A week on from the league final, it will be interesting to see what consequences Donegal’s hammering of Kerry will have later on during this year’s championship.

Many people had previously viewed Jack O’Connor’s side as the heavy favourites to retain the Sam Maguire, feeling that no other team in the country could limit their firepower up front.

Donegal showed last week that it is certainly possible. Not only did the Ulster side limit Kerry’s scoring opportunities, but they also exposed the weaknesses in the Kingdom’s own defensive system.

READ ALSO: Shane O’Donnell Makes Long-Awaited Return To Clare Team For Dublin Decider

READ ALSO: Legendary Cork Club Will Achieve Rare Feat During Hurling League Final

Joe Brolly Raises Jack O’Connor Kerry Issue

Recommended

Kerry and Donegal could well meet later on this summer in a higher stake game, at which point it will be intriguing to see what adaptations both sides will make on the back of the league final.

Jim McGuinness has shown a remarkable tactical flexibility throughout his two spells in change of Donegal, meaning he could well have something further up his sleeve if the two sides do come head-to-head in the championship.

As for Kerry, some feel their manager lacks that ability.

Writing in the Irish Independent, Joe Brolly suggested that Jack O’Connor’s struggles to come up with solutions to tactical problems posed by the opposition could be an issue this summer.

As for Kerry? They have not been humiliated like this for a long time. Their coach has better players, and the greatest player of his generation, but does not compete on equal terms with Jimmy [McGuinness].

He was powerless in the noughties against Tyrone’s system, even with Gooch and Star and Moynihan and a galaxy of Kerry greats. Last Sunday, he looked similarly out of his depth.

If Kerry are to regain Sam, it will be their great players that regain it.

Jack O’Connor will be aiming to break new ground with Kerry in 2026, winning back-to-back All-Irelands for the first time in his managerial career.

He will have to overcome a formidable foe to do so, with Donegal primed for another tilt at regaining the Sam Maguire over the coming months.

SEE ALSO: Limerick Welcome Back Three All-Ireland-Winning Veterans For Cork League Final Clash