FANS travelling by car to Killarney for the Munster championship games involving the Kerry men’s and ladies teams on Saturday are being advised to go early, as there will be less parking facilities available than usual.
Kerry against Cork in Fitzgerald Stadium always draws a big crowd but this year, because of the bad weather, some car parks in fields in the town area are not accessible.
Parking will only be available in public car parks including New Street, Glebe, Fair Hill, Rock Road and High Street. Fans are asked to consider car-pooling where possible. Traffic delays can be expected on routes into the town from early afternoon.
Meanwhile, tickets for the games can be purchased on Ticketmaster by clicking here.
.Sean O’Shea returns to the starting line-up for Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
KERRY face Cork in Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday evening in the Munster Senior Championship semi-final (throw-in 6pm) and the team has been named.
It’s an all-Na Gaeil midfield once again of Diarmuid O’Connor and Jack Barry, while Sean O’Shea makes a welcome return to the starting line-up after injury to captain the side.
Tralee men on the bench include Kerins O’Rahillys David Moran and Jack Savage, Stefan Okunbor of Na Gaeil and Austin Stacks’ Joe O’Connor and Dylan Casey.
The team is as follows…
1. Shane Ryan
2. Graham O’Sullivan
3. Jason Foley
4. Tom O’Sullivan
5. Brian Ó Beaglaoich
6. Tadhg Morley
7. Gavin White
8. Diarmuid O’Connor
9. Jack Barry
10. Stephen O’Brien
11. Sean O’Shea (c)
12. Adrian Spillane
13. Tony Brosnan
14. David Clifford,
15. Paudie Clifford.
Subs: Shane Murphy, Paul Geaney, Paul Murphy, Dylan Casey, Micheál Burns, David Moran, Jack Savage, Joe O’Connor, Killian Spillane, Gavin Crowley, Stefan Okunbor.
.Killian Spillane looks for options. Photo by Dermot Crean
KERRY collected their first piece of silverware this year after a comprehensive win over Cork in Killarney yesterday but that’s as easy as they’ll get it this season.
Their 2-17 to 0-11 victory in the McGrath Cup showed the Rebels have a lot to do if they want to wrestle the Munster title away from their neighbours, but then again it’s hard to read anything into what goes on in January.
Goals from Tom O’Sullivan and Paul Geaney helped ensure the game was more or less done by half-time with Kerry 2-9 to 0-5 ahead and Cork didn’t put up much of a fight in the second half.
There was a cameo from David Clifford too who came on and slotted over two lovely points to cap off a good afternoon for the Kingdom.
Will they have it as easy come the Munster SFC semi-final in the summer? Scroll down for photos…
Kerry line up for the national anthem. Photo by Dermot Crean.Cork huddle up. Photo by Dermot CreanThe game begins. Photo by Dermot CreanMicheál Burns goes for the ball. Photo by Dermot Crean.A close call early on. Photo by Dermot CreanTom O’Sullivan gets the first goal. Photo by Dermot CreanPaudie Clifford on the attack. Photo by Dermot Crean.Paul Geaney’s shot bangs off the post. Photo by Dermot CreanJack Savage in action. Photo by Dermot CreanA big crowd on the terraces. Photo by Dermot Crean.…and in the stands. Photo by Dermot CreanKillian Spillane attacks. Photo by Dermot CreanMicheál Burns gets his pass off to Paul Geaney under the defender’s body. Photo by Dermot Crean.Paul Geaney slots away Kerry’s second goal. Photo by Dermot CreanPaudie Clifford on the attack. Photo by Dermot CreanKillian Spillane evades the Cork back. Photo by Dermot CreanBrian Ó Beaglaioch in action. Photo by Dermot CreanTadhg Morley makes a run. Photo by Dermot CreanGreg Horan getting to know the opposition. Photo by Dermot CreanKillian Spillane has an attempt on goal. Photo by Dermot CreanDavid Clifford gets his shot away for a point. Photo by Dermot Crean
ANYONE wishing to attend the McGrath Cup final this Saturday between Kerry and Cork in Killarney is advised to act fast tomorrow morning when tickets go on sale.
With a cap on attendance due to COVID public health guidelines, just 5,000 are allowed attend for the 2pm throw-in.
While the McGrath Cup has hardly set the public’s imagination on fire in the past, there are a number of reasons why the interest of football fans will be piqued by the match-up this year.
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The return of Jack O’Connor, the fact that he has been putting out very strong teams so far in the competition, a game against the ‘old enemy’ and a dry day in January at Fitzgerald Stadium all look enticing enough to supporters from both counties.
Tickets will go on sale on the Munster GAA website at 10am on Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, if you can’t make it on Saturday, the game will be streamed live for a cost of €10. Click here for the link.
Yesterday saw a superb performance by Kerry to overcome Cork in the Munster Final by an impressive scoreline of 1-23 to 0-15. Twitter had its say and it wasn’t kind to the Rebels…
THE Munster Final is a glorious occasion for fans of Kerry and Cork fans and – let’s not be coy here – there’s a lot of socialising and carousing to be done before and after the game.
So if you’re heading over to Killarney tonight or tomorrow, you could do a lot worse than a visit to these great watering holes for a bit of craic…
The Speakeasy.
1. The Speakeasy Bar, High Street
A bolthole away from the tourist centre, this is a proper locals’ GAA bar famous for being a Dr Crokes haunt. Major crowds before a Munster final here.
Do Say: “Johnny Buckley should be playing and they’ll miss Gooch!”
Don’t Say: “Yerra Jamsie is better than Gooch anyway.”
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.Tatler Jack.
2. Tatler Jack, Plunkett Street
Ostensibly a Dr Crokes pub, but it’s pretty much owned by any GAA fan at this stage, such is its popularity.
A must stop-off point, even if it’s overflowing on Munster Final day.
Do Say:(enthusiastically, after a ‘few’ pints) “We’ll bate them out the gate!”
Don’t Say: “Lads, I’ve a bad feeling about today.”
Teddy O’Connor’s.
3. Teddy O’Connor’s, High Street
A favourite of many Tralee and north Kerry people (judging by my experiences over the past 20 years) this pub is also a favourite for trad music lovers.
There’s a great, spacious alleyway adjacent to it to allow al fresco imbibing.
Do Say: “Jaysus, I love a bit of trad before a match!”
Don’t Say: “Can you stop playing that shite music please?”
Continued below…
.Fáilte Hotel.
