1. Which manager has done a better job this year – Jim McGuinness for overcoming early season drama or Eamonn Fitzmaurice for doing it all without the best player in the country?
Fintan O’Toole
McGuinness’s most impressive feat has been resurrecting a team that looked to have reached the end of it’s life cycle when being crushed by Mayo last season. But there were still signs this spring that they were building momentum and regaining old form during the league.
In contrast Fitzmaurice had to cope with winter retirements, poor league displays and the cruciate injury suffered by the greatest player in the country. Amidst a backdrop of gloom in the county, Fitzmaurice kept his focus and directed his team towards an All-Ireland. Brilliant achievement.
Sinead O’Carroll
I left this question until last because I kept changing my mind. Both men have picked up teams that were not automatic applicants for a date with each other at the end of the season. McGuinness had an impeccable plan for his team as they lined out against Dublin, but he knew that they weren’t as ‘unbeatable’ as everyone kept saying they were.
Eventually, I’ve decided I’m (just a tad) more impressed with Fitzmaurice. He’s my pick…. For taking a Kerry team trying to stave off an inferiority complex that others are forcing onto them…. Keeping them focused on a championship through a dreadful league campaign. And helping them get over losing their leading light in Cooper… It really has been an incredible change of fortune – and the epic with Mayo proves that it’s not just a lucky one.
Paul Fennessy
It’s difficult to pick between the two, but Jim McGuinness purely for the obvious influence he had in Donegal’s spectacular victory over the supposedly ‘unbeatable’ Dublin in the semis. As if invariably the case, McGuinness’ methods this year haven’t always been popular, but there’s no denying his tactical intelligence and incredible ability to consistently get the best out of the players at his disposal.
Will Slattery Jim McGuinness. Donegal’s defeat of Dublin was probably the biggest upset in gaelic football in 30 years and Jimmy masterminded it. I always used to think that no matter how smart McGuinness is, he isn’t smart enough to play Michael Murphy anywhere other than full forward but his use of Murphy in the semi final worked very well.
Paul Hosford
Fitzmaurice. While McGuinness deserves (and has taken) huge credit for masterminding a win over Dublin, Fitzmaurice has redefined the tactical concept of “more than one way to skin a cat”. Without the influence of the best forward to play the game, he reshaped his team and deserves huge credit for that.
Kevin O’Brien
It’s probably harsh to pick one over the other considering the incredible job both have done, but I’d side with McGuinness considering he navigated the Ulster minefield and knocked out the hottest favourites for the All-Ireland in years. That’s not to belittle Fitzmaurice’s achievements with Kerry, but Donegal have had a far more difficult route to the final.
Niall Kelly McGuinness. Take nothing away from Fitzmaurice’s remarkable achievements but McGuinness has taken a team that were utterly humiliated in the quarter-finals last year and brought them back to the top table. Fitzmaurice will have many days in the sun but if Donegal win on Sunday, Jimmy will cement his place as one of the all-time great tacticians.
Fintan O’Toole
Michael Murphy. The Donegal captain is the leader on the pitch that Jim McGuinness trusts to lead his side. Murphy has been consistently excellent this year moving seamlessly between putting in important shifts at midfield or attack. How Kerry seek to limit his influence will be fascinating.
Sinead O’Carroll
I agree that Ryan McHugh brings the magic, but often teams need the old reliables to ensure success in Croke Park on a Sunday in September (see: Lar Corbett; Bernard Brogan). So, for me, Michael Murphy is still The One for Donegal. Another big final for him – in whatever role he takes on – could see him pick up Sam again.
Paul Fennessy
Much of the focus leading up to this game has been on Donegal’s defensive prowess and ability to stop the opposition from playing, but in Ryan McHugh, they appear to have unearthed an outstanding individual talent.
Will Slattery Paul Durcan. The large goalkeeper made a great save in the semi-final to keep Dublin from pulling away and his duel with O’Donoghue could be the difference. If Durcan keeps a clean sheet then Donegal should win.
Paul Hosford
Michael Murphy. When he burst onto the scene, it seemed he would be a scoring sensation. Since then, however, he has matured into a different beast altogether. His influence on games comes from everywhere and he can singlehandedly decide this one.
