O'Connor had to stick around with Kerry primed for more

He teased the possibility in the aftermath of what was a sweet success: All-Ireland number five for Kerry under Jack O'Connor.

We say sweet because of the mid-season sniping from within the Kingdom... more pointedly from those who once wore the green and gold.

The defeat to Meath eliciting much unease. And then came the response.

Ulster opponents would feel the fury, there simply was no answer to what was unleashed. Armagh felt the force of it in the second half of that quarter-final; Tyrone's elimination did not have the same punch but the blows were just as effective.

And then Donegal stood before them. In truth what unfolded at GAA HQ on 27 July was the clear dominance of one side over the other. Kerry were ravenous, with their intent evident from the off. Jim McGuinness's men were jittery and, let's be honest, clueless in how to enact any Plan B that would have loosened Kerry's vice-like grip. Total domination.

Kingdom defiance on show against Armagh

The Kingdom critics were silenced. A moment of satisfaction then for the manager, for a man who has had to face down the negative barbs from within, encapsulated by the words that "there would not be much love for Jack" in Kerry.

O'Connor, however, is thick-skinned, a touch arrogant one would say, but the criticism that followed the Meath defeat did touch a nerve, more so than the doubts that surrounded the teams managed by him en route to All-Ireland success in 2006 and 2009. A case of, 'been down that road before' but there were more bumps in this road.

After the win over Armagh, O'Connor delivered his Howard Beale moment. You could see he was as mad as hell and he was not going to take it any more. He told the waiting media in the bowels of Croke Park: "I'd ask people who are knocking that group and knocking people involved with the group to look in the mirror and say, 'What have you contributed?'

"What have you contributed to Kerry football off the field? Off the field?

"Go away and coach a team. Go away and coach a development squad. Go away and coach a minor team. That's how you help Kerry football, not knocking people."

It was hard to knock what the O'Connor-inspired collective produced in the final month of Championship 2025.

And then came that tease.

"I'm a long time at it, and I might be passing the baton on to somebody else," O'Connor remarked to RTÉ Sport shortly after Sam Maguire was lifted.

There were other occasions where he suggested that that might be it. And if so, he surely now deserves a bit more love from the doubters. But we remained to be convinced that it would be the last hurrah. Jack's parting thoughts lacked conviction.

Delight for O'Connor and Cian O'Neill after Kerry found the net late on in the All-Ireland final

Last week, David Clifford alluded to the brilliant set-up that Kerry now have and his wish that O'Connor would remain at the helm. That wish would be granted following last night's confirmation that the Dromid Pearses man is staying on for more two more years, as is his backroom team of Cian O'Neil, Aodán Mac Gearailt and James Costello. That trio came aboard after O'Connor had pondered his future following the All-Ireland semi-final loss to Armagh in 2024. A refresh that was probably needed after a reverse that was avoidable.

The new playing rules suit the Kerry DNA, though it did take them a while to fully embrace the two-pointer opportunities. Under O'Connor's stewardship, the county have yet to land back-to-back All-Irelands and the round figure of 40 on the roll of honour awaits if they climb the Hogan Stand steps next July. Has David Clifford reached his peak? Probably not. Has Paudie Clifford reached his peak? Probably not. Kerry domination? There's a fair chance of that.

Every season is different and the Kingdom may not have the 'we'll show ye now' narrative to propel them in 2026. They may not need that though.

The other contenders will sharpen their focus. They have to. Donegal will need a new plan. Dublin may require time and patience for Ger Brennan to have them as genuine contenders. Did Galway miss the boat in 2024? Having their key players fit at the one time will be key to any bounce back. Armagh remain a threat and Derry can come again. Mayo clearly need time under Andy Moran. Meath will learn from this year and can improve.

Maybe the greatest threat will come from Tyrone. Semi-finalists this season, with a crop of exciting young talent coming through. They also possess a necessary snarl that could irk the Kingdom on a given day and will benefit from another year under the tutelage of Malachy O'Rourke. That would be a challenge that Jack O'Connor would relish. It's no surprise that he's staying on. A case of a lot done for Kerry across all grades, but with the talent at his disposal there's a lot more he can do.

When Micko got a visit from his lifelong friends SAM & Jack #ThisIsKerry 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/cFUkI4Mtre — Kerry GAA (@Kerry_Official) July 29, 2022

He spoke about trotting after Mick O'Dwyer but he's edging closer to the Waterville maestro's Sam Maguire haul. He will equal Jim Gavin on six if a back-to-back is achieved next season.

Why would he leave now?

See you next January Jack.

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