4. The Fáilte Hotel And Bar, College Street
This is ‘Botty’s’ manor, so this big long bar is bound to see a fair amount of action over the weekend.
It’s been the scene of some craic for Kerry v Cork clashes over the years as it’s well known to the Rebels and a favourite for tourists.
Do Say: “The Killarney crowd really know how to do things right.”
Don’t Say: “Seriously though? A July 4 parade? For the Yanks?!”
Jimmy O’Brien’s.
5. Jimmy O’Brien’s, Fairhill
Still a go-to spot for the purists and people who know their football, it’s a pub steeped in the tradition of Kerry football with many a great session had by GAA royalty over the years.
Do Say: A lot about tactics, old stories from the glory years, derision of blanket defences, how things used to be etc. etc.
Don’t Say: “So what time is kick-off then in the footy game?”
.David Moran will line out against Cork on Sunday.
IT’S a case of two Tralee men in and two Tralee men back on the bench as the Kerry Senior Football Team to play Cork in the Munster final on Sunday next shows two changes from the side that defeated Clare in the semi final.
David Moran is back in midfield following injury in place of Na Gaeil’s Jack Barry while Kieran Donaghy comes into the full forward line in place of Barry John Keane.
Killian Young returns to the match day squad following injury and last year’s minor captain Sean O’Shea is also included among the subs.
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The team captained by Fionn Fitzgerald is as follows:
Fans can get an early drink if they wish on Sunday.
IF you’re thinking of getting to Killarney early for the game on Sunday, then the good news is you can get a pint early before the action.
The bars of Killarney have been granted permission in Killarney District Court this morning to open at 11am on Sunday, instead of the usual 12.30pm opening.
With the minor match having a 12 noon throw in and the seniors at 2pm, thousands are expected to arrive into the town early meaning a bonanza for publicans before and after the game.
FORMER Kerry great, Darragh Ó Sé is saying Cork have it in them to beat Kerry in the Munster final this Sunday in his weekly column in The Irish Times.
The six time All-Ireland medal winner says Cork are in the perfect position coming into the game having failed to impress in their outings against Waterford and Tipperary.
“They’ve been hosed by everyone,” he writes. “They’ve been ignored inside their own county and talked down by everyone outside Cork. They’ve been told over and over again that they’re gone.
I’m just looking at this as a player. Wouldn’t you love to be in that position? Going to Killarney with nobody expecting a thing from you. Kerry full sure they’re going to make a show of you. One of the best things you can have in your locker is knowing you are better than the opposition thinks you are. By the time they find out, it can be too late.”
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Darragh gave Down’s win over Monaghan and the Wexford hurlers victory over Kilkenny as examples of players defying the odds.
“Cork are six-point underdogs against Kerry, who they took to a replay the last time they met in 2015. Don’t try telling me this is out of the question. I have too many years spent playing in or going to Cork-Kerry matches to know it isn’t,” he writes.
“Cork always have a hope when they play Kerry. Always. Kerry are the rightful favourites. But I can see Cork winning by a couple of points.”
WITH the news that Fitzgerald Stadium will host the Munster football finals for the third year in a row, many people took to Twitter to express delight/disgust/bemusement…
Great news that the first game in the ‘new’ Pairc won’t be Kerry winning a Munster Title! Well done the builders 👍🏻
Disappointing news páirc uí chaoimh won’t be open… would have been a belter. Killarney will still have fireworks 💥 🏐😜😉#munsterfinalpic.twitter.com/qmDg4tVq5k
.Andrew Barry will be in midfield on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE Kerry side to play Cork in the Munster Under 21 Football Championship Final this Wednesday has been named.
There are four changes from the side that defeated Waterford in the last round. Brian Ó Beagaloich, Brandon Barrett and Matthew O’Sullivan return to the starting 15 as does Gavin White of Dr Crokes. They replace Jack Morgan, Cormac Coffey, Barry O’Sullivan and Lee O’Donoghue.
It contains eight of the side that started in last year’s final against the same opposition – Jason Foley, Tom O’Sullivan, Tom “Leo” O’Sullivan, Brian Ó Beaglaoich, Gavin White, Brian Ó Seanachain, Matthew Flaherty and Killian Spillane – while eight more of Wednesday’s side – Shane Ryan, Brian Sugrue, Andrew Barry and Matthew O’Sullivan – were on the injured list for last year’s decider.
The game takes place in Pairc Ui Rinn on Wednesday at 7.30pm. It will be streamed live on www.tg4.ie
The team, captained by Brian Sugrue of Renard is as follows:
.Matthew Flaherty in action in last year’s Under 21 Munster final.
IF you can’t make the trip to Páirc Uí Rinn in Cork next week, TG4 are coming to the rescue.
TG4 has announced the launching of a new on-line streaming service that will provide live free to view coverage world-wide containing an attractive fixture list of GAA matches.
And one of the first offerings will be the EirGrid GAA Munster U21 Football Championship Final between Kerry and Cork next Wednesday, March 29 at 7.30pm. There’ll also be deferred highlights coverage on TG4 that night.
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The new initiative will see this list of major GAA matches being offered exclusively on line and available all over the world.
First up in this new offering to be streamed live online are the Post Primary Senior Hurling Finals from Semple Stadium on this Saturday, March 25.
In subsequent weeks and months, users of www.tg4.ie will have live, exclusive and free to view access to a list of fixtures, including for the first time, all four Under 21 Provincial Football Finals.
The full list is as follows on www.tg4.ie:
Saturday 25th March Masita Post Primary Senior Hurling Finals, Two matches live from Semple Stadium
Wednesday 29th March EirGrid GAA Leinster U21 Football Championship Final Wednesday 29th March EirGrid GAA Munster U21 Football Championship Final
Saturday 1st April Masita Post Primary Senior Football Finals, two matches live from Croke Park
Saturday 1st April EirGrid GAA Connacht U21 Football Championship Final
Wednesday 5th April EirGrid GAA Ulster U21 Football Championship Final
In addition to the live Webcast of these matches, TG4 will also TV broadcast deferred extended highlights of the matches on the same night.
Gavin O’Connor looks at Kerry’s National League campaign thus far and says there is a lot to be positive about…
1. Extra game(s) could be vital
If Kerry did not advance to the Allianz National League semi-final they would have been looking at a ten week lay-off with no competitive action, before the opening match of the Munster championship against Tippeary on June 12.
Should Kerry overcome Roscommon in Croke Park next week to reach their first National League final since 2009, that lay-off would be reduced to seven, which is far more useful for players and management.
