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Post by kerrygold on Mar 15, 2015 21:18:36 GMT
Kerry repeat All-Ireland final win by seeing off Donegal as Keane and Moran bag the goals
Eamonn Fitzmaurice saw his side triumph in Austin Stack Park today.
Kerry 2-13 Donegal 2-11
Paul Brennan reports from Austin Stack Park, Tralee FOR THE SECOND time in six months Donegal came up agonisingly short against Kerry, and while there wasn’t nearly as much at stake as when these two teams met six months ago in Croke Park, the 6,250 partisan onlookers in Austin Stack Park were treated to an engaging – and at times prickly – contest between last year’s All-Ireland finalists. Two late penalties – converted first by Kerry’s David Moran and then matched by Donegal’s Michael Murphy – added to the late drama as Kerry were forced to dig deep against a team that was forced to throw away its defensive sensibilities and were much better for that. In the end Kerry clung on for the victory after a marked improvement on what was an uncharacteristically bad display the previous week against Cork. Donegal, too, will take many positives from a display that was miles better than the toothless one put in against Monaghan a week ago.
Kerry held the slight advantage, 0-3 to 0-2, after nine minutes before Ryan McHugh’s 11th minute goal edged Donegal into the lead. Thereafter, it was all Kerry. Sheehan’s accuracy from placed balls helped to push the Kingdom into a 0-9 to 1-3 before points from Murphy (free) and Martin McElhinney left the minimum between them at the break, 0-9 to 1-5. Murphy, Paddy McBrearty, and Colm McFadden landed early second half points to put Donegal back in front, but seven minutes into the half Barry John Keane punched Paul Geaney’s pass to the net as Kerry seized the initiative again.
Killian Young might have put the contest to rest in the 55th minute but his shot across the goal failed to find either Paul Durcan’s net or Kieran Donaghy’s boot. But with Kerry clinging to a 1-12 to 1-10 lead Kerry won a penalty through Paul O’Donoghue, which David Moran thumped past Durcan. That looked to have sealed the win for Kerry as they led 2-13 to 1-10 with five minutes to go yet McPadden won a late penalty, converted by Murphy, to make for a nervous couple of minutes for Kerry as Donegal hunted a winning goal – much like the All-Ireland final last September. Here, as then, Kerry held on for victory; the win again taking them a little closer to the semi-final places and away from the relegation zone, for now.
Scorers for Kerry: Bryan Sheehan 0-6 (0-3f, 0-1 ‘45), Barry John Keane, David Moran (1-0 pen) 1-1 each, Paul Murphy, Johnny Buckley, Paul Geaney, Stephen O’Brien, Alan Fitzgerald 0-1 each. Scorers for Donegal: Michael Murphy 1-3 (1-0 pen, 0-2f, 0-1 ‘45), Paddy McBrearty 0-4, Ryan McHugh 1-0, Neil Gallagher, Hugh McFadden, Martin McElhinney, Colm McFadden 0-1 each. Kerry
1. Brendan Kealy (Kilcummin) 2. Pa Kilkenny (Glenbeigh/Glencar) 3. Mark Griffin (St Michaels/Foilmore) 4. Paul Murphy (Rathmore) 5. Jonathan Lyne (Killarney Legion) 6. Peter Crowley (Laune Rangers) 7. Killian Young (Renard) 8. Anthony Maher (Duagh) 9. David Moran (Kerins O’Rahillys) 10. Stephen O’Brien (Kenmare) 11. Bryan Sheehan (St Marys) 12. Johnny Buckley (Dr Crokes) 13. Paul Geaney (Dingle) 14. Kieran Donaghy (C) (Austin Stacks) 15. Barry John Keane (Kerins O’Rahillys) Subs 20. Alan Fitzgerald (Castlegregory) for Sheehan (inj, HT) 21. Shane Enright (Tarbert) for Kilkenny (48) 19. Tommy Walsh (Kerins O’Rahilly’s) for Geaney (55) 23. Paul O’Donoghue (St Mary’s) for Keane (64) 18. Fionn Fitzgerald (Dr Crokes) for Crowley (inj, 67) 25. Kieran O’Leary (Dr Crokes) for Buckley (68) Donegal
1. Paul Durcan (The Four Masters) 2. Paddy McGrath (Ardara) 3. Neil McGee (Gweedore) 4. Éamonn McGee (Gweedore) 19. Eamon Doherty (St Eunan’s) 6. Karl Lacey (The Four Masters) 7. Mark McHugh (Kilcar) 8. Neil Gallagher (Glenswilly) 9. Christy Toye (St Michael’s) 10. Martin Reilly (Seán MacCumhaill’s) 21. Martin McElhinney (St Michael’s) 12. Ryan McHugh (Kilcar) 13. Patrick McBrearty (Kilcar) 14. Michael Murphy (Glenswilly) 15. Hugh McFadden (Killybegs) Subs 23. Colm McFadden (St Michael’s) for McElhinney 18. Anthony Thompson (Naomh Conaill) for Doherty (57) 21. Martin McElhinney for H McFadden (64) 25. Eoin McHugh (Kilcar) for O’Reilly (67) 22. Gary McFadden (Glenswilly) for M McHugh (70) 24. Daniel McLaughlin (St Michael’s) for Toye (70) Referee: Rory Hickey (Clare)
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Post by onlykerry on Mar 15, 2015 21:33:31 GMT
Some good performances on the kerry side - point kicking poor at times. Very disappointed with the antics of Donegal no 15 when Sheehan taking his 45's - the 15 waited for Sheehan to start his run and then ran towards him shouting in an attempt to distract. Unsporting and Blind bat in black was oblivious.
