Paul Galvin praises Jack O'Connor's optimism during an eventful campaign
Paul Galvin of Kerry, pictured today for AIB ahead of the 2026 GAA All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Semi-Finals. This year marks a significant milestone as AIB celebrates its 11th year supporting the GAA All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. This season, AIB are celebrating the profound impact of managers, mentors, and backroom teams. Behind every county, are those who lift us all.
By Cian O'Connell
In sport, remaining composed during demanding spells is crucial. So, former Kerry footballer Paul Galvin has acknowledged Jack O'Connor's coolness following two heavy defeats to Donegal in 2026.
The Allianz Football League Final and All-Ireland SFC Round One losses were setbacks, but Kerry have responded to earn a place in the last four of the Championship.
Despite significant injury issues, Kerry have found a way into the penultimate round of the All-Ireland SFC once more. "I'd be thinking about Jack's role in all of that," Galvin says.
"I thought he dealt with both defeats very well, actually. His experience and nature, his calm nature came to the fore. It could and probably would have derailed most seasons, getting two beatings like that.
"I think Jack's role was key in all of that, in terms of steadying the ship again and keeping perspective. Jack is a very optimistic type of guy.
"He was never one for dwelling too much on bad results. He'd always be pretty optimistic and looking ahead. Jack's role has been important.
Paul Galvin and Jack O'Connor lift the Sam Maguire Cup in 2009. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
"At the end of the day, we will see on Sunday how significant those hammerings were or weren't. Whether Kerry have actually recovered from them or whether they haven't."
Galvin is expecting a demanding assignment against Dublin, who have generated momentum under Ger Brennan's guidance. "If you're on the Dublin side of things, you're in a great position, you're looking at those two defeats and you're looking at maybe Tyrone taking Kerry to the wire the last day," Galvin adds.
"It remains to be seen what kind of damage those defeats did. That's the bottom line. That's the way Kerry supporters should be looking at it coming up the next day.
"There's a little bit of loose talk about Kerry being favourites or strong favourites, I don't think we can afford really that kind of thinking, to be honest."
Galvin, who has managed Wexford at senior inter-county level, and also been involved in a coaching capacity with some club teams, hopes to return soon. "I've done stints coaching, basically picking up experience and practising my own craft," he says.
"That's how I'd put it. I do enjoy it. Where it will lead, I don't know. I'll certainly revisit it in the near future, I'm sure."
