Aaron Kernan: David Clifford and Seán O'Shea made Armagh pay

Irish Examiner

01-07-2025

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but Aaron Kernan didn't need it to know that Kerry had to ability to make use of the new rules to devastating effect.
Early in the second half on Sunday and it looked as if the All-Ireland champions Armagh would cruise into another semi-final as they led by five points.
But by the end of a 15-minute burst, it looked as if Kernan's former side would be dethroned as the Kingdom – led by two pointers from the unstoppable pair of Sean O'Shea and David Clifford – scored 14 points without reply, dismantling Armagh's kick-outs in the process.
No significant reply would ever come, and it is Kerry who now march on to another day out at Croke Park where they will meet another Ulster team in the form of Tyrone for a place in the All-Ireland final.
'This is not hindsight but I sort of felt over the years that they definitely have the skillset, with how the like to play football, to realise utilise the new game in terms of what the forwards do' began Kernan, who was speaking exclusively to BoyleSports as a Gaelic Games ambassador.
'The reason why there was always that doubt over them was that they haven't really been challenged and then obviously the injuries.
'It fired them up completely, there's no doubt about it. They have a brilliant mix of players, but you didn't see them winning as much primary possession – I certainly didn't – but whenever they did it was an absolute exhibition of lengthy point scoring.
'It was everything you want in a team and pure defiance with it. They always play with a plus one in front of (David) Clifford and that's fine if you go and do that.
'But it's disappointing for me because we do have then that they don't come outside the arc, they just stay inside but they are only five yards away so they can come out to block.
'Now the first time someone comes out to Seanie (O'Shea) he skips around and puts the ball over the bar so you have to read the player differently as well.
'I thought their biggest issue was Kerry then grew in confidence. Like, Armagh were playing really well at that stage but those two pointers, they were slowly growing in confidence, momentum.
'And to me that was a real killer because I think we could have stretched away further if we had of policed the two points better.
'That is an issue with teams, finding what is the best way to go about it like right back to the very first game against Antrim, it was the two points that Armagh struggled with, not looking to come outside that 40-metre arc.
'To me, you have to be able to read certain players. To me, there wasn't too many more that were going to be a two-point threat outside of David and Seanie so if they get the ball on the 45, you should be man marking them, be on their toes.
'But obviously there was a plan in place, and they didn't do it, and they made us pay. It was incredible shooting.'
Away from last weekend's All-Ireland quarter-finals and the upcoming semi-finals, Kernan believes Mayo should be looking at appointing his former colleague, Tony McEntee.
The duo worked together with Sligo in 2024 and following the announcement that Kevin McStay and his management team have been 'relieved' from their roles, Kernan admitted that McEntee would be good choice to step in.
'Anyone who would get their hands on Tony, they would be doing good work,' he added.
'For me that would be an exciting job to do. I know they didn't end up getting out of the group stages but at times it seemed like there was glimpses where they were very, very close.
'Mayo, it would be a good job, but I'd say his name will be touted around many more than Mayo, I would've thought.'