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Post by sullyschoice on Mar 1, 2015 22:11:15 GMT
Johnny Cooper behaved like a thug throughout that game. Denis Bastick looked like an idiot with that throw down. Donaghy was fouled constantly from the throw in and rory O Carroll was the biggest offender. He also should have had a penalty in second half.
A very enjoyable game for this time of year.
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Post by kerryman99 on Mar 1, 2015 22:17:36 GMT
Very impressive showing from the lads today. The missed goal chances(3 for Geaney?) could have really put out of sight. It was a right battle royal but the ref had no bearing on the result I felt.
Sounded like sour grapes from Gavin after the game alright I felt. Stuff about the lads tried to play football, pitch etc etc. He would want to take note and learn some lessons from the game, does he think everyone should go out and play 15 on 15 nicey nice football? It was like he was surprised. He would be advised to play dumb afterwards and go away and come up with a plan for the next episode.
Hard to single out individual players, but Moran, Sheehan, Sherwood, Murphy, Buckley were all excellent.
There really is a fantastic panel of players there now, strength in depth all the way through. Some tough calls ahead for Fitzmaurice picking the front 6, but I'm sure its a headache he will happy to have.
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Post by kerryman99 on Mar 1, 2015 22:22:24 GMT
Does Maher have form for starting fights? Not really as far as I know... Kerry were happy enough for it to get messy at the end and waste time. Thought the Dubs were so so naive in the closing period, played right into Kerry's hands.
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Post by kerrygold on Mar 1, 2015 23:02:28 GMT
A big Kerry performance today, especially in the third quarter of the game as the snow fell. Quite apt for the slaying of this Cinderella Dublin panel with the bounty of riches at it's disposal or maybe that should be Snow White and seven dwarfs. Regardless they were sent packing back up the yellow brick road to the big smoke. Two bad weekends in a row for this notion of invincible Dublin football. There is suspicion that the Dubs don't travel very well. It would be great to see the powers that be send them out on the various dirt tracks to the out-backs of the Leinster football championship. Although now that the chickens are coming home to roost from the night of the long knives when 30 shafted 29 and Geezer was cut adrift, travelling outside of the Pale might not be so taxing for the Dubs. Kildare, Laois and Meath are acting as basements leaders in division 2. Bright lads these delegates all the same!
Kerry will be delighted with what they saw today from their players and will travel to Cork with a pep in their step next weekend. They will also note that Dublin are very dependent on their older players and on Cluxton's restarts when they go about developing game plans later on in the year. Kerry in transition are an interesting proposition.
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Post by donegalman on Mar 1, 2015 23:05:45 GMT
Kerry have to play Tyrone and Cork before the end of the league. I wonder what odds u would get on a pile up in either game. Big win today, more or less guarantees staying up. I think that Dublin will do likewise. Teams to go down would most likely be Derry and Monaghan.
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Post by ballybunion on Mar 1, 2015 23:08:30 GMT
Well skybluezone as regards your comment below: "Lastly, Brogan is playing IC football 10 years now and I hardly remember fouling anyone never mind start a row. Maher is the one with the form there but hard to tell from tv". You will not be able to repeat this comment as Brogan fouled and started the row with Maher.But with your skyblue tinted glasses I am not surprised at your comment.Also what do you mean by? "Maher is the one with the form there" I felt Dublin today went back to the ill disciplined days of former managers and paid the price. I was at the match and have also now watched it on tv and by the way Brogan came out much the worse of what he started with Maher.
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Post by kerrygold on Mar 1, 2015 23:09:11 GMT
The Michael Geaney experiment continues to baffle me I must say. I think M. Geaney is worth persevering with and will become a very valuable panel member. Good to see Tommy Walsh making good progress on his journey back to the top of Gaelic football. He did very well and showed old glimpses of his former self today. Tommy will be in the first 15 come summer time.
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kerryexile
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Post by kerryexile on Mar 1, 2015 23:17:08 GMT
Poaters should say whether they were at the game or not because I saw it on television and would like to know if the comments posters are making are based on what they saw on the box, in which case I can assess the validity of the comment or they are commenting on what the camera did not pick up. People like me are always trying to pick up bits of info because we cannot go to the game or walk into the pub and meet people who were at the game.
It appeared to be a typical league game. Dublin are very ordinary. We were ordinary enough in the first half and in the last ten minutes. Eamonn gave youth a chance today and that was carried through to the substitutions made. My conclusions, Sherwood - one for the future, maybe even this season. Paul O'Brien - sklillfull, fast, honest but doesn't send a message to the manager that he has to start. Michael Geaney probably struggling at this level. Kilkenny - one for the future but not this season. It's early in the season and players are getting used to each other but a lot more scores can be got from breaks from Donaghy.
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Post by kerrygold on Mar 1, 2015 23:19:03 GMT
Eamonn Fitzmaurice: Kerry v Dublin a keen rivalry Updated: Sunday, 01 Mar 2015 22:31 Kerry upped their game in the second half to beat Dublin
Seven yellow cards, four black cards and a red card may punctuated muych of the narrative of Kerry's league win over Dublin on Sunday, but Kingdom boss Eamonn Fitzmaurice was keen afterwards to stress the "keen rivalry" that has been part and parcel of the fixture over the years.
The All-Ireland champions recorded a 0-15 to 1-10 success in Killlarney, with Fitzmaurice refusing to accept that the brandishing of so many cards affected the dynamic of the game. "I don't think so," he told RTÉ Sport.
