A PRECIOUS MOMENT IN TIME
Remember Mikey Sheehy’s cheeky chip over the head of a floundering Paddy Cullen in the 1979 All-Ireland final? Maurice Fitzgerald’s outrageous sideline point against the Dubs in Thurles in 2001? Or Sean Walsh’s magnificent leap into the clouds to spectacularly outfield Brian Mullins in the 1979 decider?
Now we have another nugget – a golden one – to add to the magnificent wonders of the world collection, a glorious moment in the Kerry football annals courtesy of a truly talented player who proving, beyond all doubt, to be the most gifted of all time.
David Clifford’s audacious, almost mischievous sideline cut-back into the arms of Tony Brosnan, which led directly to Seanie O’Shea’s goal, will live on in the memory of those lucky enough to be there to witness it, particularly those closest to the action in the lower deck of the Hogan Stand.
It was a magical moment, an act of pure genius and the most surprising thing about it was that nobody was in the least big surprised that the Fossa star – undoubtedly the greatest showman and the story that keeps on giving – had the wherewithal and the skill to even attempt to do it.
Chalk it down – this was one of those precious moments that will be shown time and time again many years from now. It was a true genuis at work.
THE CASE FOR THE DEFENCE
In this particular instance, not even a gifted barrister of Joe Brolly’s standing will be required to make a case for the defence. There’s no need for it. Jury dismissed.
The Kerry rearguard came under heavy and sustained fire following a number of encounters this year, particularly following the heavy defeat by Mayo, but full credit to Paddy Tally and co who stuck manfully to the task at hand, got their homework done, their match-ups right and their tactics spot on.
There were signs that the defence was more than getting its act together in the game against Louth but, given that Mickey Harte’s charges were never going to seriously threaten Kerry, it was quite dangerous to use that performance as a barometer of just where Jack O’Connor’s side stood, defensively speaking.
They showed the watching world – or at least those in attendance and those who subscribed to GAAGO on Saturday – just how far they had come with an absolutely stunning display of top class defending which left Tyrone reeling and it was an absolute joy to watch.
Each and every one of the six defenders bossed their immediate opponents and players of the calibre of Darragh Canavan, Darren McCurry and Mattie Donnelly were controlled in a manner that was almost unprecedented for a team from the Red Hand county.
Donnelly will be waking up to Graham O’Sullivan induced nightmares all week and no Tyrone man, woman or child will want to hear mention of Jason Foley or Tadhg Morley for the rest of this year or next.
It proved a point – don’t fret about the Kerry rearguard. Individually and collectively, they are at the top of their game
MIDFIELD WILL LOOK AFTER ITSELF
Hell hath no fury like a Na Gaeil man scored.
Diarmuid O’Connor and Jack Barry were made scapegoats any time Kerry were found to be struggling in the new round robin format in this year’s championship and, to be perfectly fair to the admittedly hard-to-please supporters, it’s hard to blame them for venting their frustrations given that the Kerry midfield looked lethargic and sloppy and were outfielded and outplayed in a number of outings.
They worked on it, though, and while it came together really well for them in the last round against Louth, yesterday they drew gasps of admiration on the greatest stage of all with a polished, tenacious, commanding performance that left the formidable duo of Conn Kilpatrick and Brian Kennedy chasing shadows.
O’Connor, in particular, was brilliant and his masterclass in class and stamina, allied to his contribution of 1-2, earned him the man-of-the-match award but Barry, too, produced a great performance and his willingness to help out in defence anytime Tyrone threatened was priceless. His workrate is simply colossal.
It just shows that whatever about form, class is permanent and the Na Gaeil duo proved yesterday that they have that quality in abundance.
As the big clash with Derry approaches, supporters can rest assured that rumours of the demise of the Kingdom midfield have been greatly exaggerated. And then some.
Be wise – advertise where it will be seen. Email: news@killarneytoday.com or Call 087-2229761