You just have to remember how much they have struggled in the league over the last few years, so winning five games on the trot in a very competitive division can only be a good thing surely.
Fionn Fitzgerald celebrates his second half point. Photo by Dermot Crean
2. They’re going well and still have key men to come back
Kerry overcame Cork and relegated the Rebels with a number of important players watching from afar.
James O’Donoghue, Paul Geaney, Anthony Maher and Bryan Sheehan will all be vying for starting places as soon as they’re back to fitness.
We may even see O’Dononghue and Paul Geaney in the next few weeks. Both players, along with Maher, have not seen any league action this year so will be itching to return to the fold and win back their places.
Michael Geaney gets hit by Michael Shields shortly after making his return from injury. Photo by Dermot Crean.
3. The Gooch looks like he’s returning to form
Performances against Down, Mayo and Monaghan highlighted that Colm Cooper could be a force again.
After coming back from a horror ACL injury last year, the Gooch was eased back into action by Eamonn Fitzmaurice and his management team.
Signs of the old Gooch were there for Kerry’s first win of the campaign and since then he has scored 18 points in five games.
Colm Copper knocks over one of his three pointed frees yesterday. Photo by Dermot Crean.
4. Staying in touch with Dublin
Kerry have already done enough this year to show the All-Ireland champions that they won’t be going away any time soon.
Despite what many believe, Kerry will be there or thereabouts this year again. They are a better team than they showed in last year’s final when they attempted to go back-to-back, a point sorely missed in many quarters. This Dublin side are going for back-to-back All-Ireland wins, while they’ve not even been to back to back finals since 1994/1995.
As we all know, going back to back is ridiculously difficult. Only the (relatively) underrated Kerry team of 2004 to 2009 who played in six finals in a row have done it in almost 30 years. Are Dublin that good?
Padraig O’Connor comes forward with the ball. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
5. New dimensions from established talent
Looking at the positives from the league, Peter Crowley and Paul Murphy added to Kerry’s attack with their purposeful running.
Murphy didn’t look like he was suited at No.11, but he has grown into that role as the campaign went on. The two lads have added another dimension to the attack with their breaks from deep.
As I mentioned already The Gooch is better than he was last year, same goes with Donaghy and O’Mahony as well, who I think could be in the form of his life in that sweeper role at the age of 35.
Paul Murphy runs at the heart of the Cork defence. Photo by Dermot Crean.Tommy Walsh made an appearance late in the match. Photo by Dermot CreanA ball goes passed Kieran Donaghy. Photo by Dermot CreanBarry John Keane made an impression off the bench. Photo by Dermot Crean.Brendan O’Sullivan impressed again after coming on. Photo by Dermot Crean.Paul Murphy shoots at goal. Photo by Dermot Crean.Colm O’Neill scores the penalty for Cork. Photo by Dermot Crean.Ruairi Deane hits Kieran Donaghy late. Photo by Dermot Crean.Johnny Buckley on the ball. Photo by Dermot Crean.Donnchadh Walsh goes after the ball. Photo by Dermot Crean.Colm Cooper challenges Colm O’Driscoll. Photo by Dermot CreanDavid Moran comes forward with the ball. Photo by Dermot Crean.Stephen O’Brien looks to make a pass. Photo by Dermot Crean.Tommy Walsh in attack. Photo by Dermot Crean.
Mark Griffin scores a point for Kerry in the first half. Photo by Dermot Crean
A SUNNY day in every way for Kerry, as they beat old foes Cork in Tralee this afternoon. But they made heavy weather of it for a while!
Cork are now relegated and Kerry head for the semis in Croke Park.
Kerry flew out of the traps at Austin Stack Park, racing into a 0-10 to 0-3 lead with some great shooting. However, wasteful shooting and a penalty for Cork – after Peter Crowley fouled Ian Maguire – saw the rebels peg them back to just a three point lead by half-time – 0-11 to 1-5.
Stephen O’Brien blasts over a point in the first half. Photo by Dermot Crean
Cork continued to eat into Kerry’s lead and were level on 59 minutes. This shocked Kerry back into action and they were dominant in the final 10 minutes with crucial scores from Colm Cooper and Brendan Fitzgerald among others to seal victory.
Michael Shields saw red for this elbow to the jaw of Michael Geaney. Photo by Dermot Crean
The midfield duo of Moran and Donaghy got the better of their Cork counterparts for much of the game while other players who played well for Kerry were Colm Cooper, Donnchadh Walsh and Marc O Se.
The Kerry management will be very pleased with their charges’ recovery from such a dismal start to the campaign and a league final place must be on their minds now.
Scroll down for photos (we’ll have match analysis and more photos tomorrow)…
Kieran Donaghy watches his shot sail over the bar. Photo by Dermot Crean
Kerry scorers: C Cooper (0-6, 0-3 frees); A Fitzgerald (0-5); M Ó Sé, F Fitzgerald, K Donaghy, B O’Sullivan, M Griffin, , D Moran (0-1 ’45), J Buckley, D Walsh, S O’Brien (0-1 each).
Cork scorers: C O’Neill (1-3, 1-0, 0-3 frees); B Hurley (0-6, 0-4 frees); P Kerrigan, D Goulding, B O’Driscoll (0-1 each).
Kerry: B Kealy; S Enright, M Ó Sé, P O’Connor; M Griffin, P Crowley, K Young; K Donaghy, D Moran; P Murphy, D Walsh, J Buckley; S O’Brien, C Cooper, A Fitzgerald.
Subs: F Fitzgerald for O’Connor (blood sub, 17 mins), O’Connor for F Fitzgerald (HT), F Fitzgerald for Crowley (bc, HT), B O’Sullivan for Buckley (51), BJ Keane for A Fitzgerald (54), J Lyne for Griffin (62), M Geaney for D Walsh (66), T Walsh for O’Brien (67)
Cork: R Price; E Cadogan, K Crowley, D Hazel; T Clancy, K O’Driscoll, B O’Driscoll; I Maguire, S Kiely; C O’Driscoll, M Collins, R Deane; P Kerrigan, C O’Neill, B Hurley.
Subs: L Connolly for Deane (42), D Goulding for O’Neill (55), F Goold for C O’Driscoll (63), M Shields for Cadogan (63)
Referee: D Gough (Meath).
