Mayo believe there is one key area they have an edge over Kerry
SOARING: Mayo’s Kobe McDonald claims a high ball against Cork in the All-Ireland quarter final. 'I would say he loves basketball as much as he loves football,' says Liam MacHale. Pic: James Crombie, Inpho
Their attack.
Kerry have averaged 30 shots per game in the 2026 championship. Only Donegal managed to hold them to 20 shots, doing so twice in the league. In every single game this year, except one, they have scored a two-pointer from play.
They have scored 14 goals from play, (admittedly, one dubious inclusion here given David Clifford missed a penalty and scored the rebound).
The point is that when Kerry get their hands on ball, they are awesome with it. David Clifford and Paudie Clifford are two of the greatest threats in the game but Dylan Geaney, Sean O’Shea and Paul Geaney are terrific finishers too.
The defence.
In the 2025 final, Kerry sat deep and stayed compact. They could do so because Donegal didn’t carry into contact or shoot from range. They have conceded an overage of 2.4 two points from play in their last five games. Mayo have several threats from outside the arc. This should force them to change their approach in the decider.
As well as that, their full-back line has been under pressure in recent games. Jason Foley endured his first difficult day of the season against Tyrone on Mattie Donnelly and Darren McCurry. Paul Murphy struggled against Dublin. Dylan Casey can expect a ferocious press every time he tries to carry the ball out.
Only one answer. In the 2026 season so far, David Clifford has scored 9-12-41 from play. That is 92 scores from 91 shots. No one else in the country has more than 50 points from play. The man is an absolute wonder.
It should be said, the Fossa star took issue with certain people describing him as the greatest ever before last year’s decider.
“To be honest about it, I nearly take it as a hit because I think there are people who say it and they mightn’t be coming from the right place when they say it,” he said post-match. “I think they are trying to build you up hoping that you fail. That was a massive motivation for me today.”
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The athletic profile.
From the start, Andy Moran set out his stall. In Salthill last January, we saw what Moranball was going to be. It was hard to say whether or not it would be a success, but there was no doubt in anyone’s mind in the ground that whatever happens in 2026, this would be a side worth watching.
Arsenal S&C coach Barry Solan and the highly-respected Conor Finn have been credited for their work with the group in recent weeks.
In every line bar midfield, Mayo have searing pace. Eoin McGreal, Enda Hession, Sam Callinan and Darragh Beirne are rapid. Tommy Conroy has provided another burst off the bench in recent games.
All season long, the noise from Kerry has included concern about their injuries and the toll of the club championship. Mayo can believe this is one area where they have an edge.
The kickout.
At times this season they have looked vulnerable at the back. The best way to resolve that is to defend less and dominate the ball. Mayo have an issue here in that both Cork and Louth did better on kickouts in the quarter-final and semi-final.
While accepting it is “massive,” speaking at the Mayo media night, Andy Moran suggested there has been an evolution on how teams are set defensively if they lose a kickout.
“It is just another function of the game and I think teams now are getting better at setting up in case you lose the kickout.”
The issue is that defending that scenario against a Louth or Cork is not the same thing as against Kerry.
Kobe McDonald and Enda Hession were previous nominees for this title. This time, the nod goes to Ryan O’Donoghue.
There is an obvious comparison between the Galway hurlers and the Mayo footballers. A poor record in finals, two bright prospects who led their attack, a superb semi-final display, an opposition who found it difficult to get through their own game…
What Mayo can’t afford to do is what happened to Galway. Their young stars delivered. Elsewhere, some stalwarts struggled.
O’Donoghue was magnificent last time out. He is Mayo’s top scorer from play this season and their top assister with a remarkable 3-46 created.
He is their main free taker, their second-best two-pointer kicker (after Jack Carney) and a constant focal point. His ability to operate at full-forward or 11 is vital given how they use their bench.
They need him to have another awesome performance if they are to have a famous day.
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