O’Connor: Players reaping the benefits of last year’s early exit

HE didn’t exactly say his team have fallen in love with football again but Jack O’Connor certainly wasn’t dumbing down the joie de vivre shown by Kerry on Saturday night.

The majesty of their foot-passing and support play was marvellous at times and while Limerick contributed with incredibly flat-footed defending, there was an unmistakable freshness about such a seasoned team.

“I just think the lads are enjoying their football a lot this year,” explained O’Connor. “They got a bit of a break last year for the first time in six years. Mentally that takes a fierce toll, getting to six All-Irelands in a row. Maybe they needed that break.