Donnchadh Walsh scores a point. Photo by Dermot CreanAlan Fitzgerald gets a fist to the ball but it went wide. Photo by Dermot CreanMichael Geaney puts in a challenge for which he received a black card in the closing stages. Photo by Dermot CreanMarc O Se about to slot over a point in the closing stages. Photo by Dermot CreanColm Cooper lets fly in the first half. Photo by Dermot CreanKevin O’Driscoll is tackled by Donnchadh Walsh. Photo by Dermot CreanPaul Murphy lets fly at goal in the second half. Photo by Dermot CreanHigh-flying action in the first half. Photo by Dermot Crean
Gavin O’Connor looks at the main talking points from last night’s big game in Killarney, plus loads of action shots from the match below…
1. David Moran a colossus
It had been spoken about in the build up, that Kerry had to win midfield if they were stand any chance of winning the replay.
Bringing in Anthony Maher was a step in the right direction and allowed Moran the opportunity to dominate in the middle of the park for the evening.
It wasn’t just his ball winning or his desire to get onto anything and everything, but his use of the ball was truly top class.
There was a time at the start of his career when he went up and won a ball he found it difficult to break through the welcoming party when he came down.
Now he just drives through bodies with a solo or a hop. He was Kerry’s leader in horrific conditions and is, on form, the best midfielder in the land at the moment.
It was a truly bizarre call by Martin Carney naming James O’Donoghue as man of the match.
David Moran gave a dominant display in midfield. Photo by Dermot Crean..
2. Munster Council gamble
With the light fading on Fitzgerald Stadium towards the end of the 70 minutes, it was obvious if the match had gone to extra time, with no floodlights, the game would have to be abandoned.
Now the GAA have taken many strides to modernity over the years, but the gamble on there being enough light nearing 9 o’clock was a bit much.
Kieran Donaghy lifts the Munster Cup in near darkness. Photo by Dermot Crean.
3. Rain, rain, rain
As the Kerry team entered the pitch to pose with the Munster Cup at the end, they should have also had a guard of honour and clapped those who stood on the terrace and endured a monsoon off the pitch.
Indeed there were many who had enough of it by half time and duly left the ground for a more comfortable spot in the pub. Those who stayed on the terrace can count themselves as hard as nails.
Fans on the terrace got a real soaking. Photo by Dermot Crean.
4. Persistence of long ball into Donaghy
On countless occasions, groans rang around the ground as ball after ball was lamped into Kieran Donaghy with nothing coming from it. It was clear, in awful weather, it was not working.
It’s telling that when he came off, we started working the ball to the three inside forwards, O’Donoghue, Cooper and Geaney and a goal came.
Starved of possession, O’Donoghue moved so often out to the ’45’ to get some action when he should be fed directly.
Be it a combination of O’Donoghue, Geaney or Barry John and Cooper we look much more dangerous and less predictable with them in there.
If that isn’t working, as we know too well, Donaghy is there to dig us out of a hole, should we need something different again.
The Cork backline coped well with the threat of Kieran Donaghy. Photo by Dermot Crean.
5. Too many goals conceded so far in the championship
Once again Kerry were caught for a goal. Even Aidan O’Mahony, who had a brilliant evening in fairness and was brought into plug that hole, couldn’t stop it.
Kerry have conceded, 16 goals in 10 games in 2015, six of which have come in the championship. The Dubs will be licking their lips looking at that record.
Anthony Maher attempts to go past Alan O’Connor. Photo by Dermot Crean.
6. Credit to Kealy
A much maligned member of the starting team dug us out of a jam yesterday with an inspirational save a minute after Paul Kerrigan hit the net to bring Cork level.
It’s often said that good kick outs are now a keeper’s number one attribute, but that save made the evening much more comfortable for Kerry than it could have. He scuffed a couple of kick-outs, but credit when it’s due for the Kilcummin man.
The Kerry team take part in the pre-match parade. Photo by Dermot Crean.
7. The importance of Bryan Sheehan
In the first half, the St Mary’s man was flawless from the dead ball, kicking five out of five. In the game itself, he got on a lot of ball in the first period and was clearly instructed to let the ball in to Donaghy whenever he got the chance.
It is an issue however, that his influence does wane in the second half of matches.
In tight games, he is invaluable as a freetaker so it can be a gamble taking him off.
You’d wonder if management are not confident in him putting in an entire 70 minutes shift and would it better to have him finish game, should a situation arise again, as in the drawn game when we were left a point behind and no free taker to take a 45.
Bryan Sheehan’s kicking is invaluable to the side. Photo by Dermot Crean.
8. Respect for the national anthem
It’s a little thing, but should supporters have a bit more respect for the national anthem? Amhrán na bhFiann, was about three quarters way through when it was broken by a section of the crowd. Of course when that happens it soon ripples around.
Fans will have 70 minutes plus to roar their heads off for their team, a bit of respect for the national anthem wouldn’t be too much to ask.
The Kerry team lineup for the national anthem. Photo by Dermot Crean.Tense moments during the early stages of the game. Photo by Dermot CreanPaul Geaney advances on goal. Photo by Dermot CreanJames O’Donoghue gets his shot away. Photo by Dermot CreanHigh-flying action from the match on Saturday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
.Leonie O’Connor, Sarah Cooper, Tralee, Laoise McElligott, Ardfert, and Aoife Crowley, The Spa, in Killarney for the Kerry v Cork Munster Final replay on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE weather may have been a disaster and the less said about the traffic after the better, but we won and we’re off to Croker in a few weeks.
Kerry fans turned up in their thousands again for the replay in Killarney and we walked through the town centre to take some photos of the fans enjoying the atmosphere before the heavens opened.
