Dessie Farrell content with 'bonus' but Jack O'Connor laments 'bit of a lottery'

The Dublin manager enjoyed his players' determination to tackle a 12-point deficit

Kerry manager Jack O'Connor in Tralee. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Dessie Farrell says everybody is still coming to terms with Gaelic football’s new rules as his Dublin side overcame a 12-point deficit to beat Kerry in Tralee for the first time in 43 years.

This latest turnaround can be filed along with other results like Derry coming back from nine points to draw against Galway earlier on Saturday and Down beating Cork last Sunday week despite being 10 points in arrears at one stage.

The wind factor at games at this time of year is having a greater impact than normal and Dublin manager Farrell admitted it is difficult to digest. “It is, yeah. Definitely is. There is a lot going on.

“I still think people are still trying to navigate their way through it. The two-pointers are significant particularly in a breeze if you have the ability to kick some of them. If you have those type of players in your team that can kick two-pointers, it’s definitely an advantage.

“Also the ‘keeper coming up, really trying to slow the game down a little bit in the first half, conditions obviously play a factor in that. Kerry made a couple of attempts at it in the second half as well.

“That’s probably one that the jury is still out on at the minute from what I’m hearing through the grapevine but yeah, everyone’s still trying to find their way through it.” 

Dublin manager Dessie Farrell. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Jack O’Connor insisted Kerry didn’t place too much emphasis on scoring goals when they had the breeze in the first half. Three opportunities went abegging.

“The goal chances were still there for us. There was one where there was a man free (Paudie Clifford) at the back post. He could have headed it in. That was one and we had a couple of other one on ones but look it was a bit of a lottery with the strength of the wind.

“It was hard to get the ball up the field. It’s hard to win a kick-out because the ball is holding up against the wind. The ball is holding up. I think we were 10 out of 19 (won) in the second half, which I suppose is average enough but it was a telling factor because Dublin kept coming.

“Particularly with the conditions tonight, the two pointers were on. Once you can work shooters into those positions, the two pointers are on all the time. Ten-point leads now aren’t safe anymore.” 

Farrell revealed Dublin won the toss and opted to face the elements in the first half. “It looked the wrong decision at half-time but thankfully it worked out in the end.” 

Insisting this league campaign isn’t about results but performances for his team in this year’s league, Farrell took plenty from the resolve shown by the players. “Very happy with the heart and the determination shown by the lads in the second half. It was challenging at half-time but we just asked them to give it everything and throw the kitchen sink at it.

“There was nothing to lose at that point and see where it got us. Even if we didn’t get the result which is a bit of a bonus, I was just very pleased with that effort in the second half, the bit of bottle that the lads showed.” 

He continued: “We’re not chasing results this year, it’s about making progress, it’s about young players developing, growing into it. It’s about building for the future and building for a very competitive championship so we’re encouraging lads to enjoy their football and there’s enough pressure inherent in the system at the business end of the championship so just to go out and play. Play what you see and enjoy it and let’s see where it takes us.”

O’Connor was not aware of the extent of Brian Ó Beaglaoich’s head injury and confirmed Tom O’Sullivan was an early withdrawal due to a calf strain. Dylan Geaney was a late withdrawal but could be available for the game against Tyrone in Omagh next weekend.