Éamonn Fitzmaurice: Why I knew Seanie O'Shea would stand up when Kerry's need was greatest

O'Shea is made for moments like that. From the moment he came into the Kerry squad in 2017 it was clear he had the right stuff. Shane Ryan had sauntered up the field for the free but Seanie sent him packing

10 July 2022; Seán O'Shea of Kerry celebrates after kicking the winning point in his side's victory in the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final match between Dublin and Kerry at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

As usual Kerry and Dublin delivered with a brilliant match that had everything. The pace and intensity of the contest was at a different level to anything I have seen so far in this championship. It will stand to Kerry for the final. There has been a serious impatience in Kerry to get a win over Dublin in championship. 

As each championship loss was ticked off since 2009 that restlessness was increasing and was preoccupying the mind of an entire county and its supporters. The five in a row All Ireland minor wins meant there was talent coming but an acceptance that it would take time to overtake the best team of all time was in short supply.