Roll on Croke Park…
.James Buckley, Gerard Purtill, Tom McEnery, Robert Bunyan, Michael O’Donovan and Shauna Quane, Ballybunion, in Killarney for the Kerry v Cork Munster Final replay on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Declan Allman, Karen Barry and James Barry, Killarney, in Killarney for the Kerry v Cork Munster Final replay on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Martina Garvey, Tarbert and Lisa Stackpoole, Moyvane, in Killarney for the Kerry v Cork Munster Final replay on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Mikey Canavan, Catriona O’Donnell, Amanda O’Donnell and James Canavan, Listowel, in Killarney for the Kerry v Cork Munster Final replay on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Cheryl McLeod, Gareth O’Donnell and Dearbhail O’Donnell, Tralee, in Killarney for the Kerry v Cork Munster Final replay on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanMaura Healy, Colleen Arthurs, Killorglin, Marguerite Crowley, Beaufort, in Killarney for the Kerry v Cork Munster Final replay on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanBernie Walsh, Marian Griffin, Tommy Healy, Maura Griffin, Angie Brosnan and Doreen O’Sullivan in Killarney for the Kerry v Cork Munster Final replay on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanAnn Roche, Coachford, Mick Twomey, Ballinhassig, Michael Bohane, West Cork and David Ahern, Listry, in Killarney for the Kerry v Cork Munster Final replay on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanDee Kennelly, Finuge, Orla Coyne, Lixnaw, Elaine O’Connor, Castleisland and DJ Downey, Duagh in Killarney for the Kerry v Cork Munster Final replay on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanErin Finucane and Katie Scannell, Moyvane, in Killarney for the Kerry v Cork Munster Final replay on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanChloe, Aoife, Jack, Deirdre and Thomas Leen, Lixnaw, in Killarney for the Kerry v Cork Munster Final replay on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanRoisín and Christine McAuliffe, Gneeveguilla, in Killarney for the Kerry v Cork Munster Final replay on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanPa Carey, Simon Carey, Suzanne Sheehy and Mike Sheehy, Tralee, in Killarney for the Kerry v Cork Munster Final replay on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanRebecca O’Carroll, Mallory Higgins, Stephanie Mehl and Tadhg Healy, Tralee, in Killarney for the Kerry v Cork Munster Final replay on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanGneeveguilla boys in Killarney for the Kerry v Cork Munster Final replay on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanBlanca Diaz and Ana Garcia in Killarney for the Kerry v Cork Munster Final replay on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanEileen Browne, Amy Browne, Joan O’Sullivan, Sean Hickey and Dan Browne, Scartaglin, in Killarney for the Kerry v Cork Munster Final replay on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanAt back; PaulCommane, Mike Breen and Paudie Commane. In front; Jacqueline Kelly, Laura Kelly, Shane Freeman and Barry Commane, all Tralee, in Killarney for the Kerry v Cork Munster Final replay on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanJason and Pauline Fitzmaurice, Leah and Keith Canty, Tralee, in Killarney for the Kerry v Cork Munster Final replay on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanLorraine and Dylan Carroll, Sean “The Only One” O’Donnell Power and Amanda O’Donnell in Killarney for the Kerry v Cork Munster Final replay on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
James O’Donoghue turns to the Kerry fans in celebration after scoring a point in the second half. Photo by Dermot Crean
A FANTASTIC victory for Kerry tonight but it’s a good thing it didn’t go extra-time…we’d have had to get our phones out to light the pitch.
The skies and Cork people were the only things gloomy about Fitzgerald Stadium at 8.30pm tonight, as Kieran Donaghy became the first Austin Stacks player to lift the Munster trophy since Ger Power back in 1980.
A convincing second-half performance from the Kingdom saw off a wasteful Cork side who will rue squandered opportunities.
James O’Donoghue had a fantastic game and David Moran was immense in the driving rain which soaked the 32,000 attending.
Tomorrow we’ll have analysis, fan photos and how social media reacted to the game. For now here’s a few action shots from tonight’s game.
Cork players can do nothing but watch as Paul Geaney (concealed by Donnchadh Walsh) scores Kerry’s second half goal. Photo by Dermot CreanPaul Geaney celebrates the goal while a hapless Michael Shields looks dejected. Photo by Dermot CreanJersey ref!…Kieran Donaghy wins a free after having his jersey pulled by a Cork player. Photo by Dermot CreanPaul Geaney scores a point, celebrated also by his captain Kieran Donaghy. Photo by Dermot Crean
Expect conditions later like David Moran had to cope with in Killarney against Dublin back in March. Photo by Dermot Crean
IF you’re going to the match in Killarney later I have some bad news for you.
A hard rains gonna fall.
Met Eireann’s forecast for Kerry and the rest of Munster this evening is for very heavy showers to come in from the west before match time (7pm) with the risk of thunder and spot flooding.
Lovely.
Better buy a brolly because we’re in for a repeat of 2002 when the heavens opened in Killarney and didn’t close until well after the final whistle.
Cork are apoplectic after Kerry are awarded a penalty in the drawn game. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE heat has been turned up on Kerry v Cork Munster SFC replay tomorrow evening by a former Cork footballer, who has accused Kerry players, particularly Kieran Donaghy, of ‘Plámás’ to influence officials.
Writing in the Irish Examiner, Conor McCarthy describes Kerry players as ‘genetically cute’ and goes on to list examples where Kerry have got the rub of the green from officials against Cork in Killarney.
The former Rebel says “before the throw-in, Kieran Donaghy when at full-forward, can often be seen going to each umpire in a very deliberate and deferential manner to shake their hands. Umpires are fans first and foremost. It would take a strong mind not to be influenced by such charisma.”
McCarthy also likens Fitzgearld Stadium to Old Trafford and the Kerry players as Roy Keane’s hoard in the heyday when Ferguson’s hold on the powers that be when they came to Manchester Unted.
The footballer turned writer, even goes as far to mention tomorrow night’s referee, Maurice Deegan, in the article saying “he is not prone to easy persuasion and will not buckle to home town pressure, but sometimes it can be an unconscious manipulation.”
The article has got a lot of tweeting going, including former Kerry stalwarts Tomas Ó Sé and Sean O’Sullivan. As you can imagine opinion is divided on the matter and almost most entirely down enemy lines.
So now Kerry try to ‘plamas’ referees? I’ve heard it all now @ConorMcCarthy. Granted pen decision was wrong but the rest is poor from you.
It’s the weekend already which means that there’s places to go, things to do and people to see. Here’s some stuff you can get up around the county…
Friday
Raiders Of The Lost Ark is on in the Town Park on Friday night.
1. Enjoy An Indiana Summer
Tralee Town Park will play host to a free open air cinema screening this coming Friday July 17, when it will be showing the Spielberg classic ‘Raiders of The Lost Ark’.
The ‘gates’ will open at 7pm with the film all set to start at 9.30pm.
No alcohol is allowed at the event with organisers saying though that picnics are allowed and who are also encouraging people to bring blankets and rain gear, just in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.
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2. Test The Oul Noggin
If swashbuckling, whip-action isn’t your thing, then there’s a table quiz out in the Spa to get the brain working.
It’s actually a fundraiser for Tralee Rose Escort Shane Kenny for his travails during the Festival as well as proceeds going towards the Churchill Players Pantomime Group.
