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Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Kieran Shannon: Kerry's 'alternative Ulster' title a unique triumph
Not even in all of their proud history had Kerry done this before. Since Jack O'Connor's team returned to Croke Park a little over a month ago, standing in the way of them and a 39th All-Ireland title for the county were three teams that all have All-Ireland winners in their dressing room. This is exclusive subscriber content. Already a subscriber? Sign in Take us with you this summer. Annual €130€65 Best value Monthly €12€6 / month
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
There was a clear turning point in Kerry's season which ultimately made them All-Ireland champions
A RESULT that was portrayed as a fatal defeat for Kerry was ultimately one that gave them the kiss of life. When the story of this run to 3 A 1-26 to 0-19 win meant Kerry were crowned All-Ireland champions for the 39th time 3 Jack O'Connor's side lost 1-22 to 0-16 to Meath in their final group game 3 Meath icon Graham Geraghty writes for SunSport In the next game, they Even then, when I sat down to pick out my top eight teams left in the Championship for this column, I had them at No 1. Why? Because when you back them into a corner, Kerry come out fighting. And I could see then that going to Croke Park as underdogs would suit them down to the ground. That's where their season really started, despite the fact that they'd already won the league and Read more on GAA Before the month was out, they had Claiming the big prize by recording Croke Park wins over Donegal, Tyrone and the Orchard County is as definitive as statements come. In a year that saw the game overhauled, the Kingdom stayed true to their style and they have been richly rewarded. Kerry looked unstoppable at times in the first half of yesterday's final. That being said, it almost felt as though Donegal were giving them too much respect and subsequently disrupted their own system. Most read in GAA Football They stood off Kerry completely and gave them the room they needed to attack and hit scores. It was an unusual tactic from a Jim McGuinness team. Kerry exploited it to great effect, particularly in the first half when they were absolutely exceptional. This was a really impressive all-round performance from Kerry. 'Sad to see him go' - GAA fans emotional seeing Michael D Higgins attend last men's All-Ireland final as President It is not often that everything comes together like that on All-Ireland final day, yet it's a joy to watch when it does. Kerry looked like they were going to raise a flag whenever they attacked. At the other end, Donegal were working much harder for their scores. On a day when the Ulster champions would have been hoping for a big impact from their bench, it never came. PLENTY OF CHANGES BUT LITTLE CHANGE They had four subs on before Kerry used their first, yet it changed very little. The loss of Ciarán Thompson to an injury in the first half, followed by another talisman in Ryan McHugh going off early in the second half, did not help their cause. When a team sees senior players leaving the game, it has a detrimental effect. Donegal would obviously have tagged Clifford obviously did damage when he was on the ball but perhaps they put too much emphasis on him. Brendan McCole was almost completely taken out of the game by the two-time Footballer of the Year. SELFLESS PLAY Clifford spent most of the first half out under the Hogan Stand, which only served to pull Donegal's defensive structure apart. It probably sums up Clifford's brilliance that he went in at half-time with 0-7 in his back pocket, despite not affecting main play in the game to a massive degree. Every ball he touched, it seemed to end up over the bar. The two-pointer before half-time would really have helped to kill Donegal's spirit. Given how things had been playing out, a five-point deficit at that stage would not have been a disaster. For Kerry to add another two to the margin really put a different complexion on things. Kerry's ability to hit two-pointers was obviously vital. By contrast, Donegal only attempted a couple and to no avail. But that is down to Kerry too. They defended higher than Donegal and starved them of the required space. The tactical nous of McGuinness is often lauded. UNSUNG HEROES And with good reason at times. But this time it was Jack O'Connor who got everything right. For Paudie Clifford to be on the ball 76 times is almost unheard of. There are some lads who would not see that much ball in a whole season! At every level, there is always one lad you want to kill whenever he gets the ball. Paudie is probably in that bracket, which is something he revels in too. Every time he had the ball, Donegal players seemed to swarm him but he just handed it off at will and created space for others to prosper. He was utterly magnificent. After a tough season with injuries, it was great to see him conjure up a performance of that