Kerry manager Jack O’Connor slams ‘bizarre’ Seanie O’Shea fall-out rumours

The Kingdom boss also claimed that David Clifford had his best ever season in a Kerry jersey in 2025

Jack O’Connor has heaped praise on Kerry talisman Seanie O’Shea – and slammed rumours that the pair fell out during the League.

O’Shea sat out a number of League games with a knee injury, including an important fixture against Armagh, after scoring 17 points in the opening three games of the campaign

“Even Gavin White got asked in some press conference had I fallen out with Seanie O’Shea,” reflected O’Connor.

“That’s an example of the madness I am referring to that can spring up like a geyser down here when you have a rocky period in the season.

“Conspiracy theories come from all angles and that was one of the more bizarre, outrageous ones.”

The Kenmare star wasn’t back in time for Kerry’s shock qualifier defeat to Meath, but did return in the next game against Cavan and was majestic in the Kingdom’s All-Ireland quarter-final victory over Armagh as they built vital momentum towards lifting the Sam Maguire Cup.

“Gavin (White) is the captain, and was a brilliant captain this year, but Seanie is the captain every day,” O’Connor stated.

“There are some players, unique players, that don’t just play their own role well but they make other people around them play better.

“The week before the Meath game when I knew he was out, I was really down because I knew, this is not good. Because Seanie will do whatever it takes.

“In the Armagh quarter-final, when there was a lot of heat on David (Clifford), he took on the mantle of scoring.

“In other games he can be the playmaker, the tackler, the fella who wins breaking ball, the one who goes back and wins a critical turnover, or a kick out, he links the play.

“He does whatever it takes. I would have him up there with (Seamus) Moynihan in terms of inspiration and leadership.”

The Kerry supremo, who this week agreed to remain in the hot-seat for another two years, believes this was Clifford’s best ever year in the green and gold.

“All I’ll tell you is this was the complete package from him this season,” said O’Connor.

“David played the best football of his life in 2025. Without a shadow of a doubt.

“Long before the All-Ireland final this was apparent to those of us watching him week in, week out. He seemed to be enjoying football, injury free, he came back full of enthusiasm, the rules gave him a new lease of life.

“He has a massive effect on the lads around him.”