Dr. Crokes victorious over Monaleen of Limerick

November 9th, 2010
by Weeshie Fogarty

While Harry O Neill would and understandably so be very wary of the visit of Monaleen in last Sundays Munster Club Championship nevertheless nothing but a comprehensive win for the home side was to be expected. There was big gulf between the teams and once the Crokes had "found their feet" and settled down following the opening fifteen minutes it was smooth sailing for the lake side boys. Mike Crowley's early goal had given the visitors some faint hope but Crokes as they have displayed all year just moved up a gear and when the short whistle sounded they were in cruise control leading by nine points. I have written here following their semi final and final wins that this is one of the most evenly balanced teams I have seen by the Crokes down through the years.

This was evident again yesterday with each and every player winning or at least breaking even with his opponent. While Colm Cooper is and deservedly so the star of the side he is not the main target man and the emergence of Daithi Casey in his continued newer role as full fordward has opened up all forms of options. He was well in the running for man of the match in the county final and again last Sunday he displayed his many talents. Gaining possession, kicking points, great vision and he is deceptively very fast off the mark.  Then once again we saw a split second of individual brilliance from Colm Cooper when in the sixteenth minute of the first half he took a lightning fast free to Brian Looney collected the return and billowed the net before even some of his team mates, opponents, referee and spectators realized what had happened.  How often have we seen him produce a little bit of sheer magic or score which one can always store away in the memory vault of special sporting moments?  The combined total of 2-10 between both inside men is fitting testimony of the rich vein of form both are displaying as the march to Croke continues.

But in my opinion the excellent play of the forwards is not what all this side is about. The defense was once again superb last Sunday. Strong and forceful, displaying all the necessary talents needed as a unit, close continued coverage, without fouling.  While all six are consistently good Michael Moloney at full back and wing back Shane Myers are playing terrific football and while Myers might not be the biggest wing back in East Kerry his defensive play and surging runs up field are a feature of his continued progress.

So how good is this Dr Crokes Side? Next stop is a visit to Aherlow County Tipp. and this will be no push over as in my own experience of playing with very strong East Kerry sides many moons ago traveling away to small tight pitches together with the home followers baying for Kerry blood is a very intimidating experience. Crokes will have the scoring power and this will see them through and most likely a meeting maybe at a neutrel venue with Cork king pins Nemo Rangers. That will be the game of the year and Crokes true potential as All Ireland club winners will be revealed that day. But for now its the East Kerry final next Saturday. The big games are coming thick and fast, Injuries and a little tierdness will be a worry for the men in charge. However the panel is big and hightly capable and the manager has continued to give prolonged runs to his fringe players. These might well be the men to decide the Munster Club Championship. 

Dail Stars: From Croke Park to Leinster House, a new book by Connor McMorrow explores how the GAA has been a breeding ground for Irish politicians for over half a century. It's a most unusual way of picking a best ever team, a past time that we all have indulged in one time or another. And of course like all best ever GAA teams Kerry figures prominently in this latest list of all time greats. It's a fascinating book and examines in great detail the life and times of every politician chosen. The author consulted me when writing his latest book and I was able to direct him to some of his Kerry selections. It's completely different in every aspect from the paltered of other GAA books which we have sen arrive on the book shelves in the run up to Christmas. It contains wonderful history and captures the lives and times of all those chosen Austin Stack right up to martin Ferris.

The Dail Stars have been chosen on the basis of the positions in which the politicians played during their playing careers. Or else their contribution to their administration ranks of the association. So a person included need not have been a great intercounty player. Sean Kelly is the perfect example of this. Sean is included at right half fordward on the team on the basis of his outstanding contribution as President especially the role he played in opening up Croke Park to soccer and rugby. Rule 42 was one of the most politically sensitive rules in the GAA rule book and the Kilcummin man describes the hatred and bitterness he still encounters at funerals and functions he attends.  The Martin Ferris story is intriguing and he describes in great detail his days on the run when he was on the fringes of the greatest Kery team of all time.  As well as the fascinating chapters on those selected on the first fifteen the author has also includes a list of substitutes with highly interesting background to all of those.

Dail team; Eoin Duffy (Monaghan-Fine Gael), John o Mahoney (Mayo-Fine Gael), Sean Flanagan (Mayo Fianna fail), Jimmy Deenihan) Kerry-Fine Gael), John Donnellan (Galway-Fine Gael), Austin Stack (Kerry-Sinn Fein), John Wilson (Cavan-Fianna Fail), Des Foley (Dublin-Fianna fail), Henry Kenny (Mayo-Fine Gael), Sean Kelly (Kerry-Fine Gael), Mick Donnellan (Galway- Clann Na Talmhan), martin Ferris (Kerry-Sinn Fein), Jack Lynch(Cork Fianna fail), Dan Spring (kerry-Labour), Jack (McQuillan (Roscommon- Clann Na Poblachta).
Kerry Subs: Dick Spring (Kerry-Labour), Sean Brosnan (Kerry-Fianna Fáil)

Honorable mention is also given to those Kerry legends that ran for the Dail but were not successful. Mick o Connell (1981-Independent), Joe Keohane (1973- Independent), Johnny Walsh (1948- Clann na Poblacht), Tom "Gegga" o Connor (1948 and 1951- Fianna fail), Con Brosnan (1933-Cuman na Gael).

Fogra; The response to the recently launched four hour DVD, 'Secrets of Kerry - A Captains Story' has been astonishing. People have been thrilled and amazed at the quality of Christy Riordan's production. I am not one bit suprised as i have constantly said that it will prove to be one of the best ever GAA projects of its kind. Its on sale in ever town in Kerry and will certainly solve all the "what will i give him/her for Christmas" problems. I guarantee you absolute satisfaction.



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