Éamonn Fitzmaurice: Players provided the drama but TG4 were the real stars of Sunday
One-twos and a willingness to go at their men again are opening up opportunities for Kerry, as was clearly illustrated by Gavin White’s goal against Galway. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
What a day of football yesterday was, with consequences galore for plenty of counties. One could easily write two columns about it all. Here are a selection of some of the main talking points, with plenty more left on the editing room floor.
While the players provided the drama and entertainment, once more TG4 excelled as they facilitated the entire country and allowed us to watch it all unfold. They were the stars of the show. I have felt for a long time that a trick was being missed with the excitement and volatility of the last Sunday of the league not being fully captured live. I felt that even the ability to go between the grounds for a brief update would be great on the final day. Sunday Sport from RTÉ Radio 1 but on the telly. TG4 went a step further in providing us big moments from around the grounds while broadcasting the main match. Anytime they split to the multiscreen to show a highlight from one of the other matches the live tables kept us up to speed with how everything stood, at that moment in time. Both Kerry and Mayo resided in the relegation spot for a period but then both ended up in the final, highlighting the unpredictability of it all. Supporters could also watch their own team live on their YouTube channel. While our multitasking skills were pushed to the limit it was outstanding viewing. TG4, chapeau!
I was in Rathkeale for Limerick’s round two encounter with Wexford on the first weekend in February. While Wexford won, there was much to like about Limerick on the day. It was clear what they were trying to do, but crucially they were visibly low on confidence at the time. They needed a win, any kind of a win to banish that anxiety and get them on the road, as they had been on a bad run of results for some time. They hadn’t won a league game since 2022. In 2023 they lost six and drew one of their matches in division two and last year they lost all seven in division three as they fell through the divisions. Since that home defeat to Wexford they are unbeaten, with four wins and a draw. They finished the job yesterday by getting promoted and are now rewarded with a trip to Croke Park next weekend. James Naughton scored a remarkable 4-12 from the 4-24 total. Kudos to Jimmy Lee and his players for turning that tide and regaining the winning habit.
Every year that Jack O’Connor has managed Kerry to All-Ireland success he has done so by also winning the league earlier in the season. After losing to Mayo (their opponents in next weekend's final) in round five the chances of reaching the decider were remote. In fact it was the clear and present danger of a possible relegation that seemed to concentrate their minds. In the meantime they have rediscovered their mojo with two big wins against both of last year's All-Ireland finalists. They are purring along nicely and dealing with any curveballs that come their direction. Some of the interplay upfront is exciting and incisive.
Cian O’Neill’s influence is starting to tell. One-twos and a willingness to go at their men again is opening up opportunities, as was clearly illustrated by Gavin White’s goal. The two Cliffords are fresh and energetic. Paul Geaney is playing great football. They now get another cut at Mayo. It will be telling to see how they deal with the Mayo press in Croke Park, something they struggled with in Castlebar. Their big win in Salthill means the Jack Slam of league and championship is still very much on, a huge positive from a Kerry perspective.
It isn’t too often that I feel sorry for Tyrone but they are seriously unfortunate to be heading for division two for the 2026 campaign. It is unprecedented to go down on seven points. There were mitigating circumstances for them during the league, most notably their missing Errigal Ciarán contingent for the first three rounds. They could and probably should have won at least one other match along the way. Ultimately Armagh’s strong home performance in round two did for them as it gave the All-Ireland champions the advantage in the head to head stakes, which ultimately kept them in division one. While Dublin didn’t play with any huge aggression or intensity in Omagh yesterday there was still plenty to like about Tyrone. They were gritty and Darragh Canavan and Darren McCurry reinvigorated their upfront partnership. The lovely floated over the top kick pass played by McCurry for Canavan’s goal emphasised this. Tyrone will be fine come championship. They will fancy their chances of getting to the Ulster semi-final with a win over Cavan where they will get another cut at McGeeney and co.
When Cork were clicked yesterday in Cavan they were excellent, on a day when they had to be. They were motivated, physical and worked ferociously hard throughout. In the first half they mixed their natural running game with a nice kicking game in the last third. Their three up predominantly featured Brian Hurley, Chris Óg Jones and Mark Cronin. It had a good balance to it. When any of the trio, but particularly Hurley, got early ball they had the Cavan defence in serious bother. At the other end of the pitch some of their one-on-one defending was top notch. Daniel O’Mahony and Neil Lordan stood out here. However, they did leave Cavan in the game when they could have killed them off. The final decision or pass in the attacking third was off at times. Both Matty Taylor and Paul Walsh should have had first half goals. Walsh in particular should have squared his pass to a wide open Hurley for what would have been a certain goal, rather than shooting himself. They were hanging on in the end, but they did hang on with a few great block downs that displayed a clear determination and desperation to win the match. They still have plenty to work on for championship but they undoubtedly have the raw materials to put a hole in some of the teams ranked above them.
What a spirited display from Louth in Inniskeen. With Down also winning they needed the result to guarantee their Division 2 status. Considering captain Sam Mulroy was the latest to join their lengthy injury list of quality players the odds were stacked against them. With the wind at their backs they defended deep in the first half, similar to the way they played last year but now with 11 rather than 14 players. The wind helped them as Meath couldn’t pick them off from outside with two pointers but they hunted in packs and with energy. Additionally, Meath’s shooting and lack of punch gave the home side energy and encouragement. When they broke they mixed kicking with running and support play very effectively. Tommy Durnin was immense as was Donal McKenny and Conor Brannigan. Division 2 membership for 2026 is secured but Sam Maguire status isn’t yet. They will be trying to get to a Leinster final for a third year in a row to guarantee that.
The Royals will be disappointed with how they finished the league but they showed enough throughout to show they are on the right path. Their shooting was off, but they did fight back spiritedly. They missed three two point frees. They lost by five. Do the math. Jordan Morris’ injury looked serious and considering how well he has been playing it is a huge personal and collective blow. On the positive side they now have a two week break to refresh, refocus and to get ready for championship and Carlow.
Even though they were relegated to Division 3 yesterday, by virtue of winning the Tailteann Cup in 2024 Down are guaranteed their spot in Sam Maguire, thus taking newly promoted Offaly’s place as the lowest ranked team. Straightforward enough, but this is where it gets interesting. In the Munster championship one of Clare, Tipperary or Waterford are going to make the Munster final, thus earning their spot in the Sam Maguire competition. They will replace the also promoted Kildare who lie in 15th place in the seedings. However, the Lilywhites can regain a spot in Sam Maguire by getting to the Leinster Final. They are at the opposite side to Dublin and will fancy their chances. They could very well end up in a winner takes all Leinster semi-final battle with Louth. Were Kildare to beat Louth they would leapfrog them and take their slot at number 14 in the seedings, and the Wee county would end up in the Tailteann Cup. Westmeath are also at that side of the draw and will feel that they too will have something to say about all of this. Either way there will be considerable interest in that side of the Leinster Championship. If the semi-finals are played outside of Croke Park as has been mooted there will be a real old-school knock out championship feel about that particular semi-final, regardless of who is there.