"Both teams were going hard at it and there’s a keen rivalry between both sides. We hadn’t beaten Dublin in a game in league or championship since 2012 and we wanted to try and correct that. They were keen to keep the run going. There is good competition between both sides.”
The key to Kerry's second league win this spring was a strong start to the second half - a period in which Fitzmaurice felt side cut down on individual errors.
"In the first half, Dublin were very clinical in converting their chances. We weren’t as clinical at the other end and were getting a share of the fundamentals wrong. To be fair to the lads they corrected that in the second half and we played well for the third quarter of the game.
"We hadn’t beaten Dublin in a game in league or championship since 2012 and we wanted to try and correct that" - Eamonn Fitzmaurice
“We weren’t making as may individual errors after the break. We played with a bit of confidence and we got a couple of early scores that settled the lads and they got going from there.
The Kerry manager also had news about James O'Donoghue and Colm Cooper and when they may return to competitive action.
"James and Colm have symptom-led injuries that once the symptom settles and they are ready to go we’ll throw them back into action," he said.
"We’re looking forward to getting them back but we’re not going to rush them and we’re not going to put a date on it. Both of them are progressing well but it will be later in the league at the earliest before they return."
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Post by Mickmack on Mar 1, 2015 23:37:26 GMT
Dublin without Cluxton, Flynn, McAuley,Brennan, Connolly and Bastick are very ordinary. And a lot of whats left don't fancy the trenches by the evidnce of today and the semi final v Donegal.
Currys kickouts were very poor and his nerve must be gone after that.
I read with interest that bit in Galvins book were Paidi told him not to kick the ball in 2003 v Limerick as his footpassing wasn't up to scratch. Paul practiced and in time he became one of the best. Michael Geaney should take heart from that. That aspect of his game needs work but he has a bright future I feel.
Some defensive performance today from the backs. Small bit surprised that Sherwood got MOTM. Maher was my choice.
Sheehans long range points are like daggers to the oppositions heart. A special word for Kealy today... he was excellent.
Wasn't that some point by David into the snow!
Its 6-2 now in favour of Dublin this decade. A win today was very important. Essential to put down markers like these.
However, Dublin were without their heart and soul today and they will be a different animal when the steel returns.
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Post by sullyschoice on Mar 2, 2015 0:57:59 GMT
They were only without Bastick because he behaved like Denis Bastick early in the game. My abiding memory of that individual is him trying to stamp on Donaghys's foot after he came bavk from breaking it. Thug.
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fitz
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Post by fitz on Mar 2, 2015 1:08:45 GMT
Pa Kilkenny had a fine game today. Cormac Costello is one of the country's brightest forwards and he had him subbed at the break. Brogan got one off him but it was a hard earned score and Brogan is class. The Brogan Maher incident was just nonsense, frustration. Fitzsimons got a rush of blood to the head, that was a lucky moment as the punches could have started flying then. SkyBlue I'm not sure where you think Maher has got 'form' from? He has been sent off yes but not from bouts of flaking and skullduggery. Please expand with examples. If anyone on that pitch has form Dennis Bastick is the man, and years of it and thoroughly deserved his card. Very snakey choke drag. Star as captain needs to cut out the goading although was fouled in that instance and it was a fever pitch moment buy way of explanation but it cannot be condoned. You need ultra discipline from a captain. He could easily have walked too for a high tackle near sideline in second half. Stephen O'Brien gave Johnny Cooper a very hard day which I think contributed to his consistent impetuous clashes.
Johnny 'the hands' Buckley gets on some volume of ball. Some great dummies thrown. Imagine he was fast? Moran immense. Paul Murphy was outstanding until the black card.Sherwood excellent. Fionn poor first half, excellent in second. Tommy did his first bit of ball carrying today. Basic stuff but it is step by step recalibration. For Dublin McCaffrey was very good, McMenamin in first half, Brogan when he came on,Cian O was ok. Carthy decent.I would disagree with Hurlingman, Ciaran Kilkenny is a much better player than average and just back after cruciate. We'll see this when the sod dries. It took Moran well over a year to really blossom after coming back.
It's definitely great to win, it breaks a bad sequence and will count a little psychologically for Championship, the potential clash then will be a titanic affair where today's result mentally might be one of the inches needed.
We looked very labored in first half getting ball into forwards and as Fitz said, the basics as in handling were tri na cheile. Brilliant first 20 minutes of second half helped by Currie's poor kickouts.
I think Moran is the most complete midfielder in the country. McCauley is faster but Moran's ball retention and foot passing off both feet I think are unequalled.
Lads where is Marc Se going to fit?
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Post by ansúilleabhánach on Mar 2, 2015 1:13:23 GMT
The comments from the Dubs on HS are as comical as ever If for nothing else it makes for great reading after games like todays In fairness, the trend is misrepresented by a couple of perennial malcontents who put up multiple posts, plus some tragically bitter people from other counties...the majority of Dubs congratulate us and freely admit we deserve it, and seeing that they're sane, only put it up once!
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fitz
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Post by fitz on Mar 2, 2015 1:15:10 GMT
They were only without Bastick because he behaved like Denis Bastick early in the game. My abiding memory of that individual is him trying to stamp on Donaghys's foot after he came bavk from breaking it. Thug. Mine is in 09 in injury time of the quarter final sliding with both knees int Declan's back as they chased a ball that went wide near one of the posts. Ger Brennan needs a separate thread for his CV.
