Kerry have a 'rite of passage when it comes to winning All-Irelands': McGuinness

Irish Daily Mirror

7 days ago

This time last year Jim McGuinness lost an All-Ireland semi-final.
Asked immediately afterwards when the review would begin, he replied: 'On the bus home.'
He thought about that answer yesterday when it came to reviewing another All-Ireland semi-final; the only difference being that this one had a much happier ending.
'I think the number one change on our list would be depth,' McGuinness replied.
'We didn't know a year ago the rule changes that were coming down the line nor the physical demands of the rule changes, but certainly we knew we needed people to come in and strengthen our squad.
'Eoin McHugh has come back in; Michael (Murphy) has come back in. Eoin McGettigan is another (addition to the squad).
'We knew we had to be stronger and build the energy within the group because it'd be more competitive.
'As a result, we were able to make changes the whole way through (yesterday's) game and we are going to need every man that we have got when we play Kerry."
The Kingdom defeated Tyrone by six points in Saturday's semi-final.
McGuinness said: 'That's a huge challenge as they're so confident about what they do and there's a rite of passage there almost in terms of winning All-Irelands.
'So, that's the first thing we're gonna have to meet head on, but certainly it'll not be 15 players but every single player that can get onto the pitch that'll be needed.'
McGuinness' respect for Kerry is genuine rather than merely a lip approval of another team's methods.
Yet, despite this, he is also self-confident in his own team's identity.
He said: 'The game has changed dramatically over the last number of months.
'We just felt it was important to see how those changes would pan out and then we wanted to bring our own template.
'Kerry have done the exact same thing. They have their own way of playing as do we. A lot was made in the League about how ourselves and Kerry were the only teams who were not embracing the two-pointers.
'Everybody has their own principles in how they see the game and for me it is important to be close to your county, to have your county's (style of play) close to the centre.
'And I think we have done quite a good job on that.'
There is no question that McGuinness has done a good job, winning back-to-back Ulster titles in his second spell with Donegal after winning three out of four Ulsters in his first period in charge - as well as that All-Ireland in 2012.
Now, he is seeking to add a third All-Ireland to Donegal's honours board.
But Kerry will have their own agenda.
McGuinness said: 'They've a lot of quality, a lot of skill, are playing for each other, are very united and very together.
'I thought their interviews after the Tyrone game were balanced and controlled; they're on a bit of a mission themselves. It will be a great challenge for us and we're looking forward to it. We'll have to get the heads down now.'
As for Meath, the geographic distance from Croke Park to their county is considerably shorter than the trek Donegal have to face, but psychologically Meath's journey back from this result will take a lot longer.
And their ashen-faced manager, Robbie Brennan, was under no illusion about the task ahead.
Brennan said: 'All credit to Donegal. They nullified two or three of our key threats.
'They had good match-ups on our runners coming from deep. So I would say (the result) is more (of a) credit to Donegal doing their jobs well than a case of us fluffing our lines.
'As the game wore on, you could see the belief drip out of the lads but that is completely understandable when you are that far behind.
'But when I reflect on the year, what is huge for us is that we have filled Croke Park. Credit the lads (the Meath players) for that. The way they have played, with abandon and freedom, has - I hope - reawakened the love for football in the county.
'Today, tickets were completely sold out.
'But it is important we take that and build towards the future.
'We cannot drop off now.'
The result, he believes, was decided by efficiency.
Brennan said: 'Ours was poor but Donegal's was exceptional.
'Our plan in the second half was to stop them going for twos (two-pointers) but they worked it and worked it and worked it and it was goals they were pushing for.
'They are a really good side.
'Shaun Patton's kick outs are amazing. He takes one step back and then launches his kick.
'Even though you know it is coming, it is a hard thing to stop.
'It should make for a cracking final.'