Paddy Small goal, large consequences - Jack O'Connor reflects on final loss

Twelve years after Kevin McManamon dramatically turned the tide in the 2011 All-Ireland final and arguably the entire Dublin-Kerry relationship, Jack O'Connor was once again left ruing a decisive goal in front of the Hill.

In the aftermath of their fourth successive All-Ireland final defeat to Dublin - a quadrennial occurrence now since the '11 final - O'Connor was immediately inclined to cite the Paddy Small goal early in the second half, which arrived out of nowhere following a turnover in the Kerry defence, as the key moment.

While Kerry's initial response to the goal was superb, with the excellent Paudie Clifford firing over a brace of scores to help restore their three-point lead within just four minutes of the Small strike, O'Connor reckoned those exertions ran down their tank as they entered the final quarter.

"I just thought the goal was a huge turning point," said O'Connor.

"I just think that the effort it took for us to come back, the goal just gave Dublin energy. The last thing you want to give Dublin playing into the Hill is a goal because it just gives them huge energy. It's like a bolt of electricity goes through the whole ground.

"Even though we reacted tremendously to it, it just gave them a sniff that they were back in the game, because up to the goal, I thought we were well on course to win the game. It's just one of those things, slippery ball, tough conditions, these things happen.

"Once Dublin smelled it, they have the extra bit of experience and know-how that has seen them getting over the line in tight games before. This one was no different."

In contrast with past Dublin-Kerry humdingers in 2013 and 2016, this wasn't a day for forwards - having more in common with the dank, rain-sodden decider of 2015.

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