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jamo
Junior Member
Posts: 33
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Post by jamo on Mar 15, 2015 21:53:45 GMT
I was apprehensive travelling to Tralee on two counts. First of all, I felt Donegal were putting out a stronger team than they had in the final last year. As it transpired, they lined out without Odhran MAc Niallais and Frankie McGlynn. They were big losses. My other worry was the game would be abysmal, perhaps finishing eight points to six or so. I was pleasantly surprised that neither of my fears were realised. Kerry won and the quality of the game far surpassed last year's final. It is not to say that there were not battalions of men goal side of the ball on occasions but that ball was moved with lightning speed and intensity from one end to the other. There was an edge there as well. It amuses me when people say that the NFL does not matter. Of course,it is not the blue riband but anybody who has attended, for instance, Kerry/Dublin and Kerry/Donegal, could not question the manic desire to win displayed by both teams. What more do people want? Dongalman, I presume you were not at the match. Your team lost the points today, very important of course, but they lost little else. They travelled to the other side of the country and conceded little or nothing. Donegal have the reputation of perfecting the blanket defence, deservedly so, but their system camouflages the fact that they have some of the best players in the country. When they get possession, they gallop forward at breakneck speed. It is difficult to cope with them in those situations but, by and large, Kerry's backs held their positions, brilliantly defending at times, and the colossal work rate of our wing forwards, Stephen O'Brien and Johnny Buckley, was pivotal. Still, Paddy Brearty, he is going to be great, nearly snatched another goal and of course Michael Murphy's free into the square at the end was not good for my old heart but, not for the first time, KD, plucked it from the ether, and there was time for no more. Buiochas. I suppose the outstanding feature of the first half was the display of free taking of both Bryan Sheehan and Michael Murphy. Both were immaculate. How aesthetically pleasing when players put that ball down on the floor and shoot from various angles and distances. Boot to ball. Ah, yes there is still hope for this old game. To underline the free taking is not to suggest that there was little else to enthuse about. Far from it. It was a great contest, all through indeed, feverish and purposeful. Kerry were looking the more assured but they were staggered by the Donegal goal. Kerry people will bemoan some slack marking but it was a terrific goal nevertheless. Michael Murphy won it towards the right corner. He probed and looked and eventually the ball landed in the apron of the in rushing Mark McHugh and his finish was an exercise in precision. Kerry did not stagger for long and defiantly took the initiative. They were the better team now but Donegal were only a point adrift at the break. Those boys don't give up to easily. I suppose nobody was surprised by that. Donegal had a furious start to the second half, scoring three points in sequence. Not unlike last year's final. Worrying times. However, Kerry today bore no relationship to the anaemic outfit I saw in Cork last Sunday. Anthony Maher and David Moran were terrific and Johnny Buckley was massive,as he was from start to finish. Neil McGee had possession in Kerry's right corner but was dispossessed by Paul Geaney, a difficult chore. Paul looked up and saw BJK loitering, duly crossed it and John Dowling's grandson finished it. As crucial a goal as KD's was in September. Kerry were now cantering more or less but Donegal doggedly refused to wilt. They won a penalty which was struck home convincingly by Michael Murphy. I was experiencing palpitations at this stage and the final whistle was the sweetest music imaginable. Two points in it at the end but Donegal were a little flattered to be that close. It seemed to me that Brendan Kealy could not be faulted for either of the goals. Paddy Brearty shot narrowly over the bar in the second half and I wonder if Brendan got a hand to it. If so, it was a super save. Pa Kilkenny was swift and inventive in the corner but he found Paddy McBrearty too good overall. A lot of corner backs will experience a similar fate during the year. I thought Marc Griffin probably had his best game so far. He yielded nothing to Michael Murphy. Not flamboyant, rather conservatively solid. That will do me. Paul Murphy returned to his tidy, impish form with no suggestion of a black card today. Like Marc Griffin, I thought Jonathan was more convincing today than heretofore, more positive and daring. Peter Crowley gets better with each game. He gave a textbook demonstration of shadowing late in the game when he marshaled Christy toye out towards the sideline, giving him an impossible angle from