Former Armagh star Aaron Kernan has spoken exclusively to BOYLE Sports this week to preview Sunday’s Sam Maguire showdown between Kerry and Donegal.
The three-time All-Ireland winner with Crossmaglen Rangers discussed :
- How the managers & fans could swing the final
- The Jim McGuinness impact on Donegal
- Player of the Year contenders
- Will Michael Murphy retire again if Donegal win?
- Match verdict.
Managers & Fans
“Both sets of players are going into the final in the full knowledge they’re being coached by men who have been there and done that at the highest level. There’s a driven nature in both of those men and that’s not by chance. Yes they have talented players surrounding them, but there have been plenty of managers with quality around them who haven’t been able to get the best out of it. How they energise themselves rubs on their team and it’s always been impressive from these two men.
“There was some criticism of David Clifford’s rallying cry before the Armagh game – but why wouldn’t he ask the fans to come out and get involved? Kerry players have probably looked at other counties with envy in terms of vocal support and I’ve never seen the supporters get behind the team like they did against Armagh and Tyrone – they have such a big part to play.
“Both management teams have made the fans feel like each team is their team, their identity. The atmosphere is another reason why we’re all looking forward to Sunday.”
McGuinness Impact
“Whenever Jim McGuinness came back in, Donegal were at such a low ebb and his big thing was getting his players believing again, but also bringing the support with him.
“Him coming back and Michael Murphy coming out of retirement to win an All-Ireland would be the stuff of dreams for Donegal. They were in disarray just over two years ago. But as soon as Jimmy returned there was no question that the best players would all be playing and running the one way, that’s the aura McGuinness has. It’s what he demands and it’s what he gets.
“To get Michael Murphy back to where he’s at is one thing, but you have to give credit to the rest of the group. So many of the players have taken their game to a whole new level.
“I’m thinking of Finnbarr Rourty as a new player coming in, but also of Brendan McCole who had a difficult start to his county career, but has become the best man-marker in Ireland at the moment.”
Player of the Year Contenders
“David Clifford is the standout player when it comes to Kerry. Physically and mentally he has taken his game to a whole new level this year and if Kerry get over the line, I think he’s an absolute shoo-in to be crowned Player of the Year.
“In the Donegal team there’s a huge amount of talk about Michael Murphy – the physical condition he came back in and just how seamless the return has been. There’s always a risk when you’ve been away from the game whether the body is going to be fit for it. And it’s been difficult for everybody to adapt to the new rules, never mind somebody who’s been out of the game, but it’s been an amazing comeback.
“But for me, if Donegal get across the line, a decent performance from Michael Langan could put him as their frontrunner. He’s just been incredible.”
Sam swansong for Michael Murphy?
“Physically, Michael Murphy has the capability to go again and he’d be able to enjoy a victory without losing his focus on getting in shape again next year. There would always be that draw to go again, but it’s a tough ask.
“In the modern game, I don’t see any team winning two or three All-Irelands in a row. There are so many teams capable of taking each other out when it hits the quarter-final stage. That’s great for our game and it’s something I think we’ll see over the next decade, so it’s one for Michael to mull over.
“My gut feeling is, if Donegal win Sam, Michael would go out at the top. He’d be fully deserved of a statue anywhere in the county, it would an incredible legacy for him to leave. It’s very rare you get the opportunity to go out on such a high.”
Prediction
“I’d go with a very narrow Donegal win. Defensively they’ve been brilliant and they have an array of talent who can punish you.
“When their defence is really on top, it forces turnovers, and there’s not a team in the country with the pace, power and running ability they have.
“Any inferiority complex going up against Kerry in an All-Ireland final, or fear of a challenge, isn’t going to bother this Donegal group. If anything, it’ll excite them.”
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