It begins at 8pm out in the Oyster Taven.
Saturday
This guy is leading Kerry out on Saturday.
3. There’s Some Match On In Killarney…
Kerry and Cork go at each other again on Saturday night out in Killarney so expect a huge crowd and an amazing atmosphere.
Tickets for the terrace at €20 and are available from Garvey’s Supervalu in Tralee.
A bit of advice after two weeks ago; leave early…very early!
4. Forget The Rain, Get Out And Enjoy Yourself
Jesus but it’s been a bad summer so far. Maybe it’s that we got used to the good summers over the past couple of years, but it really feels like a washout this time.
Tough!
Make the best of it by getting out for a walk, head to town for shopping, go for a meal and have a few drinks. Don’t let the feckin rain get you down!
Sunday
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5. Camán Feel The Noise
Ok, see that map there? For many, living anywhere west of that road between Tralee and Listowel, it’s going to be a busy Sunday.
There are three opening round games in the Kerry Senior Hurling Championship with a double bill taking place in Causeway – beginning at 1.30pm with Crotta O’Neill’s v Kilmoyley and the second match between Abbeydorney v St Brendan’s at 3pm.
This is followed by a 6pm throw-in in Kilmoyley for the match between Ballyduff v Causeway.
.Barry John Keane has been left out of the starting 15 for the replay.
THERE have been a number of changes to the Kerry team for the Munster final replay against Cork on Saturday, most notably that Kerins O’Rahilly’s Barry John Keane loses his place on the starting 15.
There are four changes in all from the side that faced Cork on July 5, while it’s also worth noting that Paul Galvin has been included in the match day squad.
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Aidan O’Mahony comes into the full back line in place of Fionn Fitzgerald; Paul Murphy returns after injury in the half back line instead of Peter Crowley; Anthony Maher is back in midfield to partner David Moran with Bryan Sheehan moving to the half forward line instead of Stephen O’Brien and in the full forward line, Paul Geaney comes in for Barry John Keane.
The dropping of the Strand Road man may come as a surprise to many as he had been playing well in his championship starts so far this year.
The team, captained by Kieran Donaghy is as follows:
1. Brendan Kealy, Kilcummin
2. Marc Ó Sé, An Ghaeltacht
3. Aidan O’Mahony, Rathmore
4. Shane Enright, Tarbert
5. Jonathan Lyne, Killarney Legion
6. Killian Young, Renard
7. Paul Murphy, Rathmore
8. Anthony Maher, Duagh
9. David Moran, Kerins O’Rahillys
10. Johnny Buckley, Dr Crokes
11. Bryan Sheehan, St Marys
12. Donnchadh Walsh, Cromane
13. Paul Geaney, Dingle
14. Kieran Donaghy (C), Austin Stacks
15. James O’Donoghue, Killarney Legion
Subs:
16. Brian Kelly, Killarney Legion
17. Colm Cooper, Dr Crokes
18. Barry John Keane, Kerins O’Rahillys
19. Peter Crowley, Laune Rangers
20. Stephen O’Brien, Kenmare
21. Fionn Fitzgerald, Dr Crokes
22. Michael Geaney, Dingle
23. Darran O’Sullivan, Glenbeigh-Glencar
24. Tommy Walsh, Kerins O’Rahillys
25. Jack Sherwood, Firies
26. Paul Galvin, Finuge
.Colm Cooper clinches victory for Kerry with a late goal in the 2008 All-Ireland semi-final replay.
KERRY has been involved in five replays with Cork since 2002 and before that you would have to go back to 1987, when Billy Morgan and Co. effectively brought an end to the ‘Golden Years’ generation of Kerry football.
Despite Kerry’s perceived good record in replays, since the turn of the century Cork have more often had the upper hand when both sides have had to go again.
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Four of the replays were played out in the Munster championship, with the 2008 encounter in the All-Ireland semi-final the only one outside the province.
All of the drawn matches in Munster were in Killarney and only once did Kerry win the replay down in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, that came in 2010, when Marc Ó Sé scored a memorable last gasp point to drag Kerry to extra-time.
The drawn match was played after Ireland were knocked out to Spain on penalties in the World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
If that wasn’t bad enough fans had to trek to Fitzgerald Stadium in torrential rain that didn’t let up all afternoon. The 0-8 apiece scoreline is a reflection of a match which is arguably the worst ever between the pair.
Tragedy struck in the week leading up to the replay, when Darragh, Tomás and Marc Ó Sé’s father, Michael, passed away suddenly. The three sons somehow managed to still run out for Kerry.
Later in the year, Kerry would go on to beat Cork resoundingly in the All-Ireland semi final by 3-19 to 2-7. The game was the beginning of Kerry’s five match unbeaten run of Cork in Croke Park.
Jack O’Connor had guided Kerry to All-Ireland title in his first year in charge in 2004 and reached the the final year after, but Kerry followers can be an impatient bunch.
After a six point defeat in the replay, he left to a chorus of boos from sections of the Kerry support who made the trip down to Pairc Ui Chaoimh on a sweltering afternoon.
The Dromid man’s job was on the line, but he sprung an ace from his sleeve in the shape of Kieran Donaghy for Kerry’s next opponents, Longford in the qualifier.
The rest, including a victory over Cork in the All-Ireland semi-final on the way to lifting Sam, is history.
2008, All-Ireland SFC semi-final
Kerry 1-13 Cork 1-13, Croke Park Kerry 3-14 Cork 2-13, Croke Park
This would be the third year in a row Kerry would play Cork in Croke Park. The previous year, Kerry claimed the first back to back All-Ireland’s since their rebel neighbours achieved the feat in 89/90.
Of all the games in Croker so far between Kerry and Cork these were the two most enthralling.
In both games, Kerry held healthy leads only to let them slip, to a Cork side who had been hurt by losses in years passed, particularly the All-Ireland final of 2007 which Kerry won at a canter.
In the replay, Cork pegged back a nine point lead to draw level with only minutes left on the clock.
With the next Kerry attack, Darren O’Sullivan, took off with a burst of pace and laid the ball off to the Gooch who slotted the ball in the net and pulled Kerry out of danger.
It was a year of squandered leads, Kerry were eventually caught by Tyrone in the final, killing a three-in-a-row dream.
These were two very poor days at the office for Kerry, only for a last minute point by Bryan Sheehan, Kerry would have been spared the trip to Páirc for the replay.