which to shoot. But it was Killian who glittered the most in the back line. As already stated, both Anthony Maher and David Moran could not have done more. Both fielded remarkably and David converted a penalty into the bargain. We were two points up at that stage. I said to my neighbour he should tap it over. Veteran gets it wrong again! The worry is can these boys maintain this level all year? I am glad to able to report that, one of favourite players, Stephen O'Brien, was simply invaluable on the wing. He got on the world of the ball and ,like all good physicists,he knows that the shortest route between two points is a straight line. Bryan Sheehan kicked impossible frees in the first half against the breeze and got two from play. I know, I am repeating myself but you must nail your routine frees to have any chance. Nail the impossible ones and you are on the way to achieving great things. Rugby and football have that vital ingredient in common. Bryan did not show up for the second half ,having sustained a mysterious injury while taking a free. An indispensable man. BJK deserved his goal. He was full of energy and enterprise,as he has been all through this campaign. But he again displayed a weakness today which has been manifest before. He pulls the trigger too fast with the result that too often he is off balance when he is shooting. I believe that deficit in his game can be eradicated. KD, as always, was a threat, even though encircled at all times by a phalanx of men. He was cynically foot tripped off the ball in the second half in front of the referee as he ran back towards his own goal. Donegal scored a point from that movement. The referee clearly saw it and of course it was a definite black card .I will return to Mr. Hickey's display on another date. Paul Geaney made BJK's goal, set him up for another goal in the first half but BJK hastily put it over, and scored a point himself. I suppose people will say he had a quiet game! He has had better games of course. As against Cork, Alan Fitzgerald came on and scored two points, one of them a marvelous effort. Where has this fellow come from! What age is Alan? The best game I have seen Johnny Buckley play was for the U21's against Cork at midfield in Tralee some years ago. Well, that was his best game until today. He was truly great. His fielding, work rate and vision was a sight for tired old eyes. On one occasion, he came onto Michael Murphy at the terrace side, dispossessed him, the ball broke lose towards another Donegal man. Johnny came again, won it again, and even though surrounded, almost on the sideline, he worked his way free. Will to win and no little skill. The sour taste after last Sunday has been erased. For another week anyway. Would a victory over Monaghan guarantee a semifinal berth? very good and detailed summary of the game - - well done Veteran
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fivenarow
Senior Member
If it aint broken, then dont fix it!
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Post by fivenarow on Mar 15, 2015 22:44:25 GMT
A good performance with lots of positives,Kealy was solid, Mark Griffin is looking more comfortable in the full back position, Paul Murphy was very solid, Pa Kilkenny had his moments but Mc Brearty will be a handful for anyone,Lyne, Peter Crowley abet playing as a sweeper & Young were very good both defending & going forward. Moran & Maher dominated centre field for long periods, some of the crossfield kicking by both was very impressive, Buckley was outstanding, he has serious skill & ball control for a big man, Stephen O Brien is a workhorse but doesnt score as much as he should, a bit like Paul Galvin in his young years, Bryan Sheehans frees were worth the admission fee, I hope his injury isnt serious, Paul Geaney looks a bit laboured at the moment, I think the sigerson games have taken their toll & he might need a break, Donaghey was a handful all day, I thought he calmed down the verbals today which was good to see & he had enough reasons not to as Donegal were hands on for most of it, Barry John can be brilliant or frustrating, the 3 misses at the start of the second half were awful & a minute later he shows up for the goal, Alan Fitzgerad was very impressive when he came on & Paul O Donoghue handled plenty ball in the time he was on. I can see how Michael Murphy has been carded a lot lately, how he didnt get some color of card for the challenge on Lyne was mind boggling - Gallaghers challenge on Stephen O Brien was more clumsy than anything & Stephen has a habit of ducking his head going into challenges - yellow was probably justified but not correct as per the rules. We we definaty the better team but if you take away Sheehans masterclass of frees we may have struggled - a free taker of his class is invaluable. One of the more enjoyable games of recent times with open attacking play from both sides - the only downside was the ref who was booed off at both half & full time - deservedly so IMO .
