AHEAD of Kerry’s game against Cork on Sunday in the national league, Gavin O’Connor look at the reasons why the clash is so special and why we love to beat ‘da rebaals’…
1. Because we’re meant to beat them
It goes without saying, maintaining supremacy over Cork is one of the mission statements of any Kerry team.
In the dark days of ‘the famine’ in the late 80’s and early 90’s Cork had the upper hand, and it was like a dagger through the heart of Kerry football.
Cork catching us for Munster titles is highly unlikely, but one thing they could take away is our record of never losing to them in Croke Park. Let’s hope that one continues.
2. They’re our neighbours and oldest rivals
The bloodlines on the border spill over and although the Kerry v Cork rivalry is at its most potent in places such as Rathmore, Gneeveguilla and Ballydesmond, there are plenty of Rebels who wander in to our neck of woods.
We work with them, we’re related to them and it’s that closeness that makes getting one over on them even sweeter.
3. Craic on the terrace, war on the pich
In the pubs and on the streets before the game, both sets of supporters have a rare old time, where the sight of groups mixed with green and gold and red meandering their way stadium is a regular one.
Out on the field though, it can be a different story with tempers often spilling over. This exchange between Paidi O’Se and Dinny Allen is GAA gold.
5. Kerry v Cork in Killarney is the greatest date on the GAA calender
While Sunday’s match takes place in the southern capital, there is four main reasons why the Killarney fixture in the summer is the perfect day for a Kerry supporter.
- We don’t have to travel outside the county bounds
- The pubs are five minutes walk from the stadium
- The sun is always shining
- We always beat Cork
5. Because they know how to wind us up
After a Kerry defeat – whether by them or someone else – they’ll be there gleefully to pick apart the bones of a Kerry defeat, prodding at open wounds for maximum effect.
If Kerry are on top, which is normally the way, our rebel friends “only care about the ‘small ball'” and what happens in the football doesn’t really bother them.
Some of us get more wound up than others…
