KERRY’S gritty and dramatic single point victory over a very fine Galway side in Austin Stack Park, Tralee last night was just what they needed – in more ways than one.
Importantly, it earned them two valuable National League points to add to the one they earned against Dublin the previous weekend but, even more crucially for Peter Keane and his selectors, it saw them dig deep to carve out a victory when things got tough.
They won an incredibly tight game and that’s something they needed to do, particularly given their experience against the Dubs last Saturday night and, again in last year’s drawn All-Ireland final.
Kerry need to win a very close game, several pundits told us after the drama of last season. Well, there you go guys.
Here are five points that had us talking on the way home after Killian Spillane’s brilliantly taken winner under the glare of the floodlights at Austin Stack Park.
Paul Murphy is the complete footballer. He’s been a first team regular for six years but Paul Murphy just keeps on getting better. Still only 28, he has developed into the complete footballer, a wonderful team player who contributes handsomely every time he pulls the green and gold over his head. Versatility personified, he was outstanding against the Dubs – kicking two points from his wing back berth – and he was brilliant once again last night with his all-action style and astute reading of the game a key factor in the defeat of Galway. Probably Kerry’s most valuable all-round asset.
Liam Kearney is here to stay. The towering Spa footballer made his NFL debut, from the bench, in Croke Park the previous weekend and had his first start last night – and he took it with a vengeance. A fine fielder with a great engine, he proved his worth with a string of super performances for East Kerry in the Kerry SFC and that fact obviously didn’t go unnoticed by Peter Keane and co. He performed extremely well against the team assembled by Padraig Joyce and, while he might have his work cut out for him when David Moran returns, Kearney certainly has a valuable role to play.
Stephen O’Brien has some stamina. The Kerry selectors seem to have developed a new role for the flying Kenmare man this season – Jack of all trades. In Croke Park against Dublin and in Tralee against Galway, he literally covered every blade of grass and his stamina is quite incredible. O’Brien has a magnificent work rate and if he’s not bearing down on the opposition’s goal at speed, he will probably be found helping Shane Ryan to guard the net when Kerry are under siege. His swashbuckling, buzzy style and ability to put in a hefty tackle is clearly an irritant to opponents. A superb team player.
James O’Donoghue has got his swagger back. The Killarney Legion attacker looks back to his beat this season and, in the 
two NFL games to date, he has certainly left his calling card. The three points against the Dubs and two yesterday were trademark O’Donoghue and his ability to kick accurately from distance – when under pressure – is a huge asset for Kerry. Peter Keane said they are minding the stylish forward a bit given his horrific run of injuries – a wise option – but if he can stay fit, the Legion ace has an enormous contribution to make this season. He also has a wonderful understanding on the field with David Clifford.
Tommy Walsh is some asset to have. The Kerins O’Rahilly’s star started against the Dubs but was used from the bench yesterday and, on both occasions, his contribution was telling. His height is an obvious advantage but his ability to always be there, in the right place and at the right time, when a team-mate is in need of a dig-out, is one of his great assets. Walsh really grafts on the field and with the mark – a ridiculous rule change by the way – about to become more important as the season progresses, Walsh is the perfect player to maximise the opportunities that arise. Always willing to shoot on sight – a great trait for a forward.
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