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Post by Seoirse Ui Duic on Mar 15, 2015 22:47:01 GMT
I believe Alan Fitzgerald is 24 or 25 now. Played with the U21s and with the juniors. Played last year in the league as well when he came on as a sub against Dublin.
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Post by sullyschoice on Mar 15, 2015 22:47:46 GMT
Paddy Mc Brearty is a far better footballer than Michael Murphy. And has a better temprament too
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fivenarow
Senior Member
If it aint broken, then dont fix it!
Posts: 924
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Post by fivenarow on Mar 15, 2015 23:07:06 GMT
Paddy Mc Brearty is a far better footballer than Michael Murphy. And has a better temprament too Potentially yes but it will depend on how good Donegal are over the next few years, he has really bulked up in the last year, even since the all ireland final
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Post by ansúilleabhánach on Mar 15, 2015 23:08:28 GMT
Bleary-eyed on this fine morning in Geelong, but happy I stayed up until the wee hours to listen to that exciting finalé. Not really in a position to comment on performances from radio, but certainly sounds like Messrs Buckley and O Brien were never far from the play.
If it's true about M. Murphy developing this needlier and nastier side to his game, it saddens me. He has been such an immaculately admirable footballer for his entire career, a genuine role model for youngsters in terms of his deportment both on and off the pitch. I've heard him and his family been very highly spoken of by reliable sources. I know that, like KD, it is foolish to start blaming opponents, but I wonder is it the cumulative effect of years of skulduggery inflicted on him in the full back line. It certainly wasn't as notable under Mr. McGuinness.
Focal scoir: This spring is my first (and only, I hope) time as an exile listening to RK. Ambaist it's amusing, but more unintentionally than not! Highlight yesterday was the confusion when the penalty was awarded: Bryan Sheehan off; who could possibly take it!? What, David Moran? Preposterous! It was remarked that there was no memory of him ever taking one before. Is the memory of 2010 qf so thoroughly repressed? High in Ardán Uí Hógáin that day, as the season of green and gold exhaled its death rattle, my brother turned to me, shrugged and said "Well...at least we've finally found a competent penalty taker!". (Forever our copper-haired Achilles' heel). An seachtain seo chugainn, beidh RnaG i ndán dom!
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Post by athletics on Mar 15, 2015 23:15:29 GMT
Really enjoyed today's game. I heard that Bryan has cracked a rib. Wonder how long he will be out for? He was superb today.
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Post by kerrygold on Mar 15, 2015 23:21:40 GMT
A big Kerry performance today that warms the heart. It was great to see a flowing of the juices from the players at this stage of season. Some new leaders emerging around the pitch with players putting theirs hands up all over the team. Today certainly put the bed the poor performance last weekend. A top class effort from all involved.
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Post by kerrygold on Mar 15, 2015 23:25:04 GMT
Really enjoyed today's game. I heard that Bryan has cracked a rib. Wonder how long he will be out for? He was superb today. Thankfully it wasn't a recurrence of last years injury.
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Post by sullyschoice on Mar 15, 2015 23:28:13 GMT
Really enjoyed today's game. I heard that Bryan has cracked a rib. Wonder how long he will be out for? He was superb today. Say it aint so.
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Post by misteallaigh abú on Mar 15, 2015 23:31:39 GMT
I think that some of the comments about Michael Murphy are way over the top. His challenge on Lyne merited a yellow and no more. It was mistimed. As regards him developing a nasty streak, I fail to see any hard evidence. He's a fine footballer and a beautiful striker of the ball. I was delighted with today's performance, it was a big step back in the right direction after last week's hiccup. Johnny Buckley showed skill levels today that I never thought he had and David Moran is a fabulous footballer. He was well supported by Maher in midfield and with that kind of dominance Donegal were never going to get 2 points today. Great to win such a fiercely competitive game, a home win against Monaghan would set things up nicely.