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Kevin O’Brien
Without a doubt Michael Murphy. The 25-year-old has been Donegal’s most consistent player this summer and it’s no coincidence he was at the heart of the late turnaround against Armagh and the one who caused havoc in the Dublin square for Ryan McHugh’s season-defining first goal. I’ve a sneaking suspicion he’ll be parachuted into full-forward in the first couple of minutes on Sunday – a shout for first goalscorer.
Niall Kelly Neil Gallagher played out of his skin in the semi-final. He offers a nice tactical variation by slotting at full-forward as he did in the early stages against the Dubs and on his day, he is one of the most imposing midfielders out there.
James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
3. Who’s the key player for Kerry?
Fintan O’Toole
James O’Donoghue has stepped up in the absence of Colm Cooper to be Kerry’s talisman up front. He was an Allstar last year but he’s elevated his level of performance this year. Has struck 4-24 from 4 championship games and revelled in the pressure against Mayo to hit key scores.
Sinead O’Carroll
With 2-6 between them, James O’Donoghue and Kieran Donaghy were dynamite in the Mayo replay. If they both play on Sunday, they could cause all sorts of unpredictable trouble for the Donegal backs.
Paul Fennessy
James O’Donoghue. With 4-24, he has comfortably been Kerry’s biggest attacking threat this year and thus, it’s hard to see them reaching this stage without him in the team.
Will Slattery David Moran. Moran has had the summer of his life so far, and if Michael Murphy is played out around the middle, then it will be up to Moran to win the aerial battle and play those diagonal balls into Kieran Donaghy.
Paul Hosford
There’s a few; David Moran, James O’Donoghue both spring to mind. But for me, it’s the old hand; Kieran Donaghy. His influence on the semi final games was massive and a lot will hinge on how Donegal marshal him.
Kevin O’Brien
Fitzmaurice will be the most important Kerryman on Sunday. How defensive will Kerry set-up? How can he manufacture enough space for James O’Donoghue to do damage? How well will he use his substitutes? Has he got a plan if Kerry are forced to chase the game? Some of Kerry’s best players mightn’t perform on Sunday, but they still stand a chance of winning the game. If Fitzmaurice doesn’t get the calls right on the sideline, they stand no chance.
Niall Kelly James O’Donoghue has been my pick for Footballer of the Year since the early spring and, thankfully, he’s carried that form all the way through the summer. Donegal have to keep him quiet to have any chance.
Fintan O’Toole
How Kerry cope with the change in defensive system that they are going to come up against. Don’t expect Kieran Donaghy and James O’Donoghue isolated in one on one situations like they were in the replay against Mayo. Kerry will need patience and ingenuity to find ways to unlock the Donegal defence.
Sinead O’Carroll
From a neutral’s point of view and from someone who just wants to see more good football, the refereeing will be important. Hopefully, the man in the middle will have a hold on it and allow the game to flow. Let’s also hope we don’t lose any stars to the black card.
Paul Fennessy
The officials. How strict the referee decides to be on tactical fouling etc and how much he lets the game flow may well ultimately make the difference in what is likely to be a very tight game.
Will Slattery Jim McGuinness’ ‘break glass in case of emergency plan’. Nobody thought he could slay Dublin, so I’m sure he has something sneaky planned for Kerry too.
Paul Hosford
The referee. This is going to be tight. It’s going to be tough and if I’m right, it’s going to see cards. How the ref handles what is sure to be a pressure cooker will be massive.
Kevin O’Brien
Goals. If Diarmuid Connolly converted his chance against Donegal, the Dubs were nine points up and it was lights out for Donegal. McHugh’s first half goal visibly gave the Ulster champions a monumental lift and they never looked back. Brian Kelly and the Kerry full-back line were vulnerable under a high ball against Mayo, so McGuinness could target that. At the other end Kerry will get at least one chance on goal. They need to take it.
Niall Kelly Patience. Both sides will need it by the bucketload if the expected tactical battle materialises. Donegal showed their mental mettle when they fell behind against Dublin; Kerry need to make sure they don’t panic and waste possession if they come against a green and gold wall.
