Out with the Gold & in with the new but what a legacy Jack is leaving behind him

THIS All-Ireland final seemed like both the end of an era and the start of one.

- COLM BOYLE

If, as seems likely by his post-match comments, Jack O'Connor resigns, then we will be saying goodbye to one of the greatest managers in the history of Gaelic football.

Until yesterday, you may also have described O'Connor as one of the sport's most underestimated coaches, especially in his own county.

Absurd as that sounds, considering he had won four All-Ireland titles, his previous achievements seemed to be accompanied by an asterisk.

Yes, he had won all those All-Irelands, but that is what Kerry fans expect.

If anything, there was possibly more of a focus on the three finals he lost, especially the 2005 defeat to Tyrone, than the four he had won.

Well, that perception has most certainly changed now after yesterday's win, not just the manner of it, but also the opposition.

After losing to Meath in the round-robin section, Kerry appeared to be going nowhere.

David Clifford aside, none of their players appeared to be in form and the team were struggling to click.

That certainly changed. First came Cavan, then Armagh, next Tyrone and yesterday Donegal, four Ulster teams defeated by an aggregate of 33 points.

That's astonishing and for O'Connor, it is special. For years, Kerry have been perceived as having an easy route to an All-Ireland, because of their provincial setup.

No one can say that now because they have just claimed a de-facto Ulster Championship as well as everything else they have won this season — the League, the Munster Championship, the All-Ireland.