“Leave it the way it is” – O’Connor explains reasons for not being keen on McGrath Cup return

Kerry star sees more value in uninterrupted training ahead of League

The Kerry midfielder, a standout performer in 2025 and a Footballer of the Year contender, isn’t keen on the pre-season competition returning in 2026, despite discussions among provincial councils about reviving it.

“Just keep it the way it is and train away for the league,” said O’Connor, speaking at the launch of Fuel Their Game at Croke Park. “I just think there’s enough competitions and it’s probably a time where players can just focus on getting a preseason in.”

The McGrath Cup was paused this year in an effort to reduce fixture congestion, but its return remains on the table. O’Connor, however, believes the January window is better spent on strength and conditioning rather than additional matches.

“I think just leave it the way it is, just train away and get the body right for the League,” he said. “If it was there, I’m sure it wouldn’t be a big issue as a couple of games to get you ready for the League. It’s nice to just have a block where you can focus on training.”

O'Connor delighted with Jack O'Connor's extension

Beyond preseason concerns, the Austin Stacks powerhouse also welcomed the news that Jack O’Connor will stay on as Kerry manager for two more years.

“I suppose we’d a new enough team this year with the selectors coming in, and things worked fairly well for us. There was a nice, fresh feeling down there so we were all keen to get them back, so it is great,” he said.

“It has been great. We’d ups and downs too, they stuck with us. We backed them and it was a great year looking back.”