Nobody springs more out of a league final than Jack O’Connor’s Kerry

Against Donegal on Sunday, Jack O'Connor has the chance to leap ahead of Jim Gavin as the most successful of the modern era in the National Football League.

LORD OF THE LEAGUE: Going back to 2004 when Kerry beat Galway in the first of two finals in the space of three years, Jack O'Connor's record has been flawless in league finals. Pic: ©INPHO/James Crombie

At this stage, Jack O’Connor has earned it, so we won’t merely describe one of his powers as a new manager bounce. No, capturing a league and All-Ireland in the first year of his three stints as Kerry manager is obviously a case of Jumpin’ Jack Flash.

Mickey Harte boasts a similar ability, also doing the double in his first season with Tyrone. Later, all within months of being appointed, he earned promotion with Louth and Offaly as well as a Division 1 title with Derry.