All-Ireland football final: Kerry v Mayo – David Clifford, Kobe McDonald and the pursuit of excellence

The destination of Sam Maguire could well come down to what Clifford produces on Sunday, but there are plenty of others in green and gold who can and have stepped up.

In the other corner, a new wave of attacking talent has emerged who are ready to make their mark.

Darragh Beirne, 19, has contributed 2-15 on the run to Sunday’s final but it is a man one year his junior, Kobe McDonald, who has captured the imagination.

Perhaps that is down to the 18-year-old being the son of Mayo great, Ciaran, who produced so many magic moments during his own playing days that saw him reach three All-Ireland finals and his help club Crossmolina to the 2001 All-Ireland title.

Or maybe it’s because of his impending move to Australian Rules club St Kilda, meaning this Sunday may well be the last time he wears his county’s colours.

It has created added intrigue around a young star whose resemblance to his father is not restricted to looks, but also a playing style that has won admirers.

“He’s just his own guy,” said Mayo boss Andy Moran.

“You wouldn’t even know he was around the place until he puts on the pink boots and starts to play a bit of football.

“He’s a quiet, humble young man and plays with that bit of 18-year-old freedom.”

Quiet he may be, but on the field is where McDonald has come alive in 2026, kicking 1-25 in Mayo’s run to the final as he, Beirne and young defender Eoin McGreal proved in the semi-final win over Louth at a packed out Croke Park, the big occasion holds no fears.

“You wouldn’t notice those guys around the place as they are so composed, no egos of distractions, just very focused,” said Mayo defender Stephen Coen, a veteran of four All-Ireland finals.

“Of course, I’ll try to give guidance and learnings of the past, but these guys have their own way of doing things and you just support them as much as possible.”