"I thought at times maybe we got a bit lucky" - O'Connor

July 12, 2026

Kerry manager Jack O'Connor ©INPHO/James Lawlor

Kerry manager Jack O’Connor believes Lady Luck was on his team’s side at times in today’s All-Ireland SFC semi-final against Dublin.

The Kingdom booked their place into a fourth Sam Maguire Cup decider in five years thanks to a 2-18 to 0-20 victory at Croke Park, where the winners struck an early goal from a penalty rebounded in by David Clifford before Sean O’Brien netted again in the second-half.

Speaking to RTE Sport afterwards, O’Connor was delighted to see his team coming out on top after what was a tough battle against the capital men.

"I just thought the wind was significant," he said. "That's a 10, 15, maybe 20-yard wind. I felt we'd be able to kick from further out in the second half. We kicked three two-pointers.

"I think that ultimately was the difference. We felt Dublin would have to work it in a bit closer. It's hard to kick into the Hill.

"It was hard to score in there yesterday [in Mayo's win over Louth]. It was hard to score in there today. But what a battle.

"That Dublin team, they put it right up to us. And I thought at times maybe we got a bit lucky. Good defending, but a bit of luck as well."

He added: "We stuck at it. This is an experienced team at this stage. They know what to do in certain situations. I think Dublin would have beaten an awful lot of teams today.

"That was a good Dublin team and a good Dublin performance. But a little bit of experience got us over the line."


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