Jack O'Connor has cited the extra game they had against Mayo and the wet weather on All-Ireland final day as the main reasons why Dublin beat Kerry last month.

O'Connor, who guided the Kingdom minors to back-to-back All-Ireland titles in the curtain-raiser to the September 20 showdown between Kerry and the Dubs, is quoted in the Irish Daily Star as saying: "Circumstances kind of dictated that Dublin were more primed for that game than Kerry.

"Four weeks in the month of September is a long time to be twiddling your thumbs, especially when you spend two of those weeks not knowing who you're going to be playing.

"So I felt myself it was no more than the replay last year (with Mayo) also helped Kerry win the All-Ireland, I think the replay this year definitely helped Dublin. Dublin wouldn't have been half as primed if they had got over the line the first day against Mayo. It just goes to show you can't beat games, especially games that are tight and competitive.

"Plus, on the day, I still maintain Kerry play their best football with a dry sod because Kerry are a kicking team, at all levels.

"Maybe Dublin were a bit stronger in contact. Then when you have to carry the ball and fellas are hitting you, maybe Dublin were slightly more physical in contact. I think the rain certainly wasn't what Kerry were looking for and you would have to say on the day, that Dublin were worth it."

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