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reflection

Eamonn instilled the belief in us that we could win it - Johnny Buckley

“Wearing Kerry jersey isn’t extra pressure but it’s definitely something that motivates you that it’s your time”

BELIEF ISN’T SOMETHING they’re usually short on down in Kerry.

Even still, after a waft of retirements, Gooch’s injury and three defeats to start off the league campaign, Kerry’s confidence understandably took a significant hit at the beginning of the year.

After an indifferent league, Kerry dismantled Cork in the Munster final and from there their season took off. Johnny Buckley puts their improvement down to the influence of his brilliant young manager.

“After a couple of bag league performances we were tested. But Eamonn and the boys did instill a belief in us that we could win it. We trained very hard during the year. Just talking to a couple of the other lads, every man said it was one of the most enjoyable years they’d had.

“They loved coming up training. There was a great among players. We always definitely knew we had the potential. We put the head down, worked hard and knew we’d come close.”

As the season moved on, Kerry grew in confidence with each passing game. Buckley believes that’s all part of wearing the green-and-gold.

“We knew there’s a tradition. Even Mikey inside, he’s eight All-Ireland’s. It’s not extra pressure but it’s definitely something that motivates you that it’s your time. You’re carrying on the tradition. It’s more of a positive than a hindrance.”

Neil Gallagher and Johnny Buckley Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

Buckley hadn’t his place on the starting XV nailed down at the beginning of the year, but by the finish we has part of a crucial triangle around midfield alongside Anthony Maher and David Moran.

“Any day you go out with a starting jersey less than the number fifteen, it’s a good day out. Just look at the bench that was there. We prided ourselves all year on the panel. In the semi-final, Jonathan Lyne came on and pointed against Mayo to really push it on. We knew we’d a strong panel.”

It’s not a game that will live long in the memory for its’ flowing football. The system Donegal employed meant Kerry had to drop bodies behind the ball, patiently probing for scoring opportunities.

“When it opens up, it was obviously something we’d worked on playing against Donegal, the kicking from outside. Thankfully my point went over.

“We still played football but in an All-ireland final, you do everything you can to win it. I wouldn’t say we set up defensively but we were just strong in defence and kept our shape to win it.

“Just a huge amount of work rate then when they were attacking us and thankfully it paid off. They’re a serious outfit. We felt we were in that same situation in that every man who started and came on, knew their role today. We just drove it on home. It was great for us to get through.”

Quiz: How well do you remember this year’s All-Ireland football championship?

James O’Donoghue: Training has been a mare getting used to it, I knew what to expect

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