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Post by skybluezone on Mar 2, 2015 1:39:04 GMT
Pa Kilkenny had a fine game today. Cormac Costello is one of the country's brightest forwards and hee had him subbed at the break. Brogan got one off him but it was a hard earned score and Brogan is class. The Brogan Maher incident was just nonsense, frustration. Fitzsimons got a rush of blood to the head, that was a lucky moment as the punches could have started flying then. SkyBlue I'm not sure where you think Maher has got 'form' from? He has been sent off yes but not from bouts of flaking and skullduggery. Please expand with examples. If anyone on that pitch has form Dennis Bastick is the man, and years of it and thoroughly deserved his card. Very snakey choke drag. Star as captain needs to cut out the goading although was fouled in that instance and it was a fever pitch moment buy way of explanation but it cannot be condoned. You need ultra discipline from a captain. He could easily have walked too for a high tackle near sideline in second half. Stephen O'Brien gave Johnny Cooper a very hard day which I think contributed to his consistent impetuous clashes. Johnny 'the hands' Buckley gets on some volume of ball. Some great dummies thrown. Imagine he was fast? Moran immense. Paul Murphy was outstanding until the black card.Sherwood excellent. Fionn poor first half, excellent in second. Tommy did his first bit of ball carrying today. Basic stuff but it is step by step recalibration. For Dublin McCaffrey was very good, McMenamin in first half, Brogan when he came on,Cian O was ok. Carthy decent.I would disagree with Hurlingman, Ciaran Kilkenny is a much better player than average and just back after cruciate. We'll see this when the sod dries. It took Moran well over a year to really blossom after coming back. It's definitely great to win, it breaks a bad sequence and will count a little psychologically for Championship, the potential clash then will be a titanic affair where today's result mentally might be one of the inches needed. We looked very labored in first half getting ball into forwards and as Fitz said, the basics as in handling were tri na cheile. Brilliant first 20 minutes of second half helped by Currie's poor kickouts. I think Moran is the most complete midfielder in the country. McCauley is faster but Moran's ball retention and foot passing off both feet I think are unequalled. Lads where is Marc Se going to fit? Currie doesnt equal Cluxton. Cluxton MDMA Flynn Connolly A Brogan is a lot of leadership. Still no explanation on O'Brien staying on. McMahon should not be on Dubs panel. McCaffrey is back. Kerry better from distance. Donaghy hands down wins "most unpopular player in Ireland". Maher form v Cluxton 2014.
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Post by homerj on Mar 2, 2015 7:25:24 GMT
I agree. He's hard working but with limited ability in comparison to the others going for his position. Mikey had a bad game but would u give the man a break, he played well in the first few games and we all know fitzmaurice is a good manager so why not trust his judgement. I think some people come on this site just to give out about players, it's depressing I'm sorry but there is no defending him anymore, he is a liability and its alarming that he keeps getting picked. Hopefully yesterday is the final straw and that it's him who loses out to Darren, Tommy and gooch when championship game time comes around. The fact that mayo were willing to leave him free last year and double Mark JOD, says enough.
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Post by Mickmack on Mar 2, 2015 7:56:47 GMT
albeit born out of frustration and was retaliatory in nature, O'Briens offence merited a red card
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Post by Mickmack on Mar 2, 2015 7:58:05 GMT
By Eoghan Cormican, Fitzgerald Stadium
Kerry 0-15 Dublin 1-10 Strange how Eamonn Fitzmaurice’s first victory as Kerry manager over Dublin was achieved by snuffing out the one area where Jim Gavin’s charges have enjoyed near-total dominance in recent years.
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Dublin’s 92% retention rate against Cork last month from the kick-out highlighted the imperativeness, on two fronts, of Kerry establishing a foothold around the middle yesterday; disrupt the Dublin game-plan and safeguard a susceptible defensive unit. On both fronts they succeeded.
Mind you, the home rearguard finished the game in most confident fashion – holding firm in the face of a barrage of Dublin raids. They had assistance in the form of Kieran Donaghy, the Kerry captain, positioned on his own goal line, fielding Shane Carthy’s free on 70 minutes.
The foundations for victory had long since been laid, Kerry’s first against Dublin on home soil since 2005, with opposing goalkeeper Sean Currie, and to a lesser extent his back six, forced to endure a difficult afternoon.
Manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice opted against employing a sweeper and Kerry’s forward unit, the hugely impressive midfield axis of Anthony Maher and David Moran as well, quickly set about closing down the space and available blue shirts from the Dublin kick-out.
On 25 minutes they were effective in foiling their opponents’ kick-out strategy. The end result: a Stephen O’Brien white flag – reducing Dublin’s lead to two, 0-6 to 0-4. A blueprint for success repeated all afternoon long.
Currie’s ensuing kick was again picked up by a green and gold shirt, but Paul Geaney was caught between two minds in front of goal and the chance went abegging.
Dean Rock and Bryan Sheehan (free) traded points in the subsequent action, Dublin’s early momentum noticeably grinding to a halt. Michael Geaney fielded yet another Dublin re-start on 32 minutes. A sweeping passage of play ensued. Currie, to his credit, advanced smartly from his line to deny Paul Geaney’s drive. The All-Ireland champions continued to press and the interval gap stood at the minimum when Sheehan, set-up by Buckley, landed his third of the opening half.
Kieran Donaghy would later surmise Kerry gambled in trying to disrupt the Dublin kick-outs. It was a gamble that reaped rich dividend at the change of ends.
