From peripheral to the engine room: how Kerry's second wave have become key

Kerry's injury concerns could ease for the All-Ireland series clash with Donegal but their Munster final victory over Cork underlined the strength in depth of the Kingdom panel

Twelve months ago, Mark O'Shea was on the periphery of the Kerry team. Now he's an All-Ireland winner and a prominent member of the Kingdom's midfield crew. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Cross my heart, Jack O’Connor, the Kerry manager, insisted Sunday night. The word ‘Donegal’ was not mentioned once last week.

We believe you Jack. Juggling limited resources before, during and now in the wake of Sunday’s Munster SFC final win over Cork would shorten the windy road both ways between St Finan’s Bay in Ballinskelligs and Lewis Road in Killarney.