1 Diarmuid Murphy (Dingle) Age: 34. Height: 6ft 3in. Weight: 15st 7lb (99kg). Occupation: Insurance clerical officer. Single-handedly kept Kerry in the qualifiers, especially against Sligo with the penalty save. It's been one of his best years as a shot stopper but he still has a problem directing his kick-outs, which are too predictable.

5 Tomás Ó Sé (An Ghaeltacht)

Age: 31. Height: 5ft 11in. Weight: 12st 11lb (81kg).

Occupation: Teacher.

Another excellent year. His ability to win breaking ball was very prominent against Meath in the semi-final. His attacking runs from the half-back line are always telling, opening up numerous scoring opportunities.

14 Tommy Walsh (Kerins ORahilly)

Age: 21. Height: 6ft 4in. Weight: 15st 7lb (99kg).

Occupation: Student.

Natural ball winner, very strong in the air and can kick off both feet. Has played his way on to the team after indifferent early form. Physical and explosive but not great at tracking back.

11 Declan O’Sullivan (Dromid Pearses)

Age: 25. Height: 6ft. Weight: 13st (83kg).

Occupation: Sales representative.

Excellent temperament and versatile. Has the ability to unlock defences with his use of the ball, both setting up play and carrying, and very accurate as a score taker. I’d prefer to see him closer to goal.

8 Darragh Ó Sé (An Ghaeltacht)

Age: 34. Height: 6ft. Weight: 14st (89kg).

Occupation: Auctioneer.

He’s putting huge effort in for this match, which could well be his last. Even with the mileage he has up – which is beginning to tell – he’ll love the occasion and I expect him to play well.

3 Tommy Griffin (Dingle)

Age: 31. Height: 6ft 2in. Weight: 14st (89kg).

Occupation: Publican.

Great versatility, but Griffin is not a specialist full back. Valid concerns about his ability to mark one-on-one in front of goal, but he’s good in the air and a complete footballer.

12 Tadhg Kennelly (Listowel Emmett’s)

Age: 28. Height: 6ft 3in. Weight: 14st (89kg).

Occupation: GAA development officer.

A professional so there’s no doubting his temperament and he’s wanted this for so long. Great distribution with hand and boot. More freedom on the wing, but needs to be aware of attacking threat from Miskella.

7 Killian Young (Renard)

Age: 22. Height: 6ft. Weight: 12st (76kg).

Occupation: Bank official.

A natural attacking wing back but he will need a winning midfield in front of him if he is to get forward effectively. Very comfortable on the ball and crucially, doesn’t turn over possession.

4 Tom O’Sullivan (Rathmore)

Age: 30. Height: 6ft 2in. Weight: 13st (83kg).

Occupation: Garda.

Very experienced and rarely makes mistakes on big days. He’s hard to beat because of his pace and is back in his favourite position at corner back. He’s still vulnerable in the air but less exposed than at full back.

13 Colm Cooper (Dr Crokes)

Age: 26. Height: 5ft 11in. Weight: 12st (76kg).

Occupation: Bank official.

A class apart and on his day unmarkable. He loves the open spaces in Croke Park and having players around who can read his movement. Vision and ability to link but, above all, to finish. Match winner.

9 Séamus Scanlon (Currow)

Age: 27. Height: 6ft 3in. Weight: 14st 7lb (92kg).

Occupation: Fitter.

At this stage an unsung hero. He’s developed a holding role in front of the defence. Not creative but does the basics well and gets on more ball than most of the rest of the team.

15 Darran O’Sullivan (G/Glencar, capt)

Age: 23. Height: 5ft 10in. Weight: 12st (76kg).

Occupation: Bank official.

Will-o’-the-wisp forward, capable of moving at great pace. Needs to look around more when in possession and tends to solo too much. Still, a handful for any marker.

10 Paul Galvin (Finuge)

Age: 29. Height: 6ft. Weight: 12st (76kg).

Occupation: Teacher.

His discipline has improved and he’s having his best year to date, the team’s best outfield player in the qualifiers, picking up breaks and setting up attacks. Could get forward more as there are scores in him.

2 Marc Ó Sé (An Ghaeltacht)

Age: 29. Height: 6ft. Weight: 12st 7lb (80kg).

Occupation: Teacher.

Not his best year although he has found form in more recent matches. Plus he has the temperament for this type of game. A quality footballer who revels in the big-day environment.

6 Mike McCarthy (Kilcummin)

Age: 31. Height: 6ft. Weight: 13st (83kg).

Occupation: Draughtsman.

Has been a revelation since Jack O’Connor brought him back. He’s rolled back time but has been allowed to express himself. Great footballer but this will be his biggest defensive test, holding O’Neill’s direct runs.