3 key battles: Sean Cavanagh key to Tyrone’s hopes of upset

Peter Crowley (Kerry) v Sean Cavanagh (Tyrone)

While discussing last year’s drawn All-Ireland semi-final between Kerry and Mayo, Tomás Ó Sé uttered the phrase of the summer. Pointing to the damage done by Mayo’s powerful half-back and midfield sector, Ó Sé said Kerry needed to “hammer the hammer”.

For Tyrone, Sean Cavanagh is the hammer. When the Tyrone captain plays well, he is a like a rising tide, he lifts every team-mate around him. Moreover, the sight of Cavanagh in full flow galvanises the Tyrone supporters. Cavanagh makes them find their voice. Kerry need no reminding of Cavanagh’s threat. He sunk them in 2008, scoring 0-5 from play in the All-Ireland final.