Maurice Brosnan: Do you believe in Al Pacino’s inches? You should after Kerry's win over Tyrone

As much as we like to attach neat narratives to Gaelic football, to make sweeping statements and declarations based on the final scoreboard, the reality is that the difference between success and failure is infinitesimal in a contest like this.

ROLLERCOASTER: Kerry's David Clifford looking for options oblivious to the frantic gesticulations of Tyrone manager Malachy O'Rourke in the background during Saturday's epic All-Ireland SFC quarter-final at Croke Park. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

This is it. A Kerry kickout directed toward the Cusack Stand wing is intercepted by Kieran McGeary. Diarmuid O’Connor comes thundering down upon him. He has it. He doesn’t. Does he? No one knows.

Despite giving away several inches, the Tyrone wing-back somehow gets his hands on the ball first. O’Connor desperately stays in the fight and comes down with his own hands on it too. They land wrapped around one another, like opposing hooks, underneath the Cusack Stand. There are under 20 minutes left in this enthralling quarter-final. It is a two-point game. The big house is booming.