Tony Leen: Jack O'Connor's back, driving Kerry, looking for those small but ferocious gains

It’s easily forgotten that O’Connor was overlooked in 2019 when the executive opted to give Peter Keane the reins. O’Connor had just taken early retirement at the time and felt it was a perfect moment to return to the fold.

Jack O'Connor pictured at a press conference in Austin Stack Park in Tralee on Friday.

If Kerry can transition from defence to attack with the same facility returning manager Jack O’Connor achieved in his opening press remarks in Tralee on Friday, 2022 silverware for the Kingdom’s footballers is a lock.

O’Connor says he’s mellowing in his 61st year but there were enough moments in front of the mics and cameras at Austin Stack Park to indicate that his trademark bristle is on tap if required. Cranky Jack clearly doesn’t bite as often these days, and says he’s more thick-skinned than before. When the mood takes him, he’s an engaging, thoughtful footballing conversation and on this day, he seemed glad of the opportunity to set the record straight on some festering matters. One couldn’t say with any certainty though that the hairdryer has been decommissioned for good.