Barry John Keane with Kerry fans Edward Kerrisk and Frankie Sheehy at the after-match function in the Ballsbridge Hotel on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
HE’S garnered a reputation of late as a sort of a go-to guy when the going gets tough and it all came good for Barry John Keane on Sunday.
We talked to the Kerins O’Rahilly’s man on Sunday night in the Ballsbridge Hotel and got his reaction to the game and the win.
“I’m a bit numb still to be honest. It’s been a long few years, I’m there [on the panel] since 2010. 2011 was a bit upsetting and there’s been a lot of pain since. Last year I wasn’t going well and I didn’t make the cut. I went way to Boston and my future with Kerry wasn’t looking good,” he said.
Dark days, but he took the right turn at the crossroads.
“There was a decision to make; did I want it or not. I did, and in fairness to Eamon, he gave me the chance to get back in there when a lot of people mightn’t have. So I took it and I’m delighted we got over the line today.”
He’s become a sort of a super sub over the past few games, coming on and getting crucial scores.
“I suppose in other years when you’re going well and you’re only a sub, fellas can kick up about it, but as I said to Eamon, I’m just there for the team, whether I’m coming on or starting and thankfully it’s worked out for us.”
With three Tralee men on the team, it’s great for football in town.
“Yeah, with the three of us and Cormac Coffey from my own club with the minors. It is great for the town, which suffered in the recession but things are picking up again. It’ll be nice going down Denny Street on Monday evening.”
There’s a great tradition in the Keane family of playing for Kerry and of course his grandfather John Dowling captained Kerry to All-Ireland glory in 1955.
“I suppose I’ve joined by grandfather now with getting the senior medal. My uncles put a bit of pressure on me during the week saying my father [David] has the minor, my uncle Mikey played five years at Under 21 and I needed to get the cherry on top with the senior medal so the whole collection is there now,” he said.
It’s been a tough few years but Barry John got his reward on Sunday. He knows how special it is and how much it means to himself and his family.
“When things aren’t going your way it’s very hard, but you have that small group of family and friends who have your back. They’re the ones you stick with this week and enjoy it with them.”
