Kerry have a habit of winning the historically significant All-Irelands. The centenary final in 1984, the Millennium final in 2000, the 125th in 2009 and now the first final under the new rules. It was a total footballing performance from an exceptional group of footballers, guided by an expert management team. As well as winning everything possible this year, in another Jack Slam, the connection between the team and the Kerry supporters has been consequential and magical. When David Clifford asked for support after the Cavan game in Killarney the Kerry public answered the call with gusto. They have backed the team to the hilt since, and it counts. In return the players and management have delivered three outstanding Croke Park performances to win a memorable All-Ireland.
This All-Ireland win was delivered with a total footballing display, enabled by a tactical masterclass and underpinned by workrate. Over the course of the match, Kerry won 15 breaking balls at kickout time. Many of those were from the feared Shaun Patton long-range missile that is flicked on to cause consternation. Kerry were ready for it and read it time and again. Critically the breaking ball men were always in the right position to challenge for it. They also forced 15 turnovers with their tackling.
