Joe Brolly Points Out Three Things Donegal Fixed From Kerry All-Ireland Final Defeat

Donegal’s impressive victory over Kerry on Saturday felt like far more than just a Round 1 win in the new-look All-Ireland championship.

For many observers, it looked like a team that had learned directly from the painful lessons of last year’s All-Ireland final defeat.

Kerry comfortably defeated Donegal in the 2025 decider, exposing Jim McGuinness’ side on kickouts and repeatedly punishing them through the brilliance of David Clifford and Paudie Clifford.

This time, however, the game looked very different.

Donegal were far more controlled in possession, far more organised defensively, and much more disciplined in the way they handled Kerry’s inside forwards during their deserved win in Killarney.

Writing in his column for the Irish Independent, Joe Brolly argued that McGuinness had clearly addressed the tactical flaws that cost Donegal so badly in the All-Ireland final.

The modern game is for plotters. Jimmy is the superior plotter. Jack O’Connor is out of his depth and his team appears to know that.

Brolly then highlighted the three specific areas he felt Donegal had corrected since that defeat at Croke Park.

The loose ends from last year’s All-Ireland final having been tied up (not marking Paudie, predictable kick-out strategy, not doubling up on David Clifford and constantly allowing him to come inside) this was another humiliation for Kerry.

Donegal’s defensive structure was one of the major talking points from the game.

While David Clifford still had moments of quality, Kerry never looked capable of creating the same type of damage they inflicted in the All-Ireland final, with Donegal much quicker to crowd central areas and getting Finnbarr Roarty to stick to Paudie Clifford like glue.

By half-time in Fitzgerald Stadium, Donegal were already five points clear after a highly efficient opening period where they kicked three two-pointers and repeatedly punished Kerry turnovers.

Things worsened for the hosts after the chaotic half-time flashpoint that resulted in Micheál Burns being sent off before the restart.

Donegal fully capitalised on the numerical advantage in the second half, eventually sealing the win through a late Shea Malone goal.

For Donegal, it was a hugely significant statement at the beginning of the All-Ireland series.

For Kerry, it means that should they lose again their season is over no matter what now.