Kerry boss Jack O’Connor has confidently asserted that Stephen Cluxton, Jack McCaffrey, and Paul Mannion are back in the Dublin squad with a single-minded mission: to win the All-Ireland title.
They rejoined the Dublin team earlier this year and, according to O’Connor, their return signals a clear intention to claim another Sam Maguire. This determination is expected to elevate them above other prominent players, both in Dublin and Kerry, who have also amassed eight All-Ireland medals.
O’Connor believes that these players are not merely participating for the sake of it, given their track record of winning eight All-Irelands. He notes that “You come back to win another All-Ireland and separate themselves from the pack of the five Kerry boys that won eight and the slew of Dublin boys who have won eight already.”
Adding to this, he highlighted that the aforementioned players, including Con O’Callaghan, who was absent last year, bring a combined total of 24 All-Ireland medals back into the dressing room.
This wealth of experience, he indicates, gives the Dublin team a significant boost. The return of these players, alongside the addition of Dublin’s 2011 All-Ireland winning manager Pat Gilroy to Dessie Farrell’s management, implies that Dublin is putting significant efforts into claiming this year’s title.
However, O’Connor remains hopeful for Kerry’s prospects in the upcoming match. He mentioned the tradition of both teams playing positive football and expressed his expectation for an open game. He stated that getting the right balance between defence and attack will be critical.
O’Connor also commented on the exhilarating atmosphere leading up to a final in Kerry, especially when facing a historically significant rival like Dublin.
While acknowledging the strength of the Dublin team and their intent to win, O’Connor, as the Kerry boss, remains optimistic and geared up for a spirited contest in the upcoming All-Ireland final.
