NEW Kerry boss Peter Keane and his selectors will have much to ponder following the clash of the county’s top four teams in the Kerry Senior Football Championship semi-final double bill at Austin Stack Park on Sunday.
If they were seeking reassurance on the form of some of the current Kerry panel then they won’t have been disappointed by the performances of David Moran – the outstanding player on view – David Clifford, Tom O’Sullivan, Kevin McCarthy and Paul Geaney all of who had that obvious ‘county man’ cut about them in the white heat of battle.
The likes of Barry John Keane, Mikey Geaney, Fionn Fitzgerald, Shane Murphy, Micheál Burns, Jack Savage, Daithi Casey and Gavin White also made a significant contribution but if Keane and co were on the lookout for new talent, there were certainly some encouraging performances of note.
Johnny Buckley does not fit into the new kids on the block category but the Dr Crokes midfielder was one of the standout players of the weekend and his battle with David Moran was the undoubted highlight of the two hours-plus of football in Tralee. Buckley looks in terrific shape and he certainly imposed his will on a tight game, fielding and tackling magnificently, full of running and energy, and kicking two points to round off a terrific individual display.
Having taken a break from inter county action last year, for family reasons, it is not yet known whether he will be available to Keane in 2019 but Kerry supporters will certainly hope so as the squad could certainly do with an option around the middle where the county is not spoilt for choice.
Another midfielder that might be worth a second glance is Moran’s Strand Road partner Con Barrett who caught the eye on Sunday and his square to square energy and strength would be a considerable asset while Barry O’Sullivan of Dingle is another to keep a close eye on.
The East Kerry divisional side has had a super season and although David Clifford has been simply outstanding, steering the push for the district, it is far from a one-man show and some of his team-mates might also find themselves summoned to training in Fitzgerald Stadium, not least his own brother, Paudie. The all-action centre forward, who was the star for the Kerry juniors in their All-Ireland success, is one of the most under-rated performers in the game with great ability and an almost telepathic understanding with his younger brother which probably has its origins in the back garden.
Kilcummin’s Sean O’Leary is one of the best young defenders in the game and having proven himself time and again with the Kerry minors and under 21s, he has brought that consistency to senior level and he has copperfastened his reputation as one of the best attacking defenders around. He is certainly worth a look for the Kerry senior management as is Kerins O’Rahilly’s defender Ross O’Callaghan who is an accomplished man marker.
Spa’s Dara Moynihan – who has added bulk to his familiar burst of speed – might deserve a call-up, Jack Sherwood of Firies is also playing himself back into contention for a recall to the squad and if there is a better corner back in the county than the incredibly consistent John Payne of Dr Crokes would he please stand up and make himself known?
Given his free-scoring form all season, Tony Brosnan can look forward to a call from a Killorglin number while Gavin O’Brien of Kerins O’Rahillys – who notched 2-1 against Crokes – is also a hugely exciting proposition and he certainly has the build and guile to cut a dash at inter county level.
Far from drying up, the Kerry football production line is well greased and that must be a sobering thought for the other 31 counties, Dublin included. It has all the ingredients required to make it an interesting and exciting season ahead.
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