In the next game, Kerry were extremely lacklustre and looked every bit a team on its last legs and on the way to being out of the shake up for All-Ireland honours.
Kerry would be crowd kings again come September tough, beating, who else but Cork in the final.
Finally, Kerry would win a replay against Cork in the Munster championship for the first time in 34 years!
Not since the epic battle of 1976 when Páirc Uí Chaoimh first opened its gates had a Kerry team beaten Cork in a replay.
One of the great Kerry v Cork moment would come in the replay when Marc Ó Sé scored an inspirational equalizing point to force the match into extra time.
However the game is most remembered for the infamous, Paul Galvin, ‘fish-hook’ on Cork’s Eoin Cadogan, which dominated the back pages of the national press.
The whole incident and the fallout from it seemed to upset the Kerry team and they were shockingly dumped out in the quarter-final by Down.
2010 would be the first year a Kerry team would not take part in an All-Ireland semi-final in 11 years.
IF you’re heading to the Kerry v Cork match in Killarney on Saturday, don’t use the Franciscan Friary as a toilet.
This is the fairly basic request from Fr Padraig Breheny of the order, who wrote to Cllr Danny Healy Rae to tell him that ten men were caught short while in town for the drawn game on July 5 and relieved themselves in the garden.
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Speaking on Radio Kerry’s Talkabout programme on Tuesday, Cllr Healy-Rae said the Council plans to put portaloos in the College Street area on Saturday so that there won’t be a repeat of this disrespectful behaviour, but the Cllr called for permanent toilets to be put in that area.
.If you can’t make it to Killarney, you’ll be able to see Kerry v Cork on television this weekend.
RTE have announced that they will televise live the Munster Final replay between Kerry and Cork on July 18.
It was feared because of the 7pm throw-in, it would lead to a clash with Sky Sports airing of a round 3 qualifier match.
RTE and Sky had previously made an agreement that both games wouldn’t air live games at the same time. Thankfully, RTE and Sky have come to an agreement and the match can be shown on RTE2.
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Colm O’Rourke and Joe Brolly will join Darragh Maloney for live coverage of the replay on Saturday week.
Commentary on the game at Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney will come from Ger Canning who will be joined by Martin Carney.
The view from the main stand in Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
THE Munster Council have announced that there will be a reduction in ticket prices for the Kerry v Cork Munster Final replay in Killarney on July 18 at 7pm.
Both terrace and stand tickets have been reduced by €5, meaning a terrace ticket is now €20 and a stand €30.
Terrace tickets will go on general sale via Centra, Supervalu and tickets.ie from 10am, tomorrow, Wednesday July 8.
A limited number of stand tickets went on sale to the public before the drawn match after both Cork and Tipperary did not use up all of their allocation.
Full ticket info…
All adult tickets for the replay have been reduced by 5 euro.
The ticket prices are as follows –
Adult Terrace: €20
Blue and Green Terrace: Adults Only
Red Terrace Family Area: Adults €20, Juveniles €5
Students & OAP’s can buy full price Adult tickets and receive concession of €10 at designated turnstiles on the day.
Stand tickets (€30) are being allocated to the two participating County Boards and Season Ticket holders
Munster SFC Final Replay – Kerry v Cork – ticket prices reduced by €5 & go on sale from 10am tomorrow – http://t.co/X9Pen7a095
The Kerry team huddle before throw-in of the drawn match against Cork in Killarney on Sunday. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
DUE to a clash of matches, there is a chance Saturday week’s Munster Final replay between Kerry and Cork in Killarney may not be televised.
The Munster Council have announced a throw-in of 7pm, which is the same time Sky Sports are scheduled to show one of the Round 3B qualifiers.
RTE are interested in showing the Munster Final replay, but due to an agreement they have with Sky where both networks won’t show GAA matches at the same time puts screening the Kerry v Cork clash is in jeopardy.
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It is reported that all parties are currently trying to come to an agreement, so all may not lost yet.
The reason for scheduling the match at 7pm is due to traffic issues. Both the Munster Council and Gardai want an evening throw-in to ensure people have plenty of time to get to the match.
If the match isn’t televised, this is expected to provide a big boost the attendance figures with fans hoping for a rematch as thrilling as the first game where over 35,000 paid in.
There also could be an issue with lighting. If, on Saturday week, it’s a dull day and the goes into extra-time, the fact that Fitzgerald Stadium does not have floodlight system could cause problems for players.
The Munster SFC Final replay between Cork & Kerry will take place on Saturday July 18th at 7pm at Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney
Paul Geaney and Kieran Donaghy celebrate Fionn Fitzgerald’s injury time equaliser. Photo by Dermot Crean
Kerry 2-15
Cork 3-12
BACK again in two weeks then, but only just!
Fionn Fitzgerald proved the hero with an incredible equaliser to rescue a Kerry team who will be relieved to get out of jail after a rusty performance.
Cork looked utterly dejected at the final whistle and no wonder. They won the vital midfield battle for most of the day and their forwards breached the Kerry defence three times for goals which will have the Kerry management worried.
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Paul Geaney and Donnchadh Walsh look devastated as the Dingle man saw his goal chance cleared for a 45. Photo by Dermot Crean
It was heart-stopping, entertaining stuff for the fans who will be back in Killarney their tens of thousands on Saturday, July 18 for the replay.
Although the Rebels started the game the brighter – with Colm O’Neill punching in their first goal on nine minutes – Kerry soon were in the ascendency with Donaghy goaling thanks to Johnny Buckley stealing the ball from a Cork defender.
Kieran Donaghy looks to the crowd after scoring Kerry’s first goal. Photo by Dermot Crean
Bryan Sheehan was in top form too and his place kicking ensured Kerry went in 1-9 to 1-5 up at the short whistle.
But Cork were full of energy in the second half and caused the Kerry backs no end of problems as they ran at them and picked off fine scores with Donncha O’Connor’s goal after just three minutes a catalyst for their domination.
But on 53 minutes and with the scores 2-11 to 1-11 in Cork’s favour, Kerry were awarded a penalty which incensed the Cork defenders.
The ball hits the back of the net as James O’Donoghue scores his penalty. BELOW: James turns and celebrates. Photos by Dermot Crean.
James O’Donoghue coolly slotted it home and the feeling was Kerry might kick on from there. But Cork wing back Barry O’Driscoll had other ideas and his goal on 63 minutes swung momentum back in their favour.