5. What’s been your favourite football moment this summer?
Fintan O’Toole
The helter-skelter finale to the Mayo Kerry drawn game when Mayo’s 14 men were finally reeled in by Kerry. A game where Kieran Donaghy was resurrected and Kieran O’Leary stood tall to hit the most important point of his career.
Sinead O’Carroll
Our answers may be boring here but I don’t know if we can look past the Kerry Mayo semi. Sublime stuff.
Paul Fennessy
The Mayo-Kerry replayed semi-final had pretty much everything you could ask for from a big sporting occasion.
Will Slattery Donaghy’s assist in the first Kerry-Mayo game. It was great to see him roll back the years and I felt like I was in third year again.
Paul Hosford
As a Cork fan, there’s not many, but overall the last ten minutes of the first Mayo-Kerry game was spectacular.
Kevin O’Brien
When Ryan McHugh turned in Donegal’s second goal, and you started to believe that Donegal might actually beat the invincible Dubs. Incredible stuff.
Niall Kelly The second half of the drawn Kerry-Mayo semi-final. Nothing else comes close.
6. Who will lift the Sam Maguire Cup next Sunday (and why)?
Fintan O’Toole
Kerry. They won’t leave themselves as exposed in defence as Dublin did and are capable of blunting Donegal’s goal threat. The sense is that Fitzmaurice will execute an attacking gameplan to get them over the line.
Sinead O’Carroll
Kerry. With a huge game for James O’Donoghue. Why? Call it woman’s intuition. Am I allowed use that?
Paul Fennessy
Kerry. They won’t leave themselves as exposed in defence as Dublin did and are capable of blunting Donegal’s goal threat. The sense is that Fitzmaurice will execute an attacking gameplan to get them over the line.
Will Slattery Kerry. James O’Donoghue is the best player in Ireland and he is going to prove it on Saturday.
Paul Hosford
Sam Maguire is heading north. Why? Because they’ll contain the Kerry threat.
Kevin O’Brien
It’ll be tight but I’m going with Donegal. Mightn’t be the most free-flowing All-Ireland but it will be fascinating to watch a tactical battle between the two best managers in the game.
6 questions: TheScore.ie's writers preview the All-Ireland football final
1. Which manager has done a better job this year – Jim McGuinness for overcoming early season drama or Eamonn Fitzmaurice for doing it all without the best player in the country?
Fintan O’Toole
McGuinness’s most impressive feat has been resurrecting a team that looked to have reached the end of it’s life cycle when being crushed by Mayo last season. But there were still signs this spring that they were building momentum and regaining old form during the league.
In contrast Fitzmaurice had to cope with winter retirements, poor league displays and the cruciate injury suffered by the greatest player in the country. Amidst a backdrop of gloom in the county, Fitzmaurice kept his focus and directed his team towards an All-Ireland. Brilliant achievement.
Sinead O’Carroll
I left this question until last because I kept changing my mind. Both men have picked up teams that were not automatic applicants for a date with each other at the end of the season. McGuinness had an impeccable plan for his team as they lined out against Dublin, but he knew that they weren’t as ‘unbeatable’ as everyone kept saying they were.
Eventually, I’ve decided I’m (just a tad) more impressed with Fitzmaurice. He’s my pick…. For taking a Kerry team trying to stave off an inferiority complex that others are forcing onto them…. Keeping them focused on a championship through a dreadful league campaign. And helping them get over losing their leading light in Cooper… It really has been an incredible change of fortune – and the epic with Mayo proves that it’s not just a lucky one.
Paul Fennessy
It’s difficult to pick between the two, but Jim McGuinness purely for the obvious influence he had in Donegal’s spectacular victory over the supposedly ‘unbeatable’ Dublin in the semis. As if invariably the case, McGuinness’ methods this year haven’t always been popular, but there’s no denying his tactical intelligence and incredible ability to consistently get the best out of the players at his disposal.
Will Slattery
Jim McGuinness. Donegal’s defeat of Dublin was probably the biggest upset in gaelic football in 30 years and Jimmy masterminded it. I always used to think that no matter how smart McGuinness is, he isn’t smart enough to play Michael Murphy anywhere other than full forward but his use of Murphy in the semi final worked very well.
