Darragh Ó Sé is a retired Kerry footballer who played from 1997 until he announced his retirement in early 2010. He made 81 championship appearances for the Kingdom with Six All Ireland medals to his name.
The Irish Times has tasked Ó Sé with the mission of dissecting the starting 15 Dublin players for Sunday’s All-Ireland final against Kerry and this is what the Kerry man had to say.
- Cluxton
Has confounded all the critics since he’s come back, at age 41, and hasn’t put a foot wrong, not conceding a single goal in getting to the final. It’s all been so seamless it’s like he’s never been away. Still, there to be tested on Sunday. - Murchan
One of the better man-markers on this Dublin team, likely to track Paudie Clifford, he also has the pace, power and strength to come forward. Well experienced now too, Kerry won’t need reminding of what he’s capable of. - Fitzsimons
Likely to face off with David Clifford, his defending has been as consistent as ever, top drawer against Monaghan. He’s certainly playing to form, still has the pace too. Also going for his ninth All-Ireland medal, an extraordinary achievement. - David Byrne
Plenty of experience now, and perfectly complements Murchan and Fitzsimons, with his pace and aggression. Well able to man-mark and can move forward too, possibly the heir apparent to Fitzsimons at this point. A real force in defence after the loss of Philly McMahon. - McCarthy
I’ve said before he’s been my favourite player on this great Dublin team over the last 12 years now, still playing exceptionally at half-back, and midfield, he can also move forward. A no-nonsense leader, doesn’t look for plaudits, the ultimate team player. An out-and-out winner.
- John Small
Another player who brings a great physical force to the team, always gets the hits in when required. Give him any chance at all and he will bury you. He can score too, his physicality sometimes belies his football ability and consistency. - Lee Gannon
Also has a licence to power forward, if he’s asked too, similar to what Jack McCaffrey can do. He’s improving with each game too. Maturing this season alongside the great players around him. - Fenton
Huge game on Sunday, he’ll revel in that, always a player for the big occasion and he will not be found wanting. His game control, especially late on, is second to none, along with James McCarthy. Has all the physicality and skill set, always good for a point or two. - Brian Howard
Also loves the big stage, and can play anywhere too, moving between the forwards and defence. A great fielder of the ball, can score too, so few faults to his game. Except maybe a yard or two short of pace. Perfectly complements Fenton too. - Paddy Small
Another of Dublin’s versatile players, comfortable all over the field, left-legged too so brings variety. Has been in and out of the starting team, but on any given day, like Peter Casey in the hurling final last week, could shoot four of five points. - Mannion
People are questioning his form since his return, I think he’s done very well. Brings a bit of balance to the forward line, a left-legged player. His free-taking is still exceptional, can take on fellas too, getting more comfortable with every game. - Scully
Another of their utility players, can drift back to midfield if required, never shy of the relentless work-rate, or the need to track back. He’s still got a big engine, plays without fuss or drama. Won’t shoot the lights out, but creates the chances for those around him.
- Costello
Having arguably his best season to date, benefiting from the free-taking role but kicking plenty from play too. He’s enjoying his football, like Colm Basquel, previously an impact sub, now one of Dublin’s go-to players. Playing with confidence and can definitely catch fire. - Con
Missed the Kerry semi-final last year, people are saying he hasn’t hit his old heights yet. But even on an average day he’s still better than the next fellah. His only problem is he’s been rated off his own high standards. - Basquel
Dropped some form against Monaghan, but well able to catch fire again, his goal against Mayo was spectacular. Brings some great energy to the team. He’s taking his chance, and can hurt Kerry too.