Barry O’Driscoll (No.5) scores Cork’s third goal. Photo by Dermot Crean
3-12 to 2-14 the scores shouts of Rebels Rebels rang out all over the stadium as the Cork fans really sensed they about to bridge a 20 year gap since their last win in Killarney.
But local hero, Fionn Fitzgerald came up with a peach from distance in the 72nd minute to leave Killarney business people smiling with another bonanza weekend on the way.
We’ll have analysis, fan photos, Barry Ó Sé’s thoughts on the game and much more tomorrow.
Kerry team line up behind the band before yesterday’s game. Photo by Dermot Crean
KERRY: B Kealy; F Fitzgerald (0-1), S Enright, M Ó Sé; K Young, P Crowley, J Lyne; D Moran, B Sheehan (0-4, 3 frees); S O’Brien, J Buckley (0-1), D Walsh (0-1); BJ Keane (0-3, 1 free), K Donaghy (1-0), J O’Donoghue (1-2, 1-0 pen).
Subs: C Cooper (0-1) for S O’Brien (43 min) A Maher (0-1) for D Moran (black) (43 min); D O’Sullivan for J Buckley (48min ); P Geaney (0-1) for BJ Keane (51min); J Sherwood for B Sheehan (61min); P Murphy for P Crowley (65min)
CORK: K O’Halloran; J Loughrey, E Cadogan, S Cronin; Brian O’Driscoll, M Shields, Barry O’Driscoll (1-1); A O’Connor, K O’Driscoll (0-2); P Kerrigan, M Collins, F Goold; C O’Neill (1-6, 0-4 frees), D O’Connor (1-3, 0-2 frees), B Hurley.
Subs for Cork: P Kelly for A O’Connor (blood); P Kelly for P Kerrigan (black card, 23min); C Dorman for S Cronin (59min); R Deane for F Goold (61min); D Goulding for D O’Connor (62min); C O’Driscoll for B Hurley (67min); J O’Sullivan for C O’Driscoll (black, 72min).
Gavin O’Connor looks forward to the Munster Final on Sunday between Kerry and Cork…
Barry John Keane (seen here during the Cork v Kerry league match earlier this year) has earned his place in the starting 15.
THE last time Cork came to Killarney and beat Kerry in their own backyard, Take That were at number one, Gerry Adams was controversially granted a Visa in the US and Stan Collymore broke the then Premier League transfer record when he went from Forest to Liverpool for €8.4 million.
Now that fee would just about get you half a Danny Welbeck!
Since July 1995, when Billy Morgan led Cork to fortress Killarney with Niall Cahalane leaving with the Munster Cup, Kerry are 27 games unbeaten in the championship against all opposition.
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Such unshakable superiority comes with one caveat though; Cork have been nearing ever closer to ending that unbeaten record. In the last seven games involving the pair in Killarney, there have been three draws, in all those games Kerry got the equalizing score.
In the games Kerry won, they did so by only two points, most recently in 2013, when despite leading by seven at half time, Kerry just about got over the line despite enduring a barrage of Corkonian attacks late on.
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David Moran and Eoin Cadogan contest a kick out in the league game earlier this year. The midfield battle will be crucial to the outcome on Sunday. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
It would be foolish for any Kerry supporter travelling on Sunday to expect a handy win. Yes, history has shown us this fixture normally ends in a Kerry win, but it also shows us it’s very rarely straightforward.
The absence of Colm Cooper has raised eyebrows, but given the recovery time it takes to really come up to speed after sustaining an ACL injury, maybe we’re expecting too much from Gooch for him to pick up where he left off in 2013.
Anthony Maher is arguably the most notable exclusion from the team. The Duagh man would be down as a guaranteed starter given his performances over the last year, right up to Tipp game. But we really shouldn’t be at all surprised at this stage as Eamonn Fitzmaurice and his management team are fond of reminding us there are no sacred cows in his side.
Barry John Keane has earned his start. The Strand Road man has been Kerry’s best performing forward in 2015. It looked like he would be consigned to being an impact sub, but when it comes down to it, as they say “you can’t beat breeding!”
Waltzing back into the side with only 15 minutes of football played this year is Donnchadh Walsh. It’s a testament to his importance that despite lacking inter-county match time this year, he will be entrusted once again to be one of the chief destroyers in the middle of the park.
A lot has been spoken about the bench. Not surprising considering it contains 21 All-Ireland medals, 17 All-Stars and two GAA Player of the Year awards.
These days the team that finishes the game is almost as important as the starting 15. A few bruised egos coming off the bench will do the side no harm if things prove a bit too close for comfort going in at the final stretch.
Can you imagine the roar The Gooch will get when he returns in front of his adoring public once more? Worth a couple of points and it could come down to that.
Anyone who travelled down to Pairc Uí Rinn in March knows exactly how Cork can hurt Kerry, running at us with pace. It’s often said that this is one of Kerry’s great weaknesses, but in fairness if any side gets a run on you it’s going to be hard to deal with.
In the league, Cork doled out an 11 point beating, scoring three goals in the process, which cut Kerry open to an alarming degree. The ball was practically walked into the net for two of the goals, Kerry lines being breached by slick off the shoulder hand-passing at pace.
A repeat of such moves on Sunday and Kerry will be in a lot of trouble.
Cork have the forwards to hurt, but they will need them to stand up, seniors players such Donnchadh O’Connor who always is amped up for Munster football’s big day.
Inside forwards, Colm O’Neill and Brian Hurley are as good as any in the country and given enough ball Kerry will be chasing shadows.
As ever midfield will be the place where the game is dictated. Kerry are stronger in that sector, so they should be able to supply the forwards with enough ball to win out.
In one of the most traditional days in the GAA calender, I’m not going to go against what is the most regular outcome – a tight and entralling Kerry win.
Going by train is a cheap option for many to see Tommy Walsh and Co in Killarney this Sunday. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
TRAVELLING by train could be a pretty cheap option for Tralee folk going to the Munster Final in Killarney between Kerry and Cork this Sunday.
Irish Rail, are offering a price of less than €10 return from Tralee when you book online.
They have also laid on additional services especially for the big match.
Irish rail have warned that customers wishing to travel by rail need to book their tickets online as services will be extremely busy and priority will be given to customers who book their tickets online.
If you were to go by bus, Tralee to Killarney, works out at a considerably dearer price of €17.50 return.
Kerry will play Cork at 2pm. The curtain raiser will be the minor final between Kerry and Tipperary which throws in at 12pm.
