PHOTOS: Four Talking Points From Kerry v Mayo

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David Moran looks for a team-mate as Stephen Coen of Mayo looks on during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

David Moran looks for a team-mate as Stephen Coen of Mayo looks on during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

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…

Lee Keegan of Mayo in possession with Paul Geaney about to make a tackle during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Lee Keegan of Mayo in possession with Paul Geaney about to make a tackle during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo 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.

Tommy Walsh secures possession watched by Lee Keegan of Mayo and Johnny Buckley during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Tommy Walsh secures possession watched by Lee Keegan of Mayo and Johnny Buckley during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

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 scores one of his two points during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

David Moran scores one of his two points during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

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.

Barry John Walsh sees the funny side of a niggly moment during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Barry John Keane sees the funny side of a niggly moment during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

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.

Keith Higgins of Mayo and Conor Keane of Kerry in action during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Keith Higgins of Mayo and Conor Keane of Kerry in action during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

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…

Stephen O'Brien races away from Mayo's Stephen Coen during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Stephen O’Brien races away from Mayo’s Stephen Coen during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Paul Geaney lets fly during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Paul Geaney lets fly during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Mayo's Diarmaid O'Connor keeps close tabs on Kerry's Jack Sherwood during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Mayo’s Diarmaid O’Connor keeps close tabs on Kerry’s Jack Sherwood during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Tommy Walsh lets off the pass before he's tackled by Seamus O'Shea during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Tommy Walsh lets off the pass before he’s tackled by Seamus O’Shea during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

David Moran strides forward during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

David Moran strides forward during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Tommy Walsh rises to field a ball during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Tommy Walsh rises to field a ball during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Colm Boyle of Mayo and Philip O'Connor of Kerry tussle rise for the ball watched by Aidan O'Shea of Mayo during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Colm Boyle of Mayo and Philip O’Connor of Kerry tussle rise for the ball watched by Aidan O’Shea of Mayo during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Bryan Sheehan about to make a pass during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Bryan Sheehan about to make a pass during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Mikey and Paul Geaney put pressure on Mayo's Kevin Keane during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Mikey and Paul Geaney put pressure on Mayo’s Kevin Keane during the Allianz League game between Kerry and Mayo at Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

 

One Comment

  1. tommy dowling says:

    Kerry won opening league game in2009 beat Derry in league final and also won Sam Maguire the same year Gavin o connor

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