Kerry's Jack O'Connor believes that his Kerry side will have to improve if they are to beat Dublin in the All-Ireland final next week.
Old rivals Kerry and Dublin have both reached the All-Ireland final after overcoming the likes of Derry and Monaghan respectively in recent weeks.
Defending champions Kerry beat Dublin 1-13 - 1-14 in the 2022 All-Ireland semi-final and will once again have to be at their best if they are to retain their Sam Maguire trophy on July 30.
Dublin has welcomed back the likes of Paul Mannion,, Pat Gilroy, Stephen Cluxton, and Jack McCaffrey to the panel this year, and the difference in performances is noticeable around the country. A convincing win over Mayo and a hard-fought win over Monaghan have put teams on high alert.
O'Connor, who led Kerry to another All-Ireland title in 2022, believes that 'The Kingdom' will need to be at their best if they are to win next week.
‘They didn’t bring those fellas back for the craic’ – Jack O’Connor braces Kerry for Dublin ‘cavalry’ in All-Ireland final https://t.co/X8XxADaMSK
— Independent Sport (@IndoSport) July 17, 2023
"I do feel we need to improve. 'Tis very obvious that that Dublin team has been gearing up for two weeks time. From well back," said the Kerry boss. "They've brought back the cavalry. They've even brought back Pat Gilroy. They didn't bring those fellas back for the craic, you know."
O’Connor did not attend Dublin's win over Monaghan and remained tight-lipped about what will change ahead of the final.
“I was keeping my head down and preparing for today," he added. "We are in the final, and that is all I can say about it at the moment. At least we are there. We have a chance," he said. “Dublin, obviously, will be a different challenge … we may need to tidy up a few things for the final.”
Dublin vs. Kerry will take place next Sunday, July 30. The game will kick-off at 15.30.