quality. Along with Joe O'Connor and White, Paudie was one of several man-of-the-match contenders. In particular, O'Connor exerted a massive influence in the first half. He seemed to be on all the breaking ball and he covered every blade of grass. And he put the icing on the cake with a great finish for the goal. JACK O'CONNOR'S LAST? If this was to be Jack O'Connor's swansong, it was a fitting way for the man to go out. It was a very different game 21 years ago when he won his first All-Ireland. Still, here he is bringing Sam Maguire back to the Kingdom yet again. He is a wonderful manager with extraordinary longevity. As a five-time All-Ireland winner now, he has to go down as one of the greatest the game has ever seen. It will be a long winter in Donegal as they contemplate coming so close but failing to get over the line. But I expect McGuinness to be back and driving them forward again in 2026. As for Michael Murphy, will he stay on? I have my doubts. He has had a massive influence on how they play since he returned, so a bit of a reset would be required if he steps away again. Paddy McBrearty has probably also seen Croke Park for the last time too. Donegal still have the nucleus of a young team, so they have a lot to be encouraged by. But getting to these heights again without Murphy will be a tall order.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Kerry land 39th All-Ireland title as David Clifford stars and Donegal's punishing wait goes on
KERRY secured their 39th All-Ireland title on Sunday afternoon as they broke Donegal hearts once again. Jack O'Connor's side delivered a composed, ruthless performance at Croke Park. Advertisement 2 David Clifford was sublime for Kerry as the bagged their 39th Sam Maguire title 2 Michael Murphy and Donegal put up a brave show but they couldn't get in touch of Kerry throughout the contest The Kingdom pulled clear when it mattered most, and stamped their authority on the contest despite Donegal's repeated attempts to rally. Jim McGuinness' men put up a fight, but they simply couldn't cope with the Kingdom's clinical edge. From the off, the three-time All-Ireland winners were chasing the game, as David and Paudie Clifford dominated the tight spaces and dictated the tempo. Joe O'Connor was a powerhouse in midfield as he sealed the game with the only goal of the contest, while Dylan Geaney floated dangerously throughout. Advertisement read more on gaa But it was the Kingdom's day once again at GAA HQ. KERRY 1-26 DONEGAL 0-19 MORE TO FOLLOW...
Irish Examiner
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Kerry v Donegal: What time, what channel and all you need to know about the All-Ireland SFC final
The All-Ireland SFC final is upon us as Kerry get ready to take on Donegal in the 2025 edition. This will be the second final meeting between the two side having met in 2014 with Kerry taking the spoils on the day 2-9 to 0-12. Kerry are searching for their 29th All-Ireland title while Donegal are on the hunt for their third. This is Jack O'Connor's eighth All-Ireland final having led the Kingdom to wins over Mayo (2004), Cork (2009), Galway (2022) while the lost on three occasions to Tyrone (2005) and Dublin (2011 and 2023). Jim McGuinness led Donegal to All-Ireland glory in 2012 when they defeated Mayo. In their league meeting in February Doengal got the better of the Kingdom 0-23 to 1-18. Both sides have gone to extra time once in this year's championshp with Kerry defeated Cork by two points after extra time in the Munster semi-final while Donegal defeated Armagh by a single point in the Ulster final. Kerry played against Ulster opposition 12 times in All-Ireland finals winning five, drawing one and losing six. It promises to be a cracking game between the two sides. Here is all you need to know. Where and when is it on? The game will take place in Croke Park on Sunday July 27 with a throw-in time of 3.30pm. Where can I watch the game? The game will be shown live on RTÉ One with coverage starting at 2.15pm and BBC Two's coverage commencing at 3pm. There is the ever-entertaining Timmy Moynihan and Ambrose O'Donovan to tune into on Radio Kerry's live commentary. Who is the referee? Brendan Cawley will be the man in the middle and becomes the first Kildare referee to take charge of the All-Ireland final since Michael Monahan in 2005 who took charge of the Kerry Tyrone final while Tyrone won. What can I read about and listen to on Our reporters will be building up to the final throughout the weekend and previewing the game ahead of Sunday's throw-in. Listen to The Gaelic Football Show podcast where Paul Rouse, Maurice Brosnan and James Horan preview the All-Ireland final. James Horan, Maurice Brosnan and Paul Rouse look ahead to Sunday's meeting of Kerry and Donegal in the championship decider. Kerry selector James Costello is a new recruit to Jack O'Connor's management team. He speaks about the new direction that has been brought to Kerry as they eye up their 29th All-Ireland title. Read Tony Leen's article here. Read More Moment Jack O'Connor knew something was stirring with Kerry
