Championship

Kerry management need to start looking for the next generation of backs and midfielders

October 26th, 2010
by Weeshie Fogarty

So how long will it be before Kerry wins their next senior All Ireland title? Impossible to answer with any degree of accuracy of course, however we can say one thing for certain and that is it will not be for the want of trying. So what will it take for The Kingdom to regain the position they have enjoyed during the past ten years.   I have been chatting to a number of players since the defeat to Down in the championship and the one thing that comes shinning through is the utter determination and fierce hunger to get back on top of the pile.  The long serving players such as Tomas O Se, Paul Galvin and Kieran Donaghy just to name a few appear to be as dedicated to the Kerry cause for next year every bit as much as when they first donned the Kerry jersey. Now add to the mix the add bonus that Colm Cooper will wear the captains arm band and that you have some of the best forwards in the game and the basis for solid team building is well and truly there. As the fellow said "hunger is the great sauce". And then the fact that Jack o Connor has decided to stay on for three more years has been absolutely vital. The Dromid man gave his decision plenty of thought and if any person in this county knows and appreciates what it will take to challenge strongly for honors it is him.  I have seen him attend many games around the county during what was a beautiful summer and already he will have penciled in names that will as they "get a run" in the league.

The easiest thing in the world is to throw up a list of names who you think are good enough for the Kerry panel. Most readers will have their own favourites. Between the McGrath Cup and the National League the Kerry selectors will have  a great opportunity to try out some new talent. Centre field is a huge problem.  Now lets be fair to Seamus Scanlon and emphasis that the Currow man has been plagued with a back injury all last season and it is absolutely vital he gets this sorted out. I believe he will have a massive part to play in the Kerry revival. Anthony Maher and David Moran have got loads of opportunities to stake a claim and now I believe men like Garry o Driscoll, Ambrose o Donovan and Johnny Buckley are ready to be given their chance around the middle. Can young Ambrose re produce his county final form Sunday after Sunday? Only time will tell. 

Defense together with mid field will probably pose the greatest problems for Jack and his generals. I don't expect any of the present incumbents to hang up their boots at the moment. Nevertheless new blood will have to be found and I have constantly pointed out here not alone is it good enough to have six very good defenders who are close, continuous hightly disciplined markers without needless fouling but you must also have five or six men on the bench who can be relied on when the need is greatest to come on and do their stuff. It not all about just six defenders. Michael Moloney Dr Crokes will definitely get his chance and others who have impressed me as I traversed the county attending games were Kieran o Connor, Listowel and Eamon Hickson Aunascaul. Jonathan Lyne and Podge o Connor from my own Killarney Legion have impressed greatly as we survived five games to retain out place in the county championship next Year. I was in Gneeveguilla last Sunday to see the home side retain their place high up in division one and once again their centre back Padraig o Connor and all action Mike "stones" Murphy were hightly impressive. They demonstrated throughout the hour that fierce drive determination and football ability which has seen their club achieve such great success this year.

While he may be gone past that age level necessary for senior inter county participation the displays of Gneeveguilla full fordward Liam Murphy has be one of the major factors in his sides march into the Munster championship this year. Liam is improving with age. Paul Geaney of Dingle and Dahi Casey Dr Crokes I expect will also get a run in the green and gold. In most cases, not all. it takes at least three to four games before one can fairly judge if a player has "got what it takes" to make the grade and even at that when the championship comes around he will then face a completely new challenge. Skill, ability, complete dedication, change of life style, temperament, and ability to mix and mingle with others in that unique environment that is the Kerry senior squad under Jack o Conner is the criteria required if you want to be a Kerry star. Another problem the Kerry selectors might face is the fact that if Crokes get a good run in the All ireland club series then they will Have first call on their players and more than likely be unable to line out in the McGrath Cup mad early rounds of the league.

Finally the recent county championship with the exception of the two semi finals and final was in my opinion very disappointing and we witnessed some very poor standard matches. I remain firmly convinced since the losers round was introduced the real championship cut and trust has gone from the competition. Championship should be knock out. Also too easy now for a club not up to senior championship standard to gain admission to the senior grade. The criteria for stepping up to senior ranks should be more stringent. I recall when I was coaching my own Legion side some years ago the criteria was, win the division one county league and also the club championship. All in the one year . Now that was difficult. It's very obvious also that serious problems have developed for the divisional teams. Some time very soon some one will have to come up with a solution to what has become a lop sided, uncompetitive and problematic championship. East Kerrys withdrawal this year has certainly set the danger singles flashing madly.

Fogra: The long awaited DVD Secrets of Kerry-A Captains Story had its premier in Caitins Pub, Kells last Friday and the huge crowd in attendance was lavish in their praise at this stunning four hour history of Kerry football. Mick o Connell and county board chairman Jerome Conway spoke in glowing terms of what this new addition to Kerry Gaa will mean to young and old. Guests from from far and near were present. However one of the highlights of a memorable evening occurred when Kerrys oldest living winning captain Jas Murphy (1953) shook hands for the very first time with Kerrys youngest living winning captain Darren o Sullivan (2009). A wonderful poignant moment as the generations of Kerry greats was bridged. I am always very slow to say who or what is/was the greatest ever however I have no hesitation in saying that this C/R videos Caherciveen production will prove to be the greatest ever of its kind in this country. It is now for sale in all towns in the county.



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