Kerry a 'good bit ahead' of Sam Maguire chasing pack
All-Ireland champions Kerry remain a "good bit ahead" of the chasing pack as the 2026 season looms into view, according to former Donegal footballer Brendan Devenney.
Jack O'Connor led the Kingdom to a clean sweep in 2025 – League, Munster and All-Ireland honours – as they head into the new season as the team to beat.
Having adapted quicker than most to the new football rules, O'Connor implemented a defensive system that was difficult to break down.
Coupled with that was a playmaking masterclass from Paudie Clifford, with younger brother David terrorising defences on his way to a third Footballer of the Year crown.
In the end, there could be no arguments over the best in class, with Ulster champions Donegal very much second best in the showpiece.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1’s Sunday Sport, Devenney says the Kerry blueprint will be very difficult to stop this year.
"A lot of teams were playing with half-forwards, particularly Donegal in the All-Ireland final as they play a certain style," he said.
"The way Kerry showed how to do it, you want your back six being defenders, you want a strong, robust midfield and then playmakers who can get on the ball like Paudie Clifford, who led Donegal a bit of a merry dance for most of the game, which a lot of people couldn’t understand.
"Kerry looked like they had all the ammunition in the world and teams (facing them) will have to be prepared to defend outside the arc.
"I think it will be a fascinating season. Kerry at Croke Park are a good bit ahead of the chasing teams, though there are about six teams (chasing pack) where I don’t think there is more than a two-pointer between them."
Among the cluster of teams hoping to chase down Kerry will be their traditional rivals Dublin.
Ger Brennan - pictured above - takes over from Dessie Farrell and the glory days of six-in-a-row feel a long way removed.
Last year's defeat to Meath was a first reversal in Leinster in 15 years, while it was a rather limp championship exit when Tyrone ended their interest at the quarter-final stage.
Former Mayo footballer Cora Staunton outlined what she feels would be a successful 2026 for the men from the capital.
"To get back their Leinster title would be number one, and then progressing through to the last four, that would be progress," she said.
"There is real competition in Leinster now and that’s exciting.
"Ger Brennan will probably have further sights than that, but getting to the last four in the championship will be the aim."