Sheehan (’45 and free), Stephen O’Brien and Moran split the posts in quick succession to move the Kingdom three clear. The Dublin defence lay in debris. Moran and Maher were winning possession uncontested, while Johnny Buckley now enjoyed the upper hand in his battle with Jonny Cooper.
The Dublin half-back, along with Jack McCaffrey, Tomás Brady and Shane Carthy, exerted greatest influence during Dublin’s early spell of supremacy, driving forward at every turn. Now prioritised by their defensive duties, Dublin managed but a solitary point in the 20 minutes after half-time. Sub Bernard Brogan provided. It proved but momentary respite. Indeed, on the rare occasion Maher and Moran were passed, Jack Sherwood stood as a near-impenetrable wall. Paul Geaney, two Barry John Keane efforts off the right boot and Sheehan’s fifth placed ball kick moved Kerry 0-14 to 0-8 in front, Dublin still at sea as to how to correct their kick-out woes.
It wasn’t all sweetness, light and flowing football. Referee Eddie Kinsella saw fit to use one red, seven yellow and four black cards. Michael Fitzsimons was sent to the line for a frontal charge on Fionn Fitzgerald deep in injury time. Fitzsimons had thundered into a brawl which broke out in front of the Kerry goal, charging into Fitzgerald at ferocious pace. Donaghy was another involved, the subject of attention from both the Dublin players and supporters all afternoon.
Kerry were operating with 14-men by this juncture. Jack Sherwood was black-carded on 69 minutes, the Kingdom’s full complement of subs already exhausted. Bernard Brogan’s bundled goal on 61 minutes — arriving in the wake of white flags from Eoghan O’Gara and Brogan himself — had eaten into Kerry’s advantage. In the end, the All-Ireland champions would not be caught.
A far cry from their position on the first weekend in March this time last year, and, indeed, 2013. Changed landscape too for Dublin.
Scorers for Kerry: B Sheehan (0-6, 0-4 frees, 0-1 ‘45); S O’Brien, BJ Keane, J Buckley (0-2 each); P Geaney, D Moran, M Geaney (0-1).
Scorers for Dublin: B Brogan (1-2, 0-1 free); J McCaffrey (0-2); D Rock (0-1 free), C Kilkenny, S Carthy, T Brady, K McManamon, E O’Gara (0-1 each).
KERRY: B Kiely; P Kilkenny, M Griffin, F Fitzgerald; J Lyne, J Sherwood, P Murphy; A Maher, D Moran; M Geaney, B Sheehan, J Buckley; S O’Brien, K Donaghy, P Geaney.
Subs for Kerry: K Young for P Murphy (34, bc), BJ Keane for M Geaney (ht); T Walsh for P Geaney (59); S Enright for Kilkenny (61); A Fitzgerald for Sheehan (64); Philip O’Connor for O’Brien (68).
DUBLIN: S Currie; M Fitzsimons, R O’Carroll, D Daly; J Cooper, P McMahon, J McCaffrey; D Bastick, S Carthy; T Brady, D Rock, C Kilkenny; K McManamon, E O’Gara, C Costello.
Subs for Dublin: C O’Sullivan for Bastick (14, bc); B Brogan for Costello (ht); P Andrews for Rock (45); N Devereux for McMahon (54, bc); B Fenton for Brady (57); E Lowndes for Cooper (63).
Referee: E Kinsella (Laois).
Game-changer
More the crucial period than crucial moment. Trailing by 0-7 to 0-6 at the break, Kerry’s blistering start to the second period – outscoring Dublin by 0-8 to 0-1 – laid the foundations for victory.
Talk of the town
Eamonn Fitzmaurice’s first win over Dublin since taking charge, Kerry’s first league win over Dublin on home soil since 2005 and their first at Fitzgerald Stadium since 2004.
Did that just happen?
Kieran Donaghy, positioned on his own goal line, rising highest to collect Shane Carthy’s free on 70 minutes. The Stacks footballer was determined to make a winning start as Kerry captain.
Best on show
Jack Sherwood was extremely solid at centre-back, but Kerry’s two most impressive performers were the midfield duo operating in front of him. Take your pick between Anthony Maher and David Moran.
Black card watch
Four black cards flashed against Jack Sherwood, Paul Murphy, Denis Bastick and Philly McMahon. All four were cut and dry.
Sideline superior
The movement of the Kerry forwards in closing down the spare Dublin shirt threw the kick-out strategy of Dublin goalkeeper Sean Currie into chaos. The introduction of Barry John Keane at half-time deflected attention away from Donaghy in the Kerry full-forward line.
The man in black
Difficult afternoon for Eddie Kinsella. Proceedings slipped from his control in the closing stages. Jim Gavin wasn’t at all pleased with Michael Fitzsimons’ straight red card for his frontal charge on Fionn Fitzgerald. No question it merited red.
What’s next?
Dublin welcome Tyrone to Croke Park on Saturday night; Kerry head to Páirc Uí Rinn on Sunday.
KEYWORDS: Eamonn Fitzmaurice enjoyed his first victory as Kerry football manager over Dublin.
© Irish Examiner Ltd. All rights reserved
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Post by Mickmack on Mar 2, 2015 8:01:48 GMT
There is a strange myth about the relationship between Kerry and Dublin footballers which decrees they are constantly in the top three or four teams in Ireland.
The reality of course is very different as a check on All-Ireland winners over the past 30 and 40 years will confirm.
