Championship

Kerry defeat Tipperary to begin the defence of their title

May 18th, 2010
by Weeshie Fogarty

Last Sunday's very comprehensive win over Tipperary was all about one thing and one thing only. Qualifying to meet Cork in Killarney in the Munster semi-final and what a mouth watering battle of the age old rivals this is going to be. And that despite the fact the losers will still remain in the championship. And let's be the first to get the message out. All the pressure is now firmly focused on Cork. They will be expected to beat Kerry, and if they do sure ever Kerry supporter leaving Fitzgerald Stadium will simply turn to their Cork neighbors and say, " see you in Croke Park". And then on the other hand if Jack o Connors men are victorious I believe it will have a devastating effect on the morale of this Cork side who simply have to win an All Ireland to satisfy their county that they have what it takes. So the build up has begun and after seeing my first Kerry/ Cork match in 1955 I am looking fordward to this one with the very same anticipation as I did back then when John Dowling led Kerry to a famous victory over the old enemy on the sun splashed day in Killarney.
 
And speaking of the late great John Dowling wouldn't he have been proud of his young grand son last Sunday. Barry John Keane is certainly one for the future and once again the sharp experienced eyes of the Kerry selectors have spotted a new young very exciting find. And they are bringing him along nice and carefully. Barry John's two points were superbly taken and his running off the ball into the open spaces was excellent. However for me the most beautiful and superbly executed move of the match which involved the Kerins o Rahillys youngster came midway through the second half. He ran on to a lose ball and showing great vision, turned sharply and without the slightest hesitation let a lovely angled high ball into Kieran Donaghy. Then we saw something which would gladden the heart of Mick o Connell, Dara o Se or the late Paddy Kennedy. Donaghy soared into the sky fielded magnificently and in the twinkle of an eye passed to Brian Sheehan and the St Mary's man showing wonderful coolness and composure placed the ball softly into the corner of the Tipperary net. In this one passage of play we saw everything that Kerry football stands for. Great stuff.
Tipperary played to the best of their abilities and their goal scored by Philip Austin early in the game was a cracker, nevertheless I was disappointed to see them execute the awful swarming game especially in the first half, (they had won the toss and were playing with the wind), and it appears to me that this nauseating tactic of stopping the opposition from playing football is going to be the in thing this year.  Oh for the day of six backs marking six forwards and the ball moving swiftly from end to end. So with the endless mixed up rule of continuous hand passing and swarming tactics I fear we will stand witness to some poor fare in the forth coming championship. With the strong wind to their backs in the second half Kerry shifted up a few gears and John Evans men simply had no answer to the champions. The side line men will have debates in relation to some very obvious lack of pace in the defense and Connor Counihan will spend hours in front of the box studying the DVD of the game as he matches his forwards to the Kerry defenders.  All the massive experience build up contesting the last six All Ireland finals were there to be seen as Kerry controlled the game in all areas of that second half. No panic, cool calm and collected as they advanced to that Cork date.

And what about Colm Cooper. I had expressed some little doubts that he might take time to get over his recent eye injury but thankfully we saw the direct opposite. He simply oozed class in everything he did. Last Sunday he was back to his brilliant best. Selling dummies right, left and centre. Turning as the fellow said on a sixpence, that little shimmy, the quick hop of the ball, the pin point pass and then the point kicking from all angles. World class skills.  What delights lie in story for supporters as we follow Gooch into what we hope will be a long hot summer. Now with the brilliant Kieran Donaghy fully fit and maturing even more Colm will torment defenders as only he can.  Brian Sheehan took his two goals with great authority and looking fitter and sharper than ever he will certainly lead his county out against the rebels. Donnacha Walsh in my opinion had his best ever game in a Kerry jersey. He has boundless energy, looks leaner and meaner than before and has certainly nailed down that no 10 jersey for the next outing. Mid field did very well while Paul Galvin and Declan o Sullivan despite being substituted will be fully primed for the semi-final.
Two Kilcummin men playing championship together for Kerry, I wonder was this a first time? Mike Mccarthy back from his winter hibernation was simply magnificent. What a footballer. Big, strong, extremely mobile, a great kicker of the ball and a superb fielder.  He gets better and better. Brendan Kealy will have mixed feeling about his championship debut. The second Tipp goal might have been a square ball but Barry Grogan did out jump the Kilcummin man nevertheless his handling and one superb save following his league exploits will ensure that he continues as number one and he will learn something new every day he stands between those posts. This game has been a huge bonus for Kerry. The selectors I believe will have learned a lot. The winter cob webs were very evident in the first half but gradually you could see the machine begin to purr more smoothly as the game unfolded. Cork will be a completely different kettle of fish of course and much more will be learned that afternoon. The ball is now in their court, they have to win and the pressure is now on them. Training will be intense on both sides and a lot could be learned there. Finally I would love to see Aidan o Mahoney back in the squad. He would add greatly to the cause. A real warrior as the late Denis p o Sullivan of Kilgarvan would say the Rathmore still has much to offer. His storming runs up field with opponents hopping off him all over the place was a sight to behold and I believe the management also wants him back.
 
Fogra; My thanks to Milan based Niall Flynn author of the superb book "36 and Counting" for the following fascinating stats on Kerry captain Bryan Sheehan.  Bryan Sheehan's 2-5 is his top return in his career so far, and pushes his lifetime total to 2-76 after 30 appearances.  This moves him up to 15th position in Kerry's championship history, overtaking Tadghie Lyne, Ger Power, Paudie Sheehy and Murt Kelly.  It is interesting to note that yesterday was Bryan's first championship goal...he does seem to be that bit sharper physically with no apparent loss of power in his shots or frees - like the big hitters in golf, he is all about technique - his huge point from play being a highlight in control and approach.



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