Kerry legend Cooper claims both All-Ireland SFC semis will be much closer than you think

Croke Park hosts two massive semi-finals this weekend

Kerry reached the semi-finals a fortnight ago with a devastating blitz on holders Armagh with 14 unanswered points and an eventual 0-32 to 1-21 victory, while 2021 winners Tyrone saw off Dublin 0-23 to 0-16. 

The Kerry legend, who won five All-Irelands and eight All Stars Awards in a glittering career, believes that while Kerry might have the edge in terms of firepower, Tyrone are coming in slightly under the radar and will ask big questions.

“I think Saturday’s game will be close," he told SportsJOE. "It’ll be tight going down the stretch. I hope Kerry just have a bit of an edge in terms of their firepower. The 20 minutes they had against Armagh was very strong. Can they reach that level is the question.

“I would give Kerry a slight edge on Saturday.

“The performance against Armagh has changed the outlook in Kerry, where people were a bit on the fence, now they really think we’re ready to challenge for All-Ireland glory. The edge was back, the fire was back, but they need to find that again the next day, and they’ll need it against Tyrone, because they’ll ask a lot of questions. They’re coming in a little bit under the radar.”

With Meath the surprise package this year, Cooper feels that although Donegal are favourites, it is impossible to discount The Royal County at Croke Park, especially with June Footballer of the Month Jordan Morris in fine form.

“The Sunday game is very interesting. Meath have certainly surprised me, given the way they finished the game against Galway. Everyone thought when Galway came back they’d go on and finish he game, but Meath found another gear, and I thought Jordan Morris was outstanding. 

“It’ll be closer than people think, but I’m still leaning towards Donegal. They were in the semi-final last year, they have the experience, so I think maybe that experience is enough to get them over the line.”

Kerry-Tyrone team news

Kerry manager Jack O’Connor makes two changes from the victory over 2024 champions Armagh as Paudie Clifford remains on the bench, with Tom O’Sullivan (calf injury) replaced by Mike Breen, and Mark O’Shea making way for Micheál Burns.

Tyrone keep the same 15 that beat Dublin, with Mark Bradley on the bench and Peter Harte at centre forward.

Kerry v Tyrone starts at 5pm on Saturday, while Meath v Donegal is at 4pm on Sunday.

Former Kerry footballer Colm Cooper spoke with us for AIB ahead of GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final between Tyrone and Kerry this Saturday, July 12th at 5:00pm. 

Unprecedented surprises and high-octane action have defined a historic season which has proven to be #TheToughest to call, with the race for silverware still wide open. 

AIB have also added an extra layer of excitement as the season nears an end with the return of the Volunteer VIP competition for the third time. The competition launched on Monday, July 7th and is open until Sunday, July 20th.