semi-final victory over Tyrone when he managed 1-09.
Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
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Jack O'Connor says Kerry's future rests with one person, and no surprises who
Kerry boss Jack O'Connor has joked that his wife will decide his future with the legendary manager hinting that he would step away from the role. O'Connor had previously alluded that 2025 would be his final year, regardless of how it ended, and did not little to quiet speculation when speaking to the media after Kerry's All-Ireland triumph. 'I think I was on record earlier in the year there that it would probably be my last hurrah, do you know. I don't want to be telling ye lads before I tell anyone else. There's a lot more people down the corridor. Look, we'll do that in due course. There's no hurry.' O'Connor was further quizzed on The Sunday Game by Joanne Cantwell and said he'll be leaving his decision to his better half. "That's up to my wife now, she's down there! All I know, Joanne, is I was going out the door with my gearbag Thursday night, and she had the camera out taking photographs, and that's not a great sign." In his third stint as Kerry manager, O'Connor won his fifth All-Ireland title and sits only behind Jim Gavin (6) and Mick O'Dwyer (8) when it comes to All-Ireland titles. "It's great. It's a fantastic night to be celebrating with the supporters and families," he said. "We've been on the other side of it where we've lost finals, it's night and day, it's agony and ecstasy, so thankfully it's ecstasy tonight. "It's great when things come together. Five or six weeks ago, we were on our knees after the defeat in Tullamore, so it's very rewarding when people stick together. It's easy to jump on the bandwagon when things are going well, but when things aren't going well, that's when you find out about people. We found that we had great unity in the camp and the whole group, and that was rewarded today."
Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
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'Phenomenal, scary, immense, awesome' David Clifford has RTE pundits drooling
The pundits are quite literally running out of superlatives for Kerry superstar David Clifford after another spellbinding display art Croke Park. The Fossa attacker landed 0-9 from play to tear Donegal's All-Ireland dream apart and he looks certain to land another Footballer of the Year award. With a brilliant supporting cast in the All-Ireland final, led by his brother Paudie, David Clifford ran amok and stunned Donegal with three two pointers in the first half alone. Tomas O Se said recently that Clifford was the greatest footballer of all-time and he certainly wasn't changing his mind after the final display at Croke Park. Asked if he was the greatest by Jacqui Hurley on The Sunday game, O Se replied: "I think he is, without doubt. "He does stuff on good and bad days. He is playing in an era where defences are physically so strong and zonal defences are so organised. "We all said in Kerry when he was blasting 2-8, 2-9 in minor games - wait til he gets to senior. He's doing the exact same at senior level with the best defences in the country. "I think he is the greatest of them all like. We wouldn't like to give him a big head, like," smiled O Se. "(Peter) Cavan, Mikey (Sheehy), Gooch (Colm Cooper), whoever it is like, I think he's on a level. He's judged differently as well." Dublin's six-time All-Ireland winner Paul Flynn backed up that view. He said: "I think that's across the board now. To lead this team the way he has this year is just the cap stone. The rules have given him a new life, given him space. Nine points on average, it's a sick joke really. It's phenomenally good.." Mark McHugh, brother of Donegal star Ryan and an All-Ireland winner himself in 20012, said the prospect of Clifford was scary for the rest of the country right now. "I think he's actually getting better and that's the scary part of this whole thing. He's got leaner this year and the new rules are suiting him to the ground. "The one good thing for Donegal coming up here today, at least they got to watch him play." "It was a joy to watch," said Mayo ladies GAA legend Cora Staunton on The Sunday Game. "It's poetry in motion. His first two points were two pointers. "Everything he did was just immense. At times he was drifting out, he was just brilliant. He had 12 or 13 possessions, nine points from play. I think he was a man possessed all year, he had that fight and aggression. That's 8-62 this year. Averaging nine pints a game, he's just phenomenal. "We talked two weeks ago about him being the greatest of all time. Without doubt, in the All-Ireland final today, he's certainly the greatest footballer at 26 years of age. Five All Stars already, two footballers of the year and probably another couple of awards coming at the end of the year as well." Kerry's David Clifford celebrates with his son Ogie and the Sam Maguire Cup Tyrone All-Ireland winner Enda McGinley was in full agreement. "(Brendan) McCole didn't do a lot wrong. He went for a face to face marking job but Clifford took off and cut that tight behind his Kerry teammate that McCole had to step off two metres otherwise he would have been hit by the screen of the laying off Kerry player. That gave him his metre or two for his score. He was so efficient, so sharp, he was awesome." Ciaran Whelan was quick to point out the role of his brother Paudie. The playmaker had an astonishing 76 possessions in the final. "He is the quarter-back. He was on so much ball, it was nearly criminal from a Donegal perspective," said the Dublin hero. 'He has a bit of everything. He gives, he goes, he can score. He's physically strong. You can see in his interview, he's a leader in the group too. He's the conductor in the orchestra. I think he has it all. "David is the best we have seen. He is a very different type of player."
