{"id":442903,"date":"2026-05-11T08:21:08","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T08:21:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/442903\/"},"modified":"2026-05-11T08:21:08","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T08:21:08","slug":"kerry-depth-game-swinging-benches-and-draw-reflections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/442903\/","title":{"rendered":"Kerry depth, game-swinging benches and draw reflections"},"content":{"rendered":"

It was a blockbuster weekend of football championship, with Kerry<\/a> and Roscommon<\/a> the big winners at the end of it.<\/p>\n

There was endless debate in the build-up to the action, and Thel Sunday Game panel attempted to digest it all.<\/p>\n

Before a ball was thrown in, many were pondering the wisdom of holding the All-Ireland SFC series draw before the provincial finals were contested. Peter Canavan did not agree with the call.<\/p>\n

“It’s a competitive disadvantage to the counties who reach their provincial final…”
Our panel are not impressed with the ‘unnecessarily’ early draw for the All-Ireland series. #RTEgaa<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/b3qzrUECCr<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) May 10, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

“It took away from the finals, all the talk about the games a couple of weeks down the line,” he said.<\/p>\n

“Players don’t need it, managers don’t need it, fans probably don’t need it. Not that Roscommon or Kerry are too worried about it (now), but I think they should have been left it until (today).”<\/p>\n

Cora Staunton concurred. “It’s a competitive disadvantage to the provincial finalists. You’re giving an advantage to someone who was knocked out of the semi-final or quarter-final that can sit back whether it’s for three weeks or a month.<\/p>\n

“Plus you want Roscommon to be able to enjoy their night, and Kerry, without having to look forward.”<\/p>\n

“When they have everyone fit, they’re going to have some panel of 26. That’s why Kerry are favourites for the All-Ireland…”
The Kerry juggernaut rolls on – and it’s only getting stronger… #RTEgaa<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/sG9smo4mWu<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) May 10, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Speaking of Kerry, both Canavan and Staunton believe they are looking in ominously good shape.<\/p>\n

Jack O’Connor has a number of injury worries, and yet he can still summon serious quality from the bench if he needs to. Their Munster SFC final defeat of Cork was smoothly efficient.<\/p>\n

“You can see what’s missing (Shane Ryan, Paul Murphy, Joe O’Connor, Paul Geany, Tom O’Sullivan, Brian \u00d3 Beaglaoich, Sean O’Shea and Graham O’Sullivan were all unavailable to face the Rebels). A huge amount of experience, players that were massive for them over the last number of years,” Staunton said.<\/p>\n

“They’re just building a squad. They got so much impact from the bench.<\/p>\n

“When they have all fully fit players, they’re going to have a huge 26. For me they are favourites for the All-Ireland now.”<\/p>\n

The Battle of Cregg & Comer… Roscommon and Galway’s respective benches made their mark at the Hyde this afternoon.#RTEgaa<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/P6a4kCW8tk<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) May 10, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Galway and Roscommon will both hope to put it up to the Kingdom as the summer progresses, and Canavan highlighted the impact of their benches in a pulsating Connacht decider.<\/p>\n

“For me it came down to (Damien) Comer v (Daire) Cregg,” he said.<\/p>\n

“Comer came on after 41 minutes, Cregg came on after 45.<\/p>\n

“Cregg delivered coming off the bench for Roscommon, but likewise so did Damien Comer. He was so direct. His influence was massive.”<\/p>\n