Gavin O’Connor looks at the main features of Sunday’s Garvey’s Supervalu Kerry SFC final at Austin Stack Park from a Rockie point of view…
1. Austin Stacks’ Point-Scoring
Some of the scores by Stacks were of an extremely high calibre and that’s not even taking the weather into account.
The greatest example of this was when, halfway though the second half with Stacks trailing by a point, Shane Callaghan, Kieran Donaghy and Shane Carroll, kicked three incredible scores one after another to put the side two points ahead with ten minutes to go.
Daniel Bohan and Pat McCarthy also pitched in with scores, three of which were gems. Stacks, will be disappointed, that despite being on top form in front of goal at times, they couldn’t get over the line.
Kieran Donaghy, surges up the field in the second half in the county final against Mid Kerry. Photo by Oscar Brophy.
2. Stacks’ Second Half Wides
In the first half, Stacks were almost flawless, scoring 1-8 from 10 scoring opportunities. This was made even more impressive by the fact they played against the breeze. In contrast, Mid Kerry kicked six wides from 12 scoring opportunities.
In the second half, with the wind at their backs, Stacks’ accuracy depleted considerably, kicking only five scores from 12 opportunities. Perhaps jitters began to creep in. If Stacks had taken their accuracy into the second half there is no doubt the Bishop Moynihan Cup would have been theirs.
Mid Kerry, Pa Kilkenny, gets to know Austin Stacks’ Shane Callaghan a bit better during the County Final. Photo by Oscar Brophy.
3. The Return of Bohan
2014 was a familiar story for the former inter-county man who missed the bulk of it due to injury.
Before throw-in on Sunday, the one change from the programme was Daniel Bohan coming in for Fiachna Mangan, who despite having a fine game in the semi-final, was dropped to the bench.
From the unusual surroundings of the half forward line for the 31 year old Bohan, he kicked two excellent first half points.
He spent most of his time mucking in at midfield where he and Wayne Guthrie controlled the game for large spells. For Bohan, to be back playing in top form is a credit to his resolve and character after a career with so many setbacks.
Mid Kerry’s, Colin McGillicuddy, and Austin Stacks, Wayne Guthrie, jump high during the County Final. Photo Oscar Brophy.
4. Stacks Didn’t Make Their Dominance Count
Leading by three points ten minutes into the second half and well on top in midfield, this was the time where Stacks needed to push on and win this game. What transpired was a very nervy finish, where in truth, the Rock were saved by two inexcusable close range misses by Mid Kerry’s Gavin O’Grady.
Over the course of the match, Stacks won midfield hands down. Winning 10/16 from their own kickouts and 13/22 off of Mid Kerry’s kickouts.
Another factor was how little they could get the right ball into Donaghy, only twice did he receive a dangerous ball inside the square, with one of them finishing in the net.
Austin Stacks, David Mannix, attempts to keep the ball in play under the watchful eye of Mid Kerry’s, Pa Killkenny. Photo by Oscar Brophy.
5. All Roads Lead To Killarney
Pretty much as soon as the announcement was made that the replay venue was up for review, there was a feeling it would go to Killarney.
This is a pity, given the fantastic atmosphere that was conjured up in the tighter ground by both sets of supporters.
What a thrill it would have been to bring the game under lights next Saturday evening. It would have given supporters a chance to enjoy the night without the worry of work the following day and give towns traders a boost with extra bodies around the place for the match.
But there’s a good omen in there for Stacks fans. The last time they won a county title it was after a replay in Killarney,
Austin Stacks, Shane Carroll, kicks one of his 4 frees, during the County Final. Photo by Oscar Brophy.
