McShea's Say: Kerry are no world-beaters but winning in the Kingdom will be tough

Donegal eagerly anticipates their first match under the new rules, and we are all excited for the opening game of the National League as we travel to face Kerry this Sunday. 

As we live in a time of perpetual impatience, we have all become accustomed to getting everything we want now, or at least expect to. When we send messages, we look for blue ticks and immediate responses. Our expectations for getting what we want are completely skewed. Everything is about now and we have become an impatient society.  

Therefore, I believe that with the advent of the new rules, Donegal needs to stay calm, and patient, and then we will start being productive.  

Kerry are slight favourites to beat us on Sunday, and no doubt home advantage is a major factor in the bookmaker’s decision, but I do believe that the team that is most comfortable with the new rules will probably pick up the two points on offer this Sunday.  

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I remember watching Roy Keane’s interview with Tommy Tiernan in 2023, and Keane made many interesting observations. He made the point that he did spend too much time talking in his capacity as a manager and he rationalised that comment by adding that good footballers are usually intelligent people and they do not need to be spoon-fed about every minute detail in playing or preparing to play.  

I agree with that observation, and it amuses me to see managers or coaches standing with a flip chart in one hand, and their arm around the sub that is being introduced in the last minute of a match frantically explaining to the player how to go on and win the game.  

After the inordinate delay since we last saw our team in action there is a good buzz in the county again and there is quite a degree of optimism about our team’s prospects for the new season.  

In previewing any Donegal game over the last two years there was no question about Michael Murphy’s situation as he had retired. Now every Donegal follower is delighted to see him available again and we are looking forward to seeing him in action

His instinctive brilliance on the field left his teammates, friends, and supporters breathless, and in Croke Park on Sunday, as I watched Michael Fitzsimons give a master class for his club Cuala in winning their All-Ireland club football title, I remembered that Murphy is the same age as the great Dublin defender.  

Like Fitzsimons with Dublin, there is an incredible amount that our younger players in Donegal will learn from having a man of Murphy’s charisma and personality in the dressing room.  

We sometimes are far too willing to cast the net afar when the person we need is right in front of us. To me, Michael Murphy is one such person.  

As for what may happen in Kerry on Sunday, this is a big season for their manager Jack O’Connor, and I believe there are already some rumblings of discontent about Kerry’s championship performances in 2024. 

Donegal will hope to build on last year when an All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Galway represented significant progress. I believe that Kerry are not world-beaters but winning in the Kingdom is always a formidable challenge. I would be happy to get our campaign off to a positive start by getting a draw this Sunday.  

All-Ireland club finals 

I was in Croke Park on Sunday for the club hurling and football finals. Na Fianna, the Dublin champions, gave Sarsfields from Cork a lesson in the skills of the game, in what was a very one sided final.  

The consensus after this game was that Cork will be in trouble if Sarsfields’ display was an indicator of the strength and depth of the game in Cork.  

The football final featuring Cuala and Errigal Ciarán was a match that will live in the memory for a very long time, but no one at the game would have thought that at halftime. 

By the 25th minute of this final Cuala were leading by an incredible 14 points and no one in attendance could see anything other than a comprehensive victory for the Dublin team.  

To make matters worse, Errigal lost their inspirational leader  Darragh Canavan to a concussion after a knock to the head early in the game.  

But the second-half display by the Tyrone men was simply incredible and as injury time approached, there was only a kick of the ball between the teams. The atmosphere at this game was incredible and the anxiety of Cuala’s supporters was palpable as they whistled for the final whistle.  

Peter Harte was simply superb in leading the Tyrone men’s comeback on the day and his goal was one of the best scores I have ever witnessed at GAA Headquarters.  

Cuala played great football in the first half and their two county men Mick Fitzsimons and Con O’Callaghan, on this display, would suggest that Dublin may once again be a formidable force in this year’s championship.

Naomh Padraig's All-Ireland final this weekend

Congratulations to Naomh Pádraig Uisce Chaoin on reaching the county's first-ever All-Ireland Junior Football Championship Final, set to take place this Saturday in Croke Park.

In doing so, the Inishowen men become the first club side from the county to play a national final in GAA Headquarters, and no doubt the Naomh Padraig community is buzzing.

The semi-final against Munster champions Kilmurry was a testament to their resilience. After a gripping match that extended into extra time, Naomh Pádraig emerged victorious in a penalty shootout, winning 3-1 and securing their spot in the final and that never-say-die attitude has been a solid testament to them this season.

This Saturday, they will face Galway's An Cheathrú Rua in what promises to be an exciting contest. The entire community stands proudly behind Naomh Pádraig Uisce Chaoin, wishing them the very best as they aim to bring the All-Ireland title home to Donegal.