Championship

Sheehan free to shine

June 9th, 2009
by Weeshie Fogarty

Last week in these pages I expressed an opinion that "I wouldn't be the least surprise who won the game and that a draw could very well be the result. It was I concluded a battle between the speed and youth of Cork and the battle hardened and hugely experienced Kingdom fifteen".

In many ways this was the way the gamed panned out. First things first as the fellow said and I believe that a draw was a fair result. Cork supporters will feel that they wasted numerous opportunities to win the game, however, great credit to Kerry as to the way they dug themselves out of a situation where they looked to have shot their bolt and would have to face the long road through the back door to Croke Park. Cork outplayed the home side for long periods especially in that first half and only for the Ó Sé brothers ( all three), Paul Galvin, Tom O'Sullivan and Tadhg Kennelly in particular things could have been much worst at the short whistle. Cork entered the magnificent new dressings 1-5 to 0-5 ahead.

However, the loss of Tommy Walsh early in the first half completely scuttled the Kerry game plan and it took the selectors and the men on the field some time before they got to grips with the changed situation. So Kerry was playing their first big championship for four years without a towering figure, e.g. Kieran Donaghy or Tommy Walsh on the verge of their opponents square.

On the other hand Cork found them in a completely opposite situation. They had their towering Michael Cussen on the bench fit and ready to come on. And in my opinion they erred greatly when they brought on the towering Glanmire man for James Masters. While Masters was getting very little change from the consistent Tom O'Sullivan he was fitting in well to the Cork system of play and then when Cussen entered the fray the Cork style changed. The players appeared to be in two minds as to how to play the ball into their forwards and following that scintilling start and the brilliant early point from Graham Canty and Pearse O'Neill's blistering shot for the goal they became disjointed and hesitant.

While we did not have the benefit of studying the Kerry line out early last week many of the so called experts and staunch supporters expressed grave fears when the side was announced as to the fact of entering the battle without a recognised free kicker in the side. I include myself in this line of thought. I will go as far as to say that it is near impossible to win a championship game with out a recognised free kicker and not alone that is it a sheer impossibility to win an All Ireland without a recognised experienced free kicker. And I emphasise the term, a recognised experienced free kicker in opposition to just a free kicker.

Down through the years brilliant free kickers have got Kerry out of deep holes and indeed have been responsible for guiding Kerry to numerous Munster and All Ireland titles, in all grades. Tadghie Lyne, Mick O'Dwyer, Mick O'Connell, Mikey Sheehy, Dara Ó Cinnéide, Mike Frank Russell, Maurice Fitzgerald are just a few of the men whom I refer to. Bryan Sheehan is as good as any of the afore mentioned legends and it was his introduction when Darran O'Sullivan was injured that eventually earned the draw. His superb point from play and his ice cool nerves when kicking those vital frees were in the heel of the hunt the reason why we are returning to Cork next Saturday.

And while I am on free kickers, what has Bryan and the other great Kerry free kickers back as far as Tadghie Lyne in the fifties got in common? They all kick the frees from the ground. In my opinion the most reliable method of all. It's amazing in this day and age of near professionalism that Kerry has in a panel of thirty just the one man who is an expert free kicker from all angles and distances.

Bryan Sheehan will have to start next Saturday. Michael Quirke might begin at full-forward as Tommy Walsh appears as if he won't be fit and Darragh Ó Sé and David Moran should start at mid field that is if Seamus Scanlon is still deemed unfit to line out. Tadhg Kennelly, Paul Galvin will start on the wings with Declan O'Sullivan on the 'forty' his best position.

It was another memorable battle of the old, old enemies and more memories emerged to join those of other bygone epics. Colm Cooper's magical left footed point when half of the Cork team were pulling and dragging him all over Fitzgerald Stadium. Tadhg Kennelly's massive point from the high kick and memories of late his father Tim. The scintillating solo runs of Marc and Tomas Ó Sé.

Memories of Jimmy Kerrigan as his son Paul Kerrigan's searing run set up Pearse O'Neill for that goal. Michael Shields outstanding full-back play for Cork and finally referee Maurice Deegan erratic performance and his two decisions following injury time to earn Kerry a draw. The penalty decision was fifty-fifty. Cork had benefited greatly from their opening game against Waterford. Kerry were sluggish and Jack and his team will burn the midnight oil as they attempt to put as he says plan B in operation. The odds are with Cork I believe, but I never cease to amaze at Kerry football since I saw them win their first Munster title in 1955. It's a huge game for both counties. Can Cork emerge as favorites to win the All-Ireland and can Kerry prove that despite injuries and many miles on the clock by some players they are as hungry as ever?

I finished here last week with the words "I won't be surprised who ever wins" and I remain in that same frame of mind for next Saturday. But I am looking forward to the show down with great anticipation.



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