Lee Keegan

Gaelic football analyst

"After the finals we lost to Dublin, I never detected that level of emotion in them"

Don't expect Dubs to fold up the tent for 2024

Everyone was struck by the scenes at the final whistle last Sunday and the intensity of the celebrations from the Dublin players, writes Lee Keegan.

Football • 03 Aug 23

"There's so much at stake for the two teams. It's a proper battle for supremacy"

Dubs' greater range of weapons gives them a narrow edge

The 2023 championship has struggled to catch fire in many respects but the final has all the ingredients to provide a classic, writes Lee Keegan

Football • 27 Jul 23

'Even stuff like getting suits fitted was cool. We never wore suits'

Tickets, suits, hype - Dubs and Kerry have seen it all

The build-up to an All-Ireland decider has gotten more serious over the years but you still have to celebrate and enjoy the buzz, according to our columnist Lee Keegan.

Football • 20 Jul 23

The question is have Derry evolved enough in the past 12 months?

Old-timers flourishing as season nears end

The build-up to the weekend's semi-finals has been fairly muted and low key so far, writes Lee Keegan

Football • 13 Jul 23

"The Hill are jeering you, the Dublin players are in your face. It's just an uncomfortable situation"

Mayo into inquest mode after Dubs recover 2010s mojo

As we reach the business end of what's been touted as the most open championship in years, the traditional twosome are coming to the fore again, writes Lee Keegan

Football • 06 Jul 23

Are Mayo fatigued by their exertions or are the Dubs undercooked?

Question marks hover as Mayo and Dublin collide again

There's little time for Mayo to bask in a win over the neighbours with another seismic game against our modern foes looming.

Football • 29 Jun 23

'From a Mayo perspective, I can't say I'm blissfully confident but I believe the group are good enough to win'

Connacht old firm sent on unwelcome detour

Galway and Mayo are at a point in the Sam Maguire race they did not want to be at, but Lee Keegan believes the green and red can again do the business in the last-chance saloon.

Football • 22 Jun 23

"We simply don't know what in God's name Kildare are going to bring"

Frustrating Kildare need to develop sense of identity

Kildare need to find an identity and a structure to enable their undoubtedly talented players to perform to their optimum, writes Lee Keegan.

Football • 15 Jun 23

"The main takeaway is that every team is flawed"

Kerry are struggling but Dubs seem bored

As the round robin has progressed, it has felt like we're stuck in a holding pattern, where teams are merely jockeying for position, writes Lee Keegan.

Football • 08 Jun 23

"If you're at the helm for eight or nine years, and you've won nothing, people are going to start asking questions"

Plenty at stake for rivals in Omagh pressure cooker

It has been a slow burn so far but the championship should ratchet up in intensity this week, with Tyrone and Armagh colliding in a game that both could seriously do with winning

Football • 01 Jun 23