Jack O'Connor eyes top spot in All-Ireland group after Kerry blitz Clare for five-in-a-row
KINGDOM boss Jack O'Connor insists that Kerry's top priority is to finish first in their All-Ireland group after capturing a fifth consecutive Munster title.
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Kerry claimed a fifth-straight Munster SFC title after a triumph over Clare
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Jack O'Connor insists Kerry's top priority is to finish first in their All-Ireland group
They return to
O'Connor stressed: 'It's very important because it's very difficult to play the three weekends in a row at this level because of the intensity of the games and the length of them.
'They're even longer now with the way the hooter is. We'll be endeavouring to go the direct route for sure.'
The four-time
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O'Connor said: 'I am a lot happier after today than I was coming out of Ennis last year.
'There were times today when we played really good football, particularly in the first half; the way we moved the ball and got some great scores.
'We got a little bit sloppy in the second half and turned over the ball a bit, but it is hard to quibble. You'd be a hard taskmaster if you were quibbling with that performance.
'Sure, we kicked 4-20. That'd win you most games, wouldn't it? Unless you have camáns (hurleys) with you!'
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Rather than making a point of how Clare outscored them in the second half, 0-14 to 0-10, O'Connor believes the best guard against complacency is their competition for places.
Paudie Clifford has served his suspension. The injured quartet of Shane Ryan, Paul Murphy, Diarmuid O'Connor, and Graham O'Sullivan are all due back in training.
Tipperary GAA legend reveals surprising difference between 'pressure' of playing for club vs county
Jack added: 'The best way to keep fellas' feet on the ground is the four or five fellas who missed out. They'll all be training next week.
'Bobby Knight said long ago, if a fella thinks his arse is going to be on the seat, that will focus his mind pretty quick.'
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Seán O'Shea excelled on his return from injury, kicking 0-8. That haul included a pair of two-pointers.
O'Connor praised his centre-forward, saying: 'Seánie has had a frustrating time with a bit of a knee issue.
"But it just shows the reservoir of fitness he's built up, because he doesn't have a huge amount done.
'I was amazed he was going as well as he was for 50 minutes, but he's a great lad and he's just got a great attitude. Taking him out of there maybe upset our rhythm a bit.'
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