Éamonn Fitzmaurice: Baby steps for Kerry, Cork must polish their decisions

While David Clifford's brilliance isn’t new to anyone it is easy for all of us to take him for granted at this stage, but what he is doing day in day out is incredible

BOTTLED UP: Brian Hurley of Cork is tackled by Paul Murphy, left, and Jack Barry of Kerry during the All-Ireland SFC Round 2 match at Páirc Ui Chaoimh. Pic: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

The general consensus afterwards in Páirc Uí Chaoimh was that Kerry, especially in the second half were still unimpressive, and lucky to get the result. When compared to where they were this time last year maybe that is fair but I feel within the group they will be happy with the win and with the improved performance from Killarney. Baby steps in the right direction, but in the right direction nonetheless. 

Jack O’Connor’s utterances post match signalled as much, with relief appearing to be the dominant emotion. Possibly he was worried with what he had seen on the training field since Mayo. He has an unerring sixth sense for knowing where his teams and players are at. The most important thing Saturday was the two points with an improvement from Killarney. Mission accomplished. Jack might be comparing the current funk with 2009 when it took the sight of the Dubs coming down the tracks to really get the group going. Either way there is room for improvement for the Louth game.