Championship

Profiles of the Kerry players for the All Ireland Final

September 8th, 2015
by Weeshie Fogarty

 Brendan Kealy is having a superb year in goal his saves against Cork in the drawn Munster final and against Tyrone in the All Ireland semi-final have played a massive part in Kerry's progress to the final

Paul Murphy Last year's Man of the match in the All Ireland final is the perfect example of what a great defender should be, his display in marking one of the top Dublin attackers will be so crucial. The Rathmore man rarely has an off day.

Marc o Se One of the greatest ever defenders in the game he has guarded the Kerry defence since 2002. Has been on the starting fifteen in ever championship match this year. The near perfect footballer we may never see his like again

Shane Enright Has been getting better and better as the year goes on== from the Tarbert club his marking abilities on one of the dangerous Dublin forwards will be crucial in Kerry's bid for glory. This young man will go on to have a great Kerry career

Jonathan Lyne from my own club Killarney legion club also an ever present starter in defence in all Eamon Fitzmaurice's championship teams= a great defender and uses the ball to great effect when he attacks. Comes from one of Kerry's most renowned football families

Peter Crowley a wonderful strong brave forceful defender The Laune Rangers man just 25 years old made his championship debut for Kerry in 2012 .Following in the footsteps of the great Hassett brothers Liam and Mike.

Killian Young one to the top defenders in the game and a former young footballer of the year he has stared on all of Kerry's championship teams this year. Made his debut in 2006 and a vital part of the Kerry defence. From the famed Renard club renowned for The O'Mahony brothers, James, John & Jerry, who distinguished themselves with Renard, Kerry and later with London?

Anthony Maher standing 6 foot five in his stocking feet the man for Duagh is having a brilliant year, Like all the great Kerry mid field men before him Anthony is at his best fielding high but is also a great all round footballer. A joy to watch.

David Moran son of the legendary Ogies== David has recovered from some dreadful knee injuries but his courage and determination to play with Kerry has been inspirational. A magnificent fielder and all round footballer his partnership with Anthony is as good has what we have ever seen in the green and gold.

Kenmare's Stephen o Brien must be a nightmare for defenders, always takes the shortest route to goal and has that rare ability of simply cutting through defences=== his goal and four points against Kildare in the quarter final were beautifully taken. Just 24 years of age his best days in the Kerry jersey are still ahead of him.

Johnny Buckley, simply a class act==, man of the match against Tyrone standing 6 foot 3 and still just 26 years old he appears to have everything necessary go on and become one of the stars of this side. Comfortable at mid field, wing forward or centre forward the Crokes man is improving with every game.

Donnacha Walsh, loved by the Kerry supporters, this man covers every inch of Croke Park in pursuit of victory, has given magnificent service to his county since he made his debut in 2008. From the youngest club in Kerry=Cromane Donnacha is probably the hardest working player on the Kerry team and that believe me is saying something.

What can we add about Colm Cooper that has not been said before==One of the best footballers of his generation=he is really very close to being the complete flawless footballer. The Dr Crokes star will be making an amazing 82nd championship appearance in the final and he has amassed 22-270 points in his championship career. ENOIGH SAID.

Kieran Donaghy= the star=, the captain, = the Austin Stacks legend, is sure to play a massive part in this final. His brilliant high fielding around the opponent's goal is a wonderful to watch. Will hope to follow in the footsteps of former Stacks winning captains Ger. Power, Micko Doyle and Joe Barrett.

James o Donoghue a superb footballer, can change his game to suit the best needs of the team when required. Last year was a dream year for the Legion man, now just back from a serious shoulder injury his point kicking and driving play towards Dublin's goal will be vital in pursuit of victory.

Aidan o Mahoney the Rathmore warrior, He once played on for more than 40 minutes in a club final with a broken leg, scoring two points.[4] Has never played a poor game for his county. This garda will have a huge part to play in this final whether he starts or not. A great man marker his reading of the game is superb going for his 6th medal

Tommy Wash might just be the man to play a huge part in this mouth-watering final. Still recovering from his stint in Australia the 6 foot 4 o Rahillys star must be flying in training and could prove a trump card for Eamon Fitz. Highly experienced Tommy= if not started Might come on mid field, centre or full forward. Just 27 years of age will play a huge part in Kerry's future

Brian Sheehan not alone is the St Mary's man one of the best free kickers the game has ever seen but he is also a superb fielder around the centre of the field, has won 6 Munster medals, 5 All Irelands 2 national Leagues and 1 All Star. A real favourite with Kerry supporters.

Paul Geaney, of Dingle just 24 years of age this young man has played a huge part in Kerry's march to the final, a prolific goal scorer. He has great hands and a deadly finish when the opportunity arises as we saw in the first minute of last year's win over Donegal. His best years are ahead of him.

Barry John Keane continues to improve with every appearance, great sped  off the mark, and capable of lofting over points from any angle this 25 year old Kerins o Rahillys star will be following in the footsteps of his illustrious grandfather John Dowling who captained Kerry to glory against Dublin 60 years ago this year

Darren o Sullivan Glenbeigh/Glencar One of the fastest players in the game and a thrilling sight to behold when in full flight has shrugged off injury's to reach his best form for a long while, now being used as a match winning sub his pace and direct running may play a huge part in this final Has captained the Kingdom to All Ireland victory.

Pa Kilkenny another Glenbeigh / Glencar man is the youngest player on the Kerry panel at just 22 year of age. Definitely one for the future made his championship debut in 2014 has won 1 All Ireland Senior, 1 Munster Senior, 1 Co. Under 21 Champ,  2 Mid Kerry Championships
 
Fionn Fitzgerald last year's winning captain will forever be remembered for the magnificent last minute point he kicked in Killarney to draw with cork. A brilliant man marker he may just be coming to his very best form for the final The 25 year old Dr Crokes man will surely have a big part to play in the game as his marking abilities and attacking runs are vital to this Kerry set up.

Paul Galvin Another warrior of this Kerry side, while he has not figured prominently all year his vast experience and ball winning abilities may well be just what Kerry need as the final 15 minutes approaches - the holder of 8 Munster medals, 4 All Irelands, 3 National leagues and 2 All Stars= what a reception he would receive if he makes an appearance.

Brian Kelly last year's winning goalkeeper, Injury may have cost the Legion man his place this year; great all round keeper holder of 2 Munster medals, 1 All Ireland and a Sigerson= Kerry are safe in the knowledge that they have a top man if needed to man the net.


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