Timing of All-Ireland SFC draw 'not ideal' - O'Connor

May 05, 2026

Kerry's David Clifford and Kerry manager Jack O'Connor ahead of the Allianz Football League final against Donegal at Croke Park ©INPHO/Tom Maher

Jack O’Connor feels the All-Ireland SFC Round 1 draw shouldn’t have taken place until after the provincial finals.

Kerry were pitted against Donegal in a repeat of last year’s All-Ireland SFC final and last month’s Allianz League final in yesterday’s draw, and O’Connor believes the timing of the draw takes away from Sunday’s Munster final against Cork.

“I suppose it isn't ideal to have the draw before the Munster final because I actually think it takes from the Munster final,” the Kingdom boss said at yesterday’s Munster SFC final press event in Tralee.

“The Munster final should be a big standalone fixture in its own right, and I just hope it won't distract people, that's all. We'll be doing our level best to make sure it doesn't distract the players, which is the most important thing.

"But I have no interest in discussing that game [against Donegal] until the Cork game is over because we'll have our hands full with Cork besides worrying about the game that is coming afterwards.

“Munster Council this week will be trying to promote the Munster final and then you have this draw which will get people talking about the All-Ireland series. It just looks like a bit of disconnect there somewhere.

“I am not making a big song and dance about it, I just think the Munster final should be an important enough fixture to give it everybody's full attention.”


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