You don’t traditionally associate goal celebrations with Gaelic football. It’s always felt more like a soccer thing.
Personally, though, I love seeing a bit of personality. Give me a good old fist pump, a kiss to the crowd, a Cantona pose towards Hill 16, or even Kobe McDonald’s trademark three-finger salute.
David Clifford, in particular, has taken fan engagement to another level. You only have to look at the passion on his face to see he’s desperate to drive Kerry towards back-to-back All-Ireland titles.
At the other end, Mayo’s Kobe McDonald and Ryan O’Donoghue are never afraid to lift the supporters after landing a couple of scores, and why shouldn’t they?
On All-Ireland final day, the margins are incredibly fine. If celebrating a score gets 82,000 people roaring and gives your teammates an extra lift, it’s another small edge that could make a difference. Football is emotion, and there’s nothing wrong with showing it as long as it’s genuine.
That said, if anyone’s thinking of pulling out Peter Crouch’s robot celebration… maybe leave that one for the dance floor in coppers that night!
Ryan O’Donoghue of Mayo celebrates after his second half goal v Louth at Croke Park. PICTURE: Oliver McVeigh (OLIVER MC VEIGH)
Read more: All-Ireland SFC final: How did Kerry get here?
Having Paddy Tally involved with Mayo is a massive advantage. Paddy was with Kerry for two years and knows them inside and out.
Paddy trained the 2003 Tyrone team that won our first All Ireland. He would probably be the best coach I’ve ever worked under. And preparation was always key. I’ve no doubts himself and Andy Moran would have studied this extensively.
If Enda Hession goes to Paudie Clifford, I think it would be one of Mayo’s smartest matchups.
Paudie is Kerry’s chief creator. He drifts into space, links play, and brings David Clifford and the inside forwards into the game.
His football IQ is second to none, spotting runs before they happen. He knows when to go and when to play the quarterback. Hession has to spoil him, which he has the pace, stamina and football intelligence to.
He must stay touch-tight without being dragged out of position.
Put the shoe on the other foot and carry the ball forward himself when Mayo turn possession over.
Clifford had been out for a month or more, so making him defend and asking questions with hard runs play with the mind.
The alternative is Sam Callinan. He’s another excellent defender and would relish the physical battle, but I’d probably use him elsewhere for more rough and tumble.
If Jason Foley picks up Ryan O’Donoghue, it makes sense from Kerry’s perspective. Foley is their premier lockdown defender and has consistently been given the opposition’s biggest threat.
Kerry’s full-back line need to be at their very best, the movement that Mayo’s inside line poses is frightening. They’re playing almost in a telepathic manner to each other, remarkable for their first season as a unit. Everything seems effortless.
Kobe McDonald excellent at attacking high ball and has shown he can win contests even against physically stronger defenders.
If Foley is occupied with O’Donoghue, Kerry’s other defenders may not have the same one-on-one ability in the air.
Mattie Donnelly of Tyrone in action against Jason Foley of Kerry.
PICTURE: Oliver McVeigh (OLIVER MC VEIGH)
Read more: Shane Ryan and Paul Geaney named on Kerry bench for All-Ireland final
Mayo have increasingly looked for early, direct deliveries on turnover ball, and Kobe is often the target. Kerry rarely have to defend isolated, one-on-one. Their half-backs and midfielders are excellent at dropping into the ‘D to crowd aerial contests.
Paul Murphy and Dylan Casey will likely get plenty of cover if Kobe drifts inside.
Kerry’s biggest strength is reading second balls. Even if Kobe wins the initial contest, they back themselves to sweep up the break.
But I’d be very confident in Kobe McDonald and Darragh Beirne right now.
The biggest reason isn’t just their talent, it’s how they’ve handled the biggest occasions already. That’s rare for players of their age, combining for 1-6 in the semi-final.
What impresses me most is that they’re already showing the traits of big-day players.
They want the ball in the closing stages.
They play with confidence rather than caution.
They seem to feed off the Croke Park atmosphere instead of being overawed by it.
Other big name players from Mayo have choked on the big day. These to boys are showing they badly want to get to the promise land.
Shane Murphy’s kick-out has become one of Kerry’s biggest attacking weapons. It’s not just about winning primary possession it’s about how quickly Kerry turn clean restarts into scoring opportunities. Most teams have tried one of three approaches:
Press high and contest everything, risking space if Murphy beats the press.
Drop off and concede short kick-outs, hoping to squeeze Kerry later in the move.
Mix the two, trying to disguise the press and force Murphy into less comfortable options.
None has consistently shut the system down.
It’s arguably the defining tactical battle of the final.
Andy Moran’s challenge isn’t simply to crack Murphy’s kickout, it’s to reduce its efficiency enough that Kerry lose their rhythm.
There are a few reasons Mayo could be better placed than previous opponents.
Mayo Manager Andy Moran during Louth v Mayo at Croke Park. PICTURE: Oliver McVeigh (OLIVER MC VEIGH)
Read more: Longing for another bonfire over Bohola: The story of Mayo football through the men of 1936, ‘48 and ‘51
I think Moran has shown a willingness to tailor game plans rather than stick rigidly to one system, and Mayo’s aggressive runners can pressure the receivers after the kick rather than focusing solely on winning the aerial contest.
On potential Player of the Year, Ryan O’Donoghue’s brilliant solo scores have been phenomenal.
But David Clifford will be in the debate until the day he retires.
If voting were today, you’d expect those two to be right at the top of the shortlist.
They’re both worthy winners, but Clifford’s knack for producing those moments on the biggest stage might just give him the edge if Kerry go on to lift Sam. He’s was reasonably quiet against Dublin and he finished with 1-5.
For me whatever the result, he’s my nailed on player of the year.
Finally however, my thoughts are with Stephen Gollogly’s family, his club, his county, and his many friends.
Stephen was a great competitor who always wore his heart on his sleeve. Anyone who lined out against him knew they were in for a battle.
The Ulster Championship clashes between Tyrone and Monaghan were always fiercely contested, but that’s what made Stephen so respected. Once the final whistle blew, he would always find the time to have a chat, a mark of the sportsman and person he truly was.
I hope the entire GAA community can rally around Stephen’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. May they find strength in the love and support that surrounds them, and may Stephen rest in peace.