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Post by kerrygold on Mar 15, 2015 23:34:18 GMT
I think that some of the comments about Michael Murphy are way over the top. His challenge on Lyne merited a yellow and no more. It was mistimed. As regards him developing a nasty streak, I fail to see any hard evidence. He's a fine footballer and a beautiful striker of the ball. I was delighted with today's performance, it was a big step back in the right direction after last week's hiccup. Johnny Buckley showed skill levels today that I never thought he had and David Moran is a fabulous footballer. He was well supported by Maher in midfield and with that kind of dominance Donegal were never going to get 2 points today. Great to win such a fiercely competitive game, a home win against Monaghan would set things up nicely. Fully agree, Michael Murphy didn't merit a black card today.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2015 23:38:13 GMT
Kerry have plenty Forwards this year . BJ Keane , Stephen O'Brien , Paul Geaney all playing well . Alan Fitzgerald and Paul O'Donoghue look good . Johnny Buckley , Bryan Sheehan , and Kieran Donaghy playing well. Tommy Walsh is a work in progress Mikey Geaney and Kieran O'Leary will stuggle to get game time i think in the Championship with Donnacha Walsh , Colm Cooper and James O'Donoghue to come back we have a lot of talent up there . Anthony Maher and David Moran have formed a solid Midfield . Buckley and Sheehan can fill in there also . If we can get the backs in order I think we will go close to repeating this year . Questions still remain about the Backs . Killian Young was very good today . Shane Enright also played well when he came on . it will be interesting to see when Marc and O'Mahony come back who he goes with . I think Cork will probably go on and win the League but did they peak too soon . They are flying right now but when all the big guns catch up to them fitness wise then we will see if they can perform as well . It's still a long way to August and playing the likes of Dublin , Mayo or Kerry . Time will tell .
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Post by kerrygold on Mar 15, 2015 23:45:12 GMT
Kerry have plenty Forwards this year . BJ Keane , Stephen O'Brien , Paul Geaney all playing well . Alan Fitzgerald and Paul O'Donoghue look good . Johnny Buckley , Bryan Sheehan , and Kieran Donaghy playing well. Tommy Walsh is a work in progress Mikey Geaney and Kieran O'Leary will stuggle to get game time i think in the Championship with Donnacha Walsh , Colm Cooper and James O'Donoghue to come back we have a lot of talent up there . Anthony Maher and David Moran have formed a solid Midfield . Buckley and Sheehan can fill in there also . If we can get the backs in order I think we will go close to repeating this year . Questions still remain about the Backs . Killian Young was very good today . Shane Enright also played well when he came on . it will be interesting to see when Marc and O'Mahony come back who he goes with . I think Cork will probably go on and win the League but did they peak too soon . They are flying right now but when all the big guns catch up to them fitness wise then we will see if they can perform as well . It's still a long way to August and playing the likes of Dublin , Mayo or Kerry . Time will tell . Cork winning the league is light years away from a given at this early stage.
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Post by sullyschoice on Mar 15, 2015 23:48:08 GMT
Has Tommy Walsh forgotten so much over the last few years away. I hope he finds his mojo soon (whatever that means).
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fitz
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Post by fitz on Mar 16, 2015 0:07:31 GMT
Paddy Mc Brearty is a far better footballer than Michael Murphy. And has a better temprament too Sull,I don't see that, I think McBrearty is class and how he didn't start the AI is beyond me. Murphy has captained a winning All Ireland team and when Donegal were whipping boys in late 000s especially e.g. 09 to Cork both he and Lacey still shone very brightly. McBrearty has buckets of potential but he has lots to prove yet. Murphy is a proven top player. The temperament comparison, I don't see either, Murphy like Donaghy attracts loads of attention, McBrearty not as much,yet, but he's plenty fiery, his confrontation with Pa today and interaction with Enright when Enright came on for Fionn AI. Your opinion is always respected but I don't think evidence exists to support McBrearty being a far better player.
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Post by homerj on Mar 16, 2015 0:15:52 GMT
Is it top into final and then 2nd v 3rd in semi or two straight semi finals?
Assuming we finish on 8 points, do ye think that would be enough for us to qualify?
