Jack: We needed to be tested

THE previews for the All-Ireland final next month will point to Kerry’s relatively straightforward run and claim they haven’t been sufficiently steeled.

However Jack O’Connor could hardly have asked for a more suitable semi-final than this.

Think of it, what would anyone ask for if offered the ideal game? A win, of course, but then what? An opponent that challenges robustly for an hour or so before falling gracefully away? A game that shines a light on some areas of concern in your own ranks? O’Connor got both of those yesterday.