Since 1974 Kerry have won 15 All-Irelands and Dublin five, while since 1985 Kerry have won nine finals and Dublin two. But the high media profile of Dublin footballers ensures their image is one that is in the same league, no pun intended, as Kerry.
Yesterday we had a fascinating league game in Killarney in the same sort of terrible weather that affected the entire country. It was a game that ensured the legacy of both counties was maintained for playing the best football possible on any particular occasion, a tight finish and a few nasty enough mass squabbles, and a couple of personal nasty tricks as well.
It was a typical Kerry-Dublin competitive game where neither county wants to give an inch. I wonder if the bookies' odds will remain today as it did on Saturday when Dublin were little more than even money to regain the Sam Maguire Cup, while Kerry could be got at 7-2, something which is probably a safer bet than anything at the forthcoming Cheltenham Festival.
In the first half, Dublin were the dominant team simply because they were far more determined in going for, and winning, the ball and more tenacious in their tackling when Kerry got possession - many of the Kerry lads seemed to think they were still on their holidays.
This resulted in such dominance for Dublin that the Kingdom only managed a clutch of scores in the opening six minutes and another one in the final ten minutes of the half.
Dublin should have registered more during their period of dominance but without a couple of leading forwards, they struggled for every score they got and did well to be ahead by a point at the break.
Eamon Fitzmaurice looks to be a very cool, calm and collected person as he seemingly relaxes on the Kerry sideline, but deep down he must have been raging at the performance of several big names in the first half. No doubt that was spelled out at half-time and the reaction was fast and furious.
Kerry, spurred on by new captain Kieran Donaghy - who had been foolishly starved of first-half possession - simply tore Dublin apart and had gone from trailing 0-7 to 0-6 at the break to leading 0-14 to 0-8 after 18 minutes of the restart, a period during which Dublin only scored a point. Nearly every Kerry score in that period had a Donaghy connection to it - a remarkable show - and near the finish he was back on the Kerry square to catch a high ball from Dublin too.
In fairness to Dublin, who were more under strength than their opponents on this day, they did not abandon their pride and staged a substantial rally in the closing 12 minutes which brought a goal, bundled to the net by Bernard Brogan, but one felt the Kingdom were in control of the situation and even the serious bust-up involving up to ten players did not upset their sense of proportion.
Kerry won this game well once they responded to their manager's presumably hard-hitting half-time comments and this was an important result for them in front of their large home following.
It is worth stressing here that while there were many personal and group skirmishes - partly understandable because of the conditions - this was a model piece of refereeing by Eddie Kinsella. He played the game according to the rules and made several hard but correct decisions, including lots of black, yellow and red cards, every one of which was correct.
In fact, if other referees want a template for the rest of the year they should study this game several times. Clearly the referees have done some homework on their use of the black card following some variations last season and I have no doubt players will be a lot more careful from now on. They'll hopefully study the relevant rule or have it explained to them before they start whinging.
Cavan need to quickly sort out U21 dilemma
Watching the Cavan and Down match in Breffni Park on Saturday must have been a bit depressing for the loyal Cavan supporters on what had been a glorious day for their county with the accession of Drumgoon clubman Aogan O'Fearghail as President of the GAA.
Cavan were really poor in this game and particularly in the second half when they had the gale-force wind behind them.
The county now has a dilemma - sorting out the best 25 players from the four Ulster-winning U-21 teams of recent years and concentrating on making them more mature individuals capable of stepping up to the top teams. Now Down themselves were no world-beaters, but they did have a handful of players who knew how to actually win the game and then go after it with a vengeance. Down have always been like that and Cavan should know that better than any other Ulster county.
It was a rough night weather-wise but Down had the players to cope with that toughness on a soft pitch when too many Cavan players must have been dreaming of summer football and fast, dry surfaces. Cavan need to learn very quickly about the facts of life in higher-grade football - it is a million miles away from winning U-21 titles.
Indo Sport
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Post by buck02 on Mar 2, 2015 8:37:25 GMT
I think it would be of great benefit if the GAA handed out a small booklet covering the rules of Gaelic Football at the Hill turnstiles (or maybe with every purchase of 6 cans of Dutch Gold) as I don't think I have ever observed a more clueless bunch of "fans" than those I had the misfortune to land myself near yesterday. It was also fairly comical to see them gather by the tunnel roaring abuse at the referee and Kerry players as they exited the pitch.
We cant forget that Dublin were missing 7 or 8 of their 1st 15 yesterday (we probably were too) but maybe now the myth that they have the 30 best footballers in the country can be eradicated.
I firmly believe Dublin will be there on the 3rd Sunday in September this year but I'm not sure if they are the unbeatable 5 in a row team we were told they were last year - maybe the hacks in the capital will have to have another think.
