Football season review: Pragmatism trumps old ideals and traditions

Kerry have long been the great exporters of football. Sixteen men from the Kingdom have managed non-Kerry counties. Jack O'Connor's pragmatism in bringing in Paddy Tally paid off

PRAGMATIC: Kerry coach Paddy Tally lifts the Sam Maguire Cup. The Tyrone man was brought on board by Jack O'Connor for this season. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Football has long been an import and export business but in very general global terms Kerry have been China. Only too happy to share its output but not so keen on taking in the goods and service of others. Secretive and suspicious too. Listen, you get the picture.

In total, 16 men from the county have taken charge of non-Kerry counties. From Mick O’Dwyer to Jack O’Shea, from Páidí Ó Sé to Tomás Ó Flatharta, from Mickey Ned O’Sullivan to Liam Kearns, from John Evans to Donie Buckley, Kerry have been sending out their trade missionaries.