David Moran impressed by Kerry overcoming setbacks on way to All-Ireland final
Michael Bolton
After heavy defeats to Donegal and a long injury list including crucial players, the signs did not look good for Kerry at the beginning of the season.
However, Kerry do what all champions do, rolling with the punches and overcoming the obstacles along the way.
As Kerry prepare for the All-Ireland final against Mayo on Sunday, led by Jack O'Connor, David Moran knows he would not panic when the going gets tough.
"This year you could see that there were very, very influential guys missing in terms of leadership and that type of stuff.
"He'd (Jack O'Connor) have went through that in 2009 and came good in the end. Thankfully. Maybe he leaned on that a little. He has been through qualifiers, he has been around the block, and done it every way.
"That definitely is a help. As a manager, he's quite calm, anyway. I don't see him getting panicked that much.
"So, I think his natural tendency to be relaxed would've helped. He'll have seen the big picture, and he'd be quite level-headed in that regard."
A big win against Armagh showed how ruthless this Kerry team can be, which was followed by wins over Tyrone and Dublin when the Kingdom had to dig deep at crucial moments for victory.
As the likes of Gavin White, Joe O'Connor, Paudie Clifford, and Tom O'Sullivan returned from injury, Moran praised the team for battling through as Kerry's resources were tested.
"It was a very testing time for the squad given the level of injuries. I think the level of injuries was probably a bigger concern than the results.
"You weren't playing with a full deck in any of the games. Credit to the medical staff, they got it right at the right time, and they've built nicely. You're just hoping you're playing with a full complement at the weekend.
"You've plenty of marquee draws - Armagh, Tyrone, and Dublin into Mayo in the final.
"Certainly, you haven't got the easier side of a draw or anything like that. It has been great, we've had plenty of games in Killarney, which has been great, and into Croke Park."
Moran had his fair share of battles against Mayo during his intercounty days.
During those times, the likes of Lee Keegan, Aidan O'Shea, Cillian O'Connor, and Mayo's manager on Sunday, Andy Moran, were the key men for their county.
However, this season has seen youth leading the charge, with Kobe McDonald and Darragh Beirne driving the full-forward line, alongside Ryan O'Donoghue, who is in the form of his life.
Moran warns that this brings an unknown element for Kerry, as it is unclear what the ceiling is for Andy Moran's men.
"When we were playing Mayo at that time, you were going to war.
"They had so many: Lee Keegan, Colm Boyle, the O'Sheas. They had so many warriors there.
"It was just a little bit of a different game. Now you're going in, and you see the likes of Tommy Conroy and all these guys, and your heart is in your mouth. They could get three goals in a second.
"Before, it was very much we were going into the trenches. It's a little bit different going in there now, maybe it's a little bit of the unknown. 'What are these guys gonna do if they click?'"
"Mayo have had plenty of good forwards before. Andy Moran was one of the best. But there weren't as many, and you could concentrate on one and double up on two.
"But three and potentially four guys who are really playing well, and it's much harder to mark those guys."
Like many across the Kingdom, Moran is hoping there is another gear in this Kerry team.
"You look at the second half against Armagh, where they kicked on.
"There have been periods where they kicked out of sight for a while. They have the experience and managed the game and controlled each one.
"I do think in a final, you always need to be a step better because most teams raise their game in a final, particularly Mayo.
"I know they have not won but have performed in most of them; they have just lost by a little bit of luck at times.
"Is there an extra level in Kerry? I hope so. If there is, I think Kerry will win."
