Éamonn Fitzmaurice: Jim McGuinness has already started the chess match ahead of Kerry showdown

Tactical adjustments, kickout battles and a growing rivalry dominate anticipation ahead of blockbuster championship clash in Killarney

Kerry goalkeeper Shane Murphy must be on point with his kickouts if his side are to beat Donegal. Pic: Oliver McVeigh/Sportsfile

AHEAD of Donegal hosting Down in Letterkenny in the Ulster championship, Jim McGuinness had sent word to the match day stewards. He wanted his players off the pitch as quickly as possible at the final whistle. He didn’t want anyone lingering on the pitch unnecessarily afterwards. 

The reason? Everyone was to be on the bus and back at their training base in Convoy as quickly as possible. The recovery protocols for their battle with Armagh the following weekend were immediately to kick in. Predictable levels of military planning from the Glenties man but he hadn’t factored in Down’s outstanding performance. A Minsky moment of sorts for Donegal.