Éamonn Fitzmaurice: O'Sullivan exclusion a major surprise but other than that...
PUTTING HIS HAND UP: Tom O'Sullivan of Kerry appeals for a point after a wide is called during the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final match between Kerry and Galway at Croke Park in Dublin. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
KERRY'S All-Ireland football success was built on defence, and this is reflected in the 2022 All-Star selection, where they get four of the seven defensive slots.
To concede only one goal in the championship - and three in the entire season - was a remarkable turnaround from conceding three in one match, against Tyrone in 2021. The quality of the defence meant Shane Ryan was not over-worked in the shot-stopping department, with his All-Star award more for his kick-outs and calm presence. Both of these have developed steadily over the last few seasons and he is now an elite keeper which is a central component for any team with ambitions of winning the All-Ireland.