Paul Hosford
Fitzmaurice. While McGuinness deserves (and has taken) huge credit for masterminding a win over Dublin, Fitzmaurice has redefined the tactical concept of “more than one way to skin a cat”. Without the influence of the best forward to play the game, he reshaped his team and deserves huge credit for that.
Kevin O’Brien
It’s probably harsh to pick one over the other considering the incredible job both have done, but I’d side with McGuinness considering he navigated the Ulster minefield and knocked out the hottest favourites for the All-Ireland in years. That’s not to belittle Fitzmaurice’s achievements with Kerry, but Donegal have had a far more difficult route to the final.
Niall Kelly
McGuinness. Take nothing away from Fitzmaurice’s remarkable achievements but McGuinness has taken a team that were utterly humiliated in the quarter-finals last year and brought them back to the top table. Fitzmaurice will have many days in the sun but if Donegal win on Sunday, Jimmy will cement his place as one of the all-time great tacticians.
2. Who’s the key player for Donegal?
Fintan O’Toole
Michael Murphy. The Donegal captain is the leader on the pitch that Jim McGuinness trusts to lead his side. Murphy has been consistently excellent this year moving seamlessly between putting in important shifts at midfield or attack. How Kerry seek to limit his influence will be fascinating.
Sinead O’Carroll
I agree that Ryan McHugh brings the magic, but often teams need the old reliables to ensure success in Croke Park on a Sunday in September (see: Lar Corbett; Bernard Brogan). So, for me, Michael Murphy is still The One for Donegal. Another big final for him – in whatever role he takes on – could see him pick up Sam again.
Paul Fennessy
Much of the focus leading up to this game has been on Donegal’s defensive prowess and ability to stop the opposition from playing, but in Ryan McHugh, they appear to have unearthed an outstanding individual talent.
Will Slattery
Paul Durcan. The large goalkeeper made a great save in the semi-final to keep Dublin from pulling away and his duel with O’Donoghue could be the difference. If Durcan keeps a clean sheet then Donegal should win.
Paul Hosford
Michael Murphy. When he burst onto the scene, it seemed he would be a scoring sensation. Since then, however, he has matured into a different beast altogether. His influence on games comes from everywhere and he can singlehandedly decide this one.
Kevin O’Brien
Without a doubt Michael Murphy. The 25-year-old has been Donegal’s most consistent player this summer and it’s no coincidence he was at the heart of the late turnaround against Armagh and the one who caused havoc in the Dublin square for Ryan McHugh’s season-defining first goal. I’ve a sneaking suspicion he’ll be parachuted into full-forward in the first couple of minutes on Sunday – a shout for first goalscorer.
Niall Kelly
Neil Gallagher played out of his skin in the semi-final. He offers a nice tactical variation by slotting at full-forward as he did in the early stages against the Dubs and on his day, he is one of the most imposing midfielders out there.
3. Who’s the key player for Kerry?
Fintan O’Toole
James O’Donoghue has stepped up in the absence of Colm Cooper to be Kerry’s talisman up front. He was an Allstar last year but he’s elevated his level of performance this year. Has struck 4-24 from 4 championship games and revelled in the pressure against Mayo to hit key scores.
Sinead O’Carroll
With 2-6 between them, James O’Donoghue and Kieran Donaghy were dynamite in the Mayo replay. If they both play on Sunday, they could cause all sorts of unpredictable trouble for the Donegal backs.
Paul Fennessy
James O’Donoghue. With 4-24, he has comfortably been Kerry’s biggest attacking threat this year and thus, it’s hard to see them reaching this stage without him in the team.
Will Slattery
David Moran. Moran has had the summer of his life so far, and if Michael Murphy is played out around the middle, then it will be up to Moran to win the aerial battle and play those diagonal balls into Kieran Donaghy.
Paul Hosford
There’s a few; David Moran, James O’Donoghue both spring to mind. But for me, it’s the old hand; Kieran Donaghy. His influence on the semi final games was massive and a lot will hinge on how Donegal marshal him.
Kevin O’Brien
Fitzmaurice will be the most important Kerryman on Sunday. How defensive will Kerry set-up? How can he manufacture enough space for James O’Donoghue to do damage? How well will he use his substitutes? Has he got a plan if Kerry are forced to chase the game? Some of Kerry’s best players mightn’t perform on Sunday, but they still stand a chance of winning the game. If Fitzmaurice doesn’t get the calls right on the sideline, they stand no chance.
