David Moran: Kerry’s long-standing central character notches another mark

David Moran has toiled through so many injuries at this stage that he’s philosophical about the protocols of rehab and recovery, noting that he’s once more an All-Ireland medallist and therefore things have turned out fine.

“I think so. I have had so many injuries now and I have got back from all of them. We have very good medical guys here and I was told that if you do this rehab, you will get back. I just trusted that I would.”

The towering centrefielder was taken off on Sunday at half-time, his preparation for the final undermined by a bout of tonsillitis.

“Sure look, it wasn’t my best performance but it didn’t really matter because we won,” he says.

What has David Nucifora ever done for Irish rugby?

---

Nicky English: We could be in for a high-scoring free-for-all with Cork v Tipperary

---

Irish Olympian Jack Woolley: ‘We’ve sat in saunas and not drank water for two days’

---

It’s raining metaphors at Manchester United amid soggy aftermath of underinvestment

---

He is also the doyen of the team, having debuted in 2008 and holds what is surely a modern record as an All-Ireland winner in three different decades, 2009, 2014 and now this year.

“When I was a minor in ‘06, I was at the function when they won it. I was training in ‘07 – wasn’t in the squad – and they won it. I came in, in ‘08 and we lost the final. Then in ‘09, we won it and I was thinking this is going to last forever. And then it didn’t. I had come in through that so I know that it just doesn’t happen every year.

“Eight years is obviously a very long time in Kerry and having lost in ‘15 and ‘19, it was extra sweet this one.”

Asked about developments in the game during his long career, he mentions something close to his own heart as one of the outstanding practitioners of orthodox high fielding.

“Kick-outs are a huge thing, anyway. It’s like every sport. It evolves. Possession is measured and stats are analysed. That’s probably the big thing, shorter kick-outs.”

Off the field, how does he cope with juggling football, job and young family? He’s in no mood for hand-wringing.

“It’s great. They’re great problems I have! Playing an All-Ireland final and your son is on the field and work is going well.”