GAVIN O’Connor takes a look at a few of the main talking points among Kerry supporters after defeat to Mayo in Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday, along with photos from yesterday’s game by Dermot Crean…
1. ‘Wintering Well’ Again
Kerry had all the signs of it yesterday as they dusted off the cobwebs for the first league game of the season. Mayo were clearly further along in their development at this time of the year.
This is nothing new either as the last time Kerry followed up an All-Ireland win with an opening league game victory was 1997.
Although losing the first game against a quality side like Mayo isn’t the end of the world, it was the performances from a few players who needed to stake a claim for a jersey which was disappointing.
Based on yesterday, many of the regulars looking on yesterday wouldn’t need to battle too hard for their shirts when they return.
2. The Blue Brigade Was Out In Force
At the start of the second half, three Kerins O’Rahilly’s players played alongside each other in, fittingly, the blue of Kerry. Tommy Walsh made an instant impact off the bench and it was only when Aidan O’Shea was sprung for the Mayo men, was his influence curtailed somewhat.
It was a pity when he was moved into full-forward, Kerry could not get one ball into him before he limped off for the second match in a row. Thankfully though, the injury is not expected to be serious.
David Moran and Barry John Keane were arguably Kerry’s two best players in a game of very few stand-out performances. Barry John’s three impressive points from play, showed that he can be more than just a super-sub come the summer.
David Moran needs to start taking the majority of Kerry frees on the right side. He showed he’s well capable of driving them long again yesterday.
3. There’s An Edginess Between Kerry And Mayo
It’s starting to feel like these two sides don’t particularly like each other. Mayo will have felt aggrieved about a few of the decisions that went against them in both battles last summer. Those moments would have been rattling around their heads all though the winter.
Even if the game lacked intensity, which is to be expected, it certainly allowed for a bit niggle that threatened to boil over on a few occasions. A match up again in August or September will surely be another blockbuster.
4. A Tough Battle Ahead
Considering Kerry met Derry at the same stage last year in Killarney and lost, the trip all the way to Celtic Park will be greeted with a degree of trepidation.
After that, it’s the Dubs at home, who have also tasted victory in Killarney in recent years. Three wins pretty much guarantees your survival and though sides have stayed up with less, it rarely happens.
In the last two years, Kerry have got those three wins, but also lost the opening three games. This year though, Kerry have the luxury of having four games at home. They have to make them count.
See more photos from the game below…
Kerry won opening league game in2009 beat Derry in league final and also won Sam Maguire the same year Gavin o connor