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Post by kerrygold on Mar 2, 2015 9:07:41 GMT
Kerry win the battle and leave Dublin empty-handed Kingdom out-score visitors in second half to gift captain Kieran Donaghy a happy birthday
Ian O'Riordan
Mon, Mar 2, 2015, 01:57 First published: Sun, Mar 1, 2015, 20:30 Kerry 0-15 Dublin 1-10
It already felt like the perfect afternoon for Kieran Donaghy and then he mentioned the birthday. His first game as Kerry football captain, and as if beating close rivals Dublin wasn’t pleasing enough, Donaghy continued to turn back his career clock on the day his body clock turned 32. There he was towards the end, too, neatly fetching a high ball in front of his own goal, as Dublin’s dropped in one last search for victory. Kerry held on – and although perhaps a little closer than it should have been, the All-Ireland champions were nonetheless deserving of it. “Look, it was big, big day for me,” said Donaghy. “Losing the club semi-final two weeks ago, with Austin Stacks, was very disappointing. But I’d been given the privilege of the Kerry captaincy, so you can’t be sitting around feeling sorry for yourself. Alan Freeman: came on and got in on the goal actionMayo exploit Monaghan indiscipline to register 13-point win Derry’s Terence O’Brien shields the ball from Tyrone’s Ronan McNabb. Photo: Doherty/InphoDarren McCurry’s late free gives Tyrone a share of the spoils Donegal’s Michael Murphy of Donegal gets away from Tomás Clancy and Michael Shields of Cork during their national league game at Ballyshannon. Photograph: Andrew Paton/Presseye/InphoDonegal withstand late rally to hold off Cork Hotly contested “It’s an unbelievable opportunity for me, and I just want to play in as many games as I can, now, after being back on the fringes for a long time. I wanted to make sure I was back out there. “And I mean it was always going to be hotly contested, Kerry against Dublin, at the end of the day. They came down with full ambitions of winning, and when we were down a point at half-time, I told the lads that’s what it was – a war, a battle – and that’s what I’m proudest of, how we were able to pull through.” It was a battle alright – played out in a bitterly cold Fitzgerald Stadium, complete with several hail showers. Both teams finished with 14 men, too – Kerry’s Jack Sherward black-carded in the final minute, at which stage they’d already used all their substitutes; then in injury time Dublin’s Michael Fitzsimons was shown a straight red card for his part in the minor melee which marred the closing moments. Indeed Dublin finished with one red, five yellow, and two black cards – while Kerry had two yellow and two black, and Dublin manager Jim Gavin hardly concealed his dissatisfaction that his team were apparently open to harsher calls. The Dublin supporters who make the trip south didn’t exactly applaud match referee Eddie Kinsella off the field. “You saw the reaction of our travelling support at the end,” said Gavin, “and I think that probably spoke volumes. It’s something I can’t control, and all I ever want my players to do is influence their own game, and I’m very proud of them in that respect. “And I thought our players tried their very best, especially in the first two quarters. We lost a bit of momentum in the third quarter, but rallied hard again. So I’d be pleased overall, and felt our discipline was good. But some of the incidents we need to look at again. They seemed to be a bit reactionary.” Kerry effectively won the game in that third quarter, outscoring Dublin seven points to one, with Bryan Sheehan’s placed-ball kicking particularly influential (he finished with 0-6). Five of the six starting forwards scored (Donaghy the only exception), with Stephen O’Brien, Paul Geaney, and Johnny Buckley also added 0-5 between them. Barry John Keane also scored an exciting two points off the bench – helping Kerry out-score Dublin nine points to 1-3 in the second half. They also took an increasing grip on Dublin’s kick-outs, and as Donaghy put it, “played a bit more Kerry football”. Sherwood was particularly solid at centre back, but so too was the full back line of Pa Kilkenny, Mark Griffin and Fionn Fitzgerald, especially in the first half, ensuring Dublin never got a run on them. Concentrated defence Dublin did get their noses in front by the break, 0-7 to 0-6, with Jack McCaffrey, Shane Carthy and Ciarán Kilkenny all jumping from the gun. Then Bernard Brogan – introduced at half time – later brought them back into contention, sweeping in their goal on 61 minutes, after Kevin McManamon’s initial shot was snuffed out. Yet neither team scored again, Kerry’s concentrated defence ensuring Dublin didn’t get any closer. “It’s such a competitive league, and we’re delighted with another win,” said Eamonn Fitzmaurice, the Kerry manager. “This time the last two years we’d zero points, and didn’t get carried away, so we’re not going to get carried away with two wins, either. Dublin had a good record against us too, for the last few league meetings, and we were keen to arrest that. “We got the scores straight after half time, four points in a row, then the hail shower came down, which made it a bit more interesting. So I think that gave us the momentum, really. We probably should have closed it out, better, but it’s still March 1st, and we’ve plenty to work on.” So, Kerry also hit the midway point in the Allianz League well positioned for one of the semi-final berths; Dublin, with two defeats from their three games, now need to worry about steering themselves clear of relegation. For Donaghy, who in fact made his Kerry senior debut in this corresponding fixture a decade ago, in what was also the last time they beat Dublin in the league at a Kerry venue, the rising star continues. KERRY: B Kelly; P Kilkenny, M Griffin, F Fitzgerald; J Lyne, J Sherwood, P Murphy; A Maher, D Moran (0-1); M Geaney (0-1), B Sheehan (0-6, five frees), J Buckley (0-2); S O’Brien (0-2), K Donaghy, P Geaney (0-1). Subs: K Young for Murphy (34 mins, black card), BJ Keane (0-2) for M Geaney (half time), T Walsh for P Geaney (58 mins), A Fitzgerald for Sheehan (64 mins), P O’Connor for Lyne (68 mins). DUBLIN: S Currie; M Fitzsimons, R O’Carroll, D Daly; J McCaffrey (0-2), P McMahon, J Cooper; D Bastic, S Carthy (0-1); T Brady (0-1), D Rock (0-1, a free), C Kilkenny (0-1); K McManamon (0-1), E O’Gara (0-1), C Costello. Subs: C O’Sullivan for Bastick (14 mins, black card), B Brogan (1-2, one free) for Costello (h-t), P Andrews for Rock (45 mins), N Devereux for McMahon (55 mins, black card), B Fenton for Brady (57 mins), E Lowndes for Cooper (64 mins). Referee: Eddie Kinsella (Laois).