Irish Examiner
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Meath boss 'delighted' to overcome Kerry in LGFA All-Ireland semi after 'being written off the last year'
TG4 LGFA All-Ireland semi-final: MEATH 2-12 KERRY 1-9 Before and after Jack O'Connor's men fell to a comprehensive defeat to Meath in Tullamore last month, there were a few grumblings in the Kingdom about just how neutral Glenisk O'Connor Park was for a game between the two green and gold counties. But any advantages the male Meath players enjoyed at the home of Offaly GAA for that group game were dwarfed by the way the Royal County turned the midland venue into a real home atmosphere on Saturday afternoon, outnumbering their Kerry counterparts by around ten to one and making that advantage count on the pitch too by doing their bit to try and nudge Maggie Farrelly to give those 50/50 calls to the Leinster County, not to mention adding to the growing sense of momentum by hailing every sideline ball, every turnover and every contest win as if it was the final whistle. It was all a world away from the comfortable outing that Kerry enjoyed in the 2024 quarter-finals, where they brushed Meath aside by double scores in Tralee. Many pundits felt that 0-16 to 0-8 win was a sign of the end of an era for the 2021 and 2022 All-Ireland champions – but Saturday evening, Meath manager Shane McCormack said that once he got a few key players back into the side, he knew his team would always be leading contenders. 'We've been written off for the last year and a half and we had been rebuilding,' he said afterwards. 'A lot of girls came back as well and it was great to have them, these girls would run through a brick wall for you. Their determination and energy was the biggest thing there today. "We were two points up at half-time after playing against the wind and we just said to keep the scoreboard moving. Kerry got their goal but we didn't panic and I was delighted to see the composure'. Former Footballer of the Year Vicki Wall, who missed most of 2024 and only came on as a substitute in that game in Austin Stack Park, would have been earmarked by most as the most valuable returnee to the Meath panel. It was her sister Sarah who picked up Player of the Match honours on Saturday however, while Robyn Murray in goal was another crucial ingredient in the win, both for the way she cleaned up her own sector and also for the accuracy of her kickouts. 'I'm delighted for Sarah, she's been phenomenal, she came back into the setup last year and she's made the six spot her own with great leadership and composure, and we saw that with the goal as well'. The tumultuous roar that greeted the centre back's goal was one of many moments that cemented the feeling that this was always going to be Meath's day. 'The crowds came out in their droves, and today it wasn't Navan it was Tullamore and I'd say it was double the crowd, so my thanks to all the fans and supporters, we really appreciate it,' McCormack beamed. Given the final margin however, and the comprehensive manner of Meath's win, Kerry manager Mark Bourke could only acknowledge that while 2025 was a 'great year', with Munster and National League honours secured, they were clearly second best yesterday. 'I thought the hungrier team won,' said the Tralee man. 'Meath were there to the breaking ball. They were hunting in packs, they were overlapping in numbers, and we weren't doing that'. 'I thought we started well in the second half, we got a goal, but Meath brought it up another gear in terms of the hunger and intensity. That's the difference. 'It takes time to replenish twelve new players again. If anyone doesn't understand that they shouldn't be involved in it. But there's really a lot of talent in Kerry football. You could see it there. 'I'm very happy with the year. You play these games knowing that you could go in to lose. But did everyone do their best, did everyone buy in? Everyone bought in, everyone did their best. Did we lay it out right? "I think we did. Games are going to be won and lost. So, on to the next game,' he concluded. Scorers for Meath: E Duggan (0-5, 4f), K Cole (1-0), S Wall (1-0), C Smyth (0-2), M Farrelly (0-2), A Cleary (0-2), S Ennis (0-1). Scorers for Kerry: S O'Shea (0-5, 4f), D O'Leary (1-0), N Ní Conchúir (0-2), A Galvin (0-1), C Evans (0-1). MEATH: R Murray; MK Lynch, Á Sheridan, K Newe; A Cleary, S Wall, K Kealy; O Sheehy, M Farrelly; M Thynne, N Gallogly, C Smyth; E Duggan, V Wall, K Cole. Subs: S Ennis for Newe (32), K Bermingham for Sheehy (40), N McEntee for Cole (56). KERRY: ME Bolger; E Lynch, C Lynch, D Kearney; A O'Connell, E Costello, A Dillane; M O'Connell, A Galvin; N Carmody, N Ní Conchúir, C Evans; D O'Leary, S Ó'Shea, J Lucey. Subs: R Dwyer for Lucey (37), R Rahilly for Kearney (38), K Enright for Galvin (50), F O'Donoghue for A O'Connell (52), N Quinn for Dillane (53). Referee: Maggie Farrelly (Cavan).
