O’Sullivan hails Kerry character after north double
The Munster side’s first-half performance against Tyrone in Omagh last month was a scintillating exhibition of football but this latest northern success was achieved in very different style.
Four points down after eight minutes and with a handful of players stretching their legs for the first time this season, Kerry never panicked and their two-point winning margin belied the comfort of the win.
“We knew it would be a totally different game,” said O’Sullivan.
“In fairness to Derry, they were coming into this game with a lot of confidence, like ourselves.
“We were slow enough to start but fought away and snuck home in the end. These are winter conditions. It was tough enough and it makes it all the sweeter to come through and get the two points.
“Both teams were out on their feet towards the end but we kept fighting away for each other.”
It was an important staging post on the season’s trail with players like Kieran Donaghy, Tomás Ó Sé and Tadhg Kennelly all experiencing their first taste of competitive action.
O’Connor has stated his intention to make full use of his panel for the remainder of the league campaign and such competition will serve the side well as they seek to continue an unbeaten start after the opening three rounds.
“There are a lot of fellas coming in during the last few games who might not have expected so much game time or who needed it and they are all putting in good performances.
“It is good for the panel because it is keeping everyone on their toes.
“It keeps it interesting coming up to the games, nobody knows who will be playing because everyone deserves their shot.
“Everyone is showing well in training. It is all good.”
The speed with which Kennelly adapted to the pace of senior football was encouraging for the summer.
“The Sydney Swan had a hand in two of the side’s last three scores.
The only black mark was an ambitious point attempt from distance which spun closer to the corner flag than the sticks and O’Sullivan promised that the former Sydney Swans star will hear plenty about it in the days to come.
“He has been in with us now for a few weeks. He is very fit and he tore into everything.
“Fair play to him. He has fit well into the group so we will give him a good slagging about that first effort on goal.”