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Jo90
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Post by Jo90 on Mar 2, 2015 10:13:02 GMT
Definitely a new toughness about Kerry under Fitzmaurice. In Kerry's last 9 league and c'ship games only 2 games have finished 15 a side - Mayo league game this year and last year's 1/4 final v Galway. Vast majority are from opposition getting red cards.
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Post by jackiel on Mar 2, 2015 10:16:31 GMT
I was at the match yesterday and still don't understand how Jonny Cooper got away with as much thuggery as he did. I watched the match back on TV last night late but as the cameras are following the ball you don't see the full picture and all the off the ball stuff. Bastick showed his true colours again yesterday, I like Sully can never forgot his treatment of Star when he stepped on his heel. Overall considering conditions, time of year etc I'm pleased with how things are going for the team and look forward to championship football which after all is a completely different animal.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2015 10:25:19 GMT
Thought Sheahan was outstanding yesterday. Unreal place kicking and long range pointing as usual. Brilliant in the air as well. Such a class act.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2015 10:32:33 GMT
I was at the match yesterday and still don't understand how Jonny Cooper got away with as much thuggery as he did. I watched the match back on TV last night late but as the cameras are following the ball you don't see the full picture and all the off the ball stuff. Bastick showed his true colours again yesterday, I like Sully can never forgot his treatment of Star when he stepped on his heel. Overall considering conditions, time of year etc I'm pleased with how things are going for the team and look forward to championship football which after all is a completely different animal. Yea, I'll never forgive him for that. Seems to be an easy lad to get sent to the line too!
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Post by wayupnorth on Mar 2, 2015 10:44:13 GMT
I think it would be of great benefit if the GAA handed out a small booklet covering the rules of Gaelic Football at the Hill turnstiles (or maybe with every purchase of 6 cans of Dutch Gold) as I don't think I have ever observed a more clueless bunch of "fans" than those I had the misfortune to land myself near yesterday. It was also fairly comical to see them gather by the tunnel roaring abuse at the referee and Kerry players as they exited the pitch. We cant forget that Dublin were missing 7 or 8 of their 1st 15 yesterday (we probably were too) but maybe now the myth that they have the 30 best footballers in the country can be eradicated. I firmly believe Dublin will be there on the 3rd Sunday in September this year but I'm not sure if they are the unbeatable 5 in a row team we were told they were last year - maybe the hacks in the capital will have to have another think. I'm glad I didn't see anything like that yesterday although one ignoramus behind me couldn't stop personally abusing Donaghy throughout the game. At the end I was leaving the Stand side at the same time the Kerry team and the Dubs in front of me applauded. I haven't much time for the soccer chants but most of the Dub supporters I met yesterday seemed a decent bunch - being prepared to travel at this time of year should indicate a higher degree of commitment and appreciation of the game.
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Post by veteran on Mar 2, 2015 10:45:02 GMT
When I got out of the bed the rain was lashing down. That coupled with the match being on TV and the rugby being on TV also the temptation was to stay at home and protect the creaking bones. That temptation lasted for about a millisecond. As much drapery as I could carry was applied and the mountainy road through Lyreacrompane was traversed once more. I got there early as I was determined to gain the shelter of the stand. Kerry started their warm up at about 1.15pm and the rain came down in torrents while they were at it. They returned to the dressing room after fifteen/twenty minutes. Wise to undergo a warm up in such wet and freezing conditions? They certainly were sluggish for long periods in that opening half.
Dublin were full of running and back up play in that half and indeed Kerry were fortunate that Brendan saved brilliantly from a snap shot from ? Ciaran KIlkenny. It did result in a point. Our biggest problem seemed to emanate from Dublin's wing backs, Johnny Cooper and Jack McCaffrey, overwhelming their respective opponents, Michael Geaney and Johnny Buckley. They repeatedly powered forward at every opportunity. Needless to say this imposed a huge burden on our backs, with Jack McCaffrey kicking two fine points into the bargain. Michael Geaney kicked a fine point very early but that was about his contribution. It is no exaggeration to say that he had a nightmare of a game. It is my view that Michael is a valuable panel member but scarcely a first choice man. I would have removed him earlier and I probably would also have removed Johnny Buckley at half time. That wouldn't have been very smart!
Another problem in that half was that very poor ball, and irregular at that, was going to the inside men and very little of that was sticking. Nevertheless with a bit of good fortune, Paul Geaney could have bagged two goals but that customary sharpness was missing, no doubt hampered by that recent hip injury. He got a massive left footed point in the second half but I feel he would benefit from a rest from the Cork game after the exertions of the Sigerson cup.
It was my impression that Dublin would have had a handsome half time lead but for the heroic defiance of our back line. Some of those lads lack inches and pounds but they compensate for deficits in that department with pumping hearts and reckless bravery. Repeatedly, they threw their bodies at that ball and picked it up from their shoelaces and calmly laid it off to a colleague. That defence kept us on Dublin's coat tails in that testing half. They weren't half bad in the second period either!
