Winners set trends. What will Kerry inspire for 2023?

Gaelic football has a habit of moving in cycles. Winners set trends and chasers strive to replicate the template

THE MARGINS: Galway’s Johnny Heaney is blocked by Kerry’s Stephen O’Brien during the All-Ireland SFC final. Moments such as O’Brien on Heaney showed Kerry mastered the margins in 2022. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

When they review 2022, the tapestry of scores that Clifford and Walsh crafted in the All-Ireland final will stand the test of time. Those plaudits are unquestionably deserving, each point was a stroke of genius. Yet, while it will identify the decider it should not define it.

What was the most important play of the first half? Not the most memorable passage, the one crucial to Kerry’s chances. It is unlikely to hang on any walls or be lauded with praise. After six minutes John Daly delivered a trademark perfect kickpass and sent Johnny Heaney clear on goal. The Galway forward collected and let loose, only for Stephen O’Brien to dive on his boot and deny the goal chance with a textbook block.