Niall Kelly
James O’Donoghue has been my pick for Footballer of the Year since the early spring and, thankfully, he’s carried that form all the way through the summer. Donegal have to keep him quiet to have any chance.
4. A key factor next Sunday will be…
Fintan O’Toole
How Kerry cope with the change in defensive system that they are going to come up against. Don’t expect Kieran Donaghy and James O’Donoghue isolated in one on one situations like they were in the replay against Mayo. Kerry will need patience and ingenuity to find ways to unlock the Donegal defence.
Sinead O’Carroll
From a neutral’s point of view and from someone who just wants to see more good football, the refereeing will be important. Hopefully, the man in the middle will have a hold on it and allow the game to flow. Let’s also hope we don’t lose any stars to the black card.
Paul Fennessy
The officials. How strict the referee decides to be on tactical fouling etc and how much he lets the game flow may well ultimately make the difference in what is likely to be a very tight game.
Will Slattery
Jim McGuinness’ ‘break glass in case of emergency plan’. Nobody thought he could slay Dublin, so I’m sure he has something sneaky planned for Kerry too.
Paul Hosford
The referee. This is going to be tight. It’s going to be tough and if I’m right, it’s going to see cards. How the ref handles what is sure to be a pressure cooker will be massive.
Kevin O’Brien
Goals. If Diarmuid Connolly converted his chance against Donegal, the Dubs were nine points up and it was lights out for Donegal. McHugh’s first half goal visibly gave the Ulster champions a monumental lift and they never looked back. Brian Kelly and the Kerry full-back line were vulnerable under a high ball against Mayo, so McGuinness could target that. At the other end Kerry will get at least one chance on goal. They need to take it.
Niall Kelly
Patience. Both sides will need it by the bucketload if the expected tactical battle materialises. Donegal showed their mental mettle when they fell behind against Dublin; Kerry need to make sure they don’t panic and waste possession if they come against a green and gold wall.
5. What’s been your favourite football moment this summer?
Fintan O’Toole
The helter-skelter finale to the Mayo Kerry drawn game when Mayo’s 14 men were finally reeled in by Kerry. A game where Kieran Donaghy was resurrected and Kieran O’Leary stood tall to hit the most important point of his career.
Sinead O’Carroll
Our answers may be boring here but I don’t know if we can look past the Kerry Mayo semi. Sublime stuff.
Paul Fennessy
The Mayo-Kerry replayed semi-final had pretty much everything you could ask for from a big sporting occasion.
Will Slattery
Donaghy’s assist in the first Kerry-Mayo game. It was great to see him roll back the years and I felt like I was in third year again.
Paul Hosford
As a Cork fan, there’s not many, but overall the last ten minutes of the first Mayo-Kerry game was spectacular.
Kevin O’Brien
When Ryan McHugh turned in Donegal’s second goal, and you started to believe that Donegal might actually beat the invincible Dubs. Incredible stuff.
Niall Kelly
The second half of the drawn Kerry-Mayo semi-final. Nothing else comes close.
6. Who will lift the Sam Maguire Cup next Sunday (and why)?
Fintan O’Toole
Kerry. They won’t leave themselves as exposed in defence as Dublin did and are capable of blunting Donegal’s goal threat. The sense is that Fitzmaurice will execute an attacking gameplan to get them over the line.
Sinead O’Carroll
Kerry. With a huge game for James O’Donoghue. Why? Call it woman’s intuition. Am I allowed use that?
Paul Fennessy
Kerry. They won’t leave themselves as exposed in defence as Dublin did and are capable of blunting Donegal’s goal threat. The sense is that Fitzmaurice will execute an attacking gameplan to get them over the line.
Will Slattery
Kerry. James O’Donoghue is the best player in Ireland and he is going to prove it on Saturday.
Paul Hosford
Sam Maguire is heading north. Why? Because they’ll contain the Kerry threat.
Kevin O’Brien
It’ll be tight but I’m going with Donegal. Mightn’t be the most free-flowing All-Ireland but it will be fascinating to watch a tactical battle between the two best managers in the game.
Niall Kelly
Kerry. It’s just a feeling.
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