A point down, facing the wind in the second half wasn't calculated to ease the load on an aging heart. But, considering the time of year and the climatic conditions, what followed for the next twenty/twenty five minutes was as good as you could expect any Kerry time to demonstrate. They simply owned every acre of Fitzgerald Stadium. The transformation is exemplified by the display of Johnny Buckley better than most. He could do little right in the first half, now he could do little wrong. And remember I would have replaced him at half time!!. Moving quickly on, the points flowed and at one stage we were six points up. Some of these scores were extraordinary because the weather conditions were now at their foulest. The one that probably will linger longest was scored by Ogie's son. He got possession about thirty/forty metres out on the hospital side, powered his way past a few opponents, cutting in from the right side, with the hailstones slicing his face, goading those elements as King Lear would, he somehow contrived to steer it over. How many better points have been scored in this stadium? Ah, he is a horse of a man.
With such Kerry dominance, only a goal would give Dublin a sucker's chance. It came and a sloppy one it was. Killian, who had a fine game when he came on for Paul Murphy, seemed to lose his footing and, as a result, the ball ,at the stand side towards the dressing room end. The ball was swept across the goal and eventually into the net. i am not sure if it was an og or not. After that, Kerry lost a lot of their composure and Dublin came forward in menacing waves but some little backs had become giants all during the game and they were not going to show the white flag now. Still, I was a relieved man when Eddie Kinsella signaled that the show was over. And it was a gripping, feverish show.
As I said during the week, this win was more important for Kerry than Dublin. It was important that the recent trend of favourable results for Dublin was halted. But Kerry followers should realise that Dublin were short their four or five most influential players, apart from Bernard Brogan in the second half. For example Sean Currie is no Stephen Cluxton in the kicking out department.
Brendan Kealy did not make an error.
In the other two games, I have been critical of Pa Kilkenny and Fionn Fitzgerald. They were different men yesterday. Pa was well able for Cormac Costello and, apart from a fine point, he conceded little to Bernard Brogan, albeit the latter of course is short of match practice. Pa eventually had to go off as a result of a leg injury. Fionn found Kevin McMenamin heavy going in the first half but he was superb in the second half. He is a cocky devil too. Marc Griffin had a macho battle with that tough operator, Eognan O'Gara, and yielded not an inch.
It is hard to find fault with any of the half backs. Jack Sherwood looks like he is going to push first cousin, Peter Crowley, for the number six spot. We live in interesting times. Brave doesn't describe Paul Murphy. Terrier, ferret, weasel maybe. He doesn't let go. Deserved his black card. Jonathan has had three solid outings. Perhaps, when he gets more experience he will become more daring and enterprising.
I have already referenced David Moran. he is becoming more immense by the day. He got a fair old helping hand from Anthony Maher. I am not sure why Anthony and Bernard finished up grappling with each other. Not typical of either.
Bryan Sheehan was terrific. This man is a class operator but sure that peninsula specialises in producing such an animal. It is wonderful, and rare nowadays, to witness such an accomplished kicker.
Kd caused havoc at full forward in the second half and possibly averted defeat with that goal line fetch at the end. It appeared to me that he should have got a penalty but I was a good distance away. Was this highlighted on TV? Stephen O'Brien was enormous when he came to wing forward in the second half where he kept a hitherto rampant Johnny Cooper fully engaged. With about ten minutes to go, he was in front of me, it was apparent that Stephen had nothing more to give. Talk about sacrificing all for the cause. On the debit side, he probably should have seen red for an abrasive hand off to the face after being fouled. Lucky Stephen. Talking about Stephen reminds me about his marker, Johnny Cooper. Johnny is a fine footballer but has a tendency to act the hard man. "Hard" men, in the long run, will always meet somebody harder and the affair ends in tears, if you get my drift. Talking about hard men and red cards, my old friend ,Desis Bastick, should have been brandished a red rather than a black for his choke tackle on KD. That was nasty and dangerous and very likely would have earned a red if the incident had not occurred so early in the game. On the other hand, his dismissal was a loss to Dublin because the weather conditions would have suited his mullocking style.
I must start appreciating BJK more. He came on and kicked two points and dovetailed well with KD. At the very least , he is a useful panel member.
In summary, Kerry will be delighted with this overdue win while Dublin will not be too despondent. They will rightly feel there are bigger fish to be reeled in as 2015 unfolds. It would be a foolhardy man who would bet against them reeling in the biggest fish of all in September. Only time will tell but yesterday will sustain Kerry supporters for a while. Until the Cork game next week I suppose!
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G_S_J
Senior Member
With greatness already assured, history now awaits.
Posts: 647
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Post by G_S_J on Mar 2, 2015 12:16:06 GMT
Thought David Moran was fantastic again yesterday, though he took his time getting into the game, when he dd, he bossed it. Love the way he can be back cleaning house and in a matter of moments be up the park creating a score. He keeps us ticking over and his point with a hail and snow belting off him at the start of the second half was a game changer.
As vetern pointed out, it was great also to see our backs sliding on the deck winning possession, Jack Sherwood, Paul Murphy and Fionn Fitzgerald wouldnt have looked out of place wearing kamikaze headbands.
I thought the ref got all his black card calls right, good to see someone actually using them!
Anyone else sense a lot of bitterness in the Dubs yesterday both on and off the pitch? Last year certainly hurt them and it seems they are baying for Kerry blood.
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keane
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Posts: 1,267
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Post by keane on Mar 2, 2015 12:27:32 GMT
It would be great if Donaghy could rein in the sledging and yapping at the ref. It's too much.
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Post by kerrygold on Mar 2, 2015 12:30:35 GMT
It would be great if Donaghy could rein in the sledging and yapping at the ref. It's too much. Fully agree, he won't get through the season unscratched if he doesn't change that aspect of his game.
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