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Gavin O’Connor was at the controversial encounter between Kerry and Donegal in Tralee yesterday, where there was a lot to talk about after…
1. Indiscipline From Both Sides
The scuffles that ensued throughout this match descended into a farce at times, so much so that a young family near me in the stands up and left the game.
The parents opted not to allow their children witness the antics on the pitch, but one would guess also to move them away from the bad language and vitriol spewing from the stand and terraces.
If Neil McGee did almost break Alan Fitzgerald fingers, it is an act bordering on barbaric and he should face the consequences of that action – other than the Castlegregory man’s pitch justice that is.
Continued below…
Eddie Kinsella issues a red card to Alan Fitzgerald for striking Donegal full back, Neil McGee. Photo by Dermot Crean.
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You can trace the escalation back to the very first minutes when Kieran Donaghy showed incredible strength by pulling down man-mountain, Michael Murphy.
Following that, the normally cool Donnchdh Walsh, chased down Leo McLoone who would later get the line. God knows what was said or done to push the Cromane man over the edge.
There was the regular ‘northern football’ finger-pointing after the game, but in truth Kerry had a part to play.
It’s unusual to see this from the two sides. Both have played each other in league and championship many times over the past five years with hardly an incident throughout.
In the league there is a potential for these things to happen, you only have to remember the ‘The Battle of Omagh’ from a number of years ago. The league doesn’t bring the same repercussions as championship, but you get the sense we will be hearing about yesterday’s events for a few days, maybe weeks to come.
Kieran Donaghy pulls down Michael Murphy early in the match. Photo by Dermot Crean.
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2. Donnchadh Walsh’s Football Brain
It was said to me during the match that Walsh must be the most overrated underrated player in the country (said by a Cork man, by the way).
It’s a fair point. The word ‘underrated’ has been used far too many times now to describe his influence and the All-Star he collected last finally recognised his impact for Kerry.
‘Workrate’ is another word often used to describe Donnchadh. Though true, it belies his ability to pick out a pass and almost always make the right decision.
He got a hat-trick of fisted points yesterday, the last of which showed what he’s all about. To set up the play, Donnachdh gives a nice pop pass to Stephen O’Brien, who then plays it the Donaghy.
Donnchadh, hanging back, times his run perfectly to receive a fisted pass from Donaghy and fists it over himself with the minimum of fuss. Looked easy, but would not have happened without perfect timing.
Donnchdh Walsh fists over one of his three points. Photo by Dermot Crean.
3. The Invaluable Bryan Sheehan
When he plays, he’s worth three points to the team at least. That pointed free towards the end of the match off his right on the terrace side, was nothing short of sublime.
A very tricky kick facing a gale on the wrong side of the pitch for a right-footed kicker, Sheehan judged the wind perfectly and gave us a thing of beauty.
The St Mary’s man also treated us to some fine fielding and mixed it well in midfield against Michael Murphy and Neil Gallagher.
Sheehan is a player who needs to be playing regularly to get the best out of, it’s no wonder he’s in flying form coming off the back of club campaign where he was playing nearly every week from October to December and after Christmas as well.
During a staggered inter-county season he can often seem sluggish with the hard yards being done in training not out on the field of play.
Bryan Sheehan, bats a ball away from Donegal’s, Michael Murphy. Photo by Dermot Crean..
4. Donaghy Can Still Do It In Midfield
Donaghy may not be the quickest mover out there, but there’s hardly a man in the game who matches him for speed of thought. There’s also those quick hands that have seen him rarely miss a beat and keep things ticking along.
He’s a bit of a freak of nature really. It may seem that his height might be his main attribute, but in truth how many big men have come and gone since Donaghy burst on the scene? Too many to mention.
The Stacks man is unlikely to remain at midfield with Moran and Maher to come in, but he showed yesterday he’s still well able to mix it around the middle at inter-county level.
Kieran Donaghy comes away with the ball against Donegal in round 4 of the Allianz National Football League Division 1. Photo by Dermot Crean.
5. The League Table Is Now Looking A Whole Lot Better
Before the trip to Newry, Kerry were winless and one of the favourites for the drop. Two wins on the bounce have catapulted the side into a chance for a (whisper it) semi-final spot.
Kerry are now fourth in the table, level on for points with Monaghan. Above are Roscommmon and Donegal in second on 6 and Dublin in first on 8.
Up next is a very tricky test away against Mayo who finally got off the mark yesterday, followed by another away day in Monaghan and Cork in Austin Stack Park for the last round.
It’s a tall order, but if Kerry can win in either Mayo are Monaghan with a home win against Cork, they will put themselves in with a great chance of semi-final spot.
Then again, lose both games on the road and it could be what would amount to a relegation playoff against Cork. (scroll down for more photos)
Peter Crowley celebrates his second half goal with Darran O’Sullivan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Paul Murphy is tackled by Ryan McHugh and Michael Murphy. Photo by Dermot Crean.
Over 7000 spectators braved the elements in Austin Stack part for Kerry v Donegal. Photo by Dermot Crean.
Colm Cooper about to tap over his second half point with Donegal’s, Neil McGee in close quarters. Photo by Dermot Crean.
Kerry’s, Padraig O’Connor, looks for a pass with Donegal’s, Martin O’Reilly. Photo by Dermot Crean.
Johnny Buckley looks to move out of trouble. Photo by Dermot Crean.
Donnchadh Walsh dives for a ball on the deck while Donegal’s Martin O’Reilly looks to put on pressure. Photo by Dermot Crean.
Mark Griffin looks to pick out a pass with Donegal’s Michael and Odhrán Mac Niallais close by. Photo by Dermot Crean.
Kerry huddle before the match. Photo by Dermot Crean.
