Rarely, if ever, has a travelling Kerry contingent been so passionate and vocal in their support of their team than in the old stadium in Tuam this afternoon. For obvious reasons they didn’t outnumber the home supporters but it certainly sounded that way and they really got behind the team, encouraging, cheering, applauding, chanting and, on occasions, turning the air a light shade of blue after some bizarre calls by the match officials. The fabulous support is something Peter Keane and co will be thrilled with and with the likes of Clifford, White, O’Donoghue, Geaney and Moran yet to return, the fans will have even more to shout about as the year progresses.
Tommy Walsh could be the making of Kerry this season. He rolled back the years to produce a stunning display in St Jarlath’s Park this afternoon and the huge amount of possession he won was incredible. Much more than an edge-of-the-square target man, he did his best work in the middle third, toiling all afternoon and fielding brilliantly when sought out – very regularly – by goalkeeper Shane Ryan as he patrolled the right wing. Walsh’s greatest attribute is his great versatility and he can be explosive in any of the attacking positions or at midfield. The Kerins O’Rahilly’s man proved today that Peter Keane did a wise thing when he lifted the phone.
It’s five years since speed merchant Stephen O’Brien made his Kerry senior debut, in a league clash with Dublin, yet in a strange sort of way, he remains the Kingdom’s secret weapon. The opposition know all about his blinding pace and his ability to set off on a blistering run through the heart of any defence, yet nobody has yet come up with a definitive way of stopping him. His full-blooded man-of-the-match display in Tuam this afternoon proved why he has become a real favourite with the fans, even if he did play a game of red or black with the ref. O’Brien’s explosive pace and eye for goal is a real asset, particularly when faced with a difficult to break down blanket defence like that favoured by Galway.
Seanie O’Shea is already looking like he has all the attributes required to continue his development to be the most complete footballer in the country. Top scorer for Kerry in this campaign, and a winner of multiple player of the week accolades, he contributed five of the 14 points this afternoon – three from frees and two from play. His work-rate was hugely impressive, particularly considering the hectic schedule he has had to endure with county and college in recent weeks. Supremely stylish with a real eye for the target, he can strike the ball ever so sweetly and make it look effortless and his ability to put in the hard tackles and his tireless off-the-ball work make him a real gem.
It’s early days but Peter Keane seems to have identified a perfect blend of youth and experience, particularly where it was most needed in defence. The likes of Peter Crowley, Paul Murphy, Shane Enright and Tadhg Morley are able to cajole and encourage their younger team-mates like Tom O’Sullivan and Gavin Crowley. And what about the performances of Jack Sherwood? He has been a revelation since his return and his swashbuckling, all-action style, all over the field, catches opponents by surprise as it’s not what you would expect from a full back. The reargurd is not exactly locktight, but the tackling is tenacious, the determination is laudable and they continue to improve.
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