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Young Guns

6 players to watch in the All-Ireland minor final between Kerry and Donegal

Donegal take on 1/2 favourites Kerry in the curtain raiser on Sunday.

Killian Spillane with Seamus Cunniffe Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

1. Killian Spillane (Kerry)

Spillane was declared as Kerry’s hero against Mayo, and rightly so. His influence in securing Kerry’s first All-Ireland minor final in eight years was a defining one.

The son of four time All-Ireland winner Tom, Spillane has bagged 35 points for the Munster minor champions so far this summer. He kicked six points against Mayo, including three frees, and oozed class throughout.

2. Stephen McBrearty (Donegal)

Younger brother of senior star Paddy, Stephen McBrearty was Donegal’s hero against the Dubs. The 18-year-old is typically picked at corner-forward but fulfills a roving role out the field.

Glenn OÕReilly and Stephen McBrearty James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Having only registered six points up until the All-Ireland semi-final, McBrearty showed his quality with 0-4 in a devastating display. If Kerry can keep him quite on Sunday, they stand every chance.

3. Tomas O’Sé (Kerry)

The world champion Irish dancer continued his sensational form this summer by netting 1-1 against the Connacht champions on his last day out. O’Sé’s goal threat has been a feature of Kerry’s campaign and he has netted 4-4 in the championship so far.

Tomas O'Se with Conor Kilkenny Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

O’Sé forms a formidable inside forward line with Spillane, and his goal threat poses the biggest test for Donegal’s defence on Sunday.

4. Lorcan Connor (Donegal)

Connor’s influence as Donegal’s free-taker can’t be understated. He has 17 points to his name to date, including three vital points in the semi-final victory over Dublin. Connor is one a number of Donegal players with links to the past – his dad Kevin ‘Cookie’Gallagher was an Ulster championship winner with Donegal in 1991.

Lorcan Connor celebrates scoring a point James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

The Downings teenager has enjoyed two full years of starting at 11 for the Donegal minors, and is hoping to round off an impressive season.

5. Barry O’Sullivan (Kerry)

The Dingle midfielder was a key member of Eamon Fitzmaurice’s Hogan Cup winning side last April. O’Sullivan partners his club mate Mark O’Connor at centre-field, and the duo were extremely impressive in Kerry’s win over Mayo in the semi-final.

O’Sullivan provides leadership in the Kingdom’s engine room and he can consider himself unfortunate not to have landed the man-of-the-match against Mayo after giving a typically controlling display.

6. Danny Monagle (Donegal)

A tigerish corner-back, Monagle is one of the more understated members of Donegal’s minor side. While the likes of McBrearty, Connor, Jamie Brennan and John Campbell take much of the plaudits in attack, Monagle performs key duties in defence.

Danny Monagle celebrates after the game James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

The young defender was crucial as Donegal shipped just five points from play against Dublin’s dangerous inside trio. He will face another huge test of his credentials on Sunday.

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