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fitz
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Red sky at night get off my land
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Post by fitz on Mar 16, 2015 0:58:53 GMT
King Johnny Buckley.
Tyers was foaming at the kisser. Great commentator. "...ach obair na gcapalla as Johnny Buckley!!!"
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Post by ansúilleabhánach on Mar 16, 2015 2:35:50 GMT
I think that some of the comments about Michael Murphy are way over the top. His challenge on Lyne merited a yellow and no more. It was mistimed. As regards him developing a nasty streak, I fail to see any hard evidence. He's a fine footballer and a beautiful striker of the ball. Fully agree, Michael Murphy didn't merit a black card today. Glad to read both of those posts, go raibh maith agaibh. Was going entirely by radio and forum for any evidence, no access to video, so apologies if I sounded too accusatory- was seeking feedback like yours. He is one of my favourite footballers currently playing. Delighted that my fears are unfounded.
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Post by Ballyfireside on Mar 16, 2015 4:40:56 GMT
I think Kerry were vulnerable and which made Cork look better that was.
Re Murphy comments, he has been buying frees for a long time, Donaghy hasn't, Kieran is a big man and focuses his strength on the ball 100% unless blackguarded, goal in AI final last year will be remembered for Durcan's short kick vs KDs skill -look at it again, compare to Sheehy's goal vs Paddy Cullen in '78.
McBrearty, McElhinny, McGlynn, Murphy, Cassidy and Lacey are my Donegal all time greats, that's personal, I could lynch myself for excluding Anthony Molloy and McFadden, latter when on song -'receding' haired as he is, he's like the little girl with the curl, when she is good she is verry verry good, and when she is bold etc!
IMO Tommy Walsh is overpoweringly talented, once he relaxes it will all happen.
Kealy brill and JBKs '3 misses' would all have been scored from the high stool, take another look!
Quality of comments on here is high, pure football, ach obair na gcapalla is Johnny Buckley etc.
Enright and JBK will be greats this year IMO, look the part, that's my 2015 prediction, I called Maher in 2014 on advice of one Mick Finucane of '47 lore.
Yeah, Mickmack is prob right re Gallagher, I'm not forensically fluent on rules so apologies, apart from that I am the perfect genius, geniass!
ansuilleabhanach draws a tear, hopefully we'll chinc sláinte on morn of Sam D day, a date outside Gresham at opening time, mine will be a pint of ordinary, what kills cures, I'll be the fella with the hangover!
Ah Veteran is a pure angel, he opens telling us why he refused to get out of bed, only to go to the game and then he delivering a knock out blow report. Where would you, we, get it?
Read his take on BJK, sublime "BJK deserved his goal. He was full of energy and enterprise,as he has been all through this campaign. But he again displayed a weakness today which has been manifest before. He pulls the trigger too fast with the result that too often he is off balance when he is shooting. I believe that deficit in his game can be eradicated." 'Eradicated', laughing my arse off, reminds me of a chat I had wit Aodán Mac Gearailt once upon a time, Aodán had 'missed' 5 points one day and lesser men would have given up, instead he persevered and low and behold but next thing he couldn't stop 'em goin' over, I complimented him and then he tells me the reason, Paidi had roared, "one more effin wide and you'll be on your arse over here".
Where was Vet when RTE was picking the team, Sky will come knocking, Tubridy and O'Connor are short panse boyos by comparison IMHO. If that what 'tired old eyes' endows then let's all join the club. He talks of his heart only to put ours crossways, ah he's bad for the health alright but good for the, well, heart! On buckley 'Will to win and no little skill.' Geaney on McGee amazing, Donie Buckley had Mayo do the same and that's not taking from McGee, well apart from taking the ball twice! Marc vs Murphy analysis may have been missed by TV viewers so ta for that Vet.
PS: During the world cup a few scientists concluded that the goalie could only defend 20% of area in a penalty situation, but failed to say which 20%! No goalie on planet earth could have blocked Moran's penalty, would break impossible law of physics, how many of us lost sight of the ball it travelled so fast, I thought it went into the umpires pocket, it reminded me of hurlers practicing shooting the ball into a tyre, only David cwould put a size five through the eye of a needle; Premiership will come calling and hopefully mom will tell 'em he is out and won't be returning the call!
Agree with Tómas Crean (of Annauscal before he has died!), Murphy is self distracting, a more honest man than Tómas we will not find!
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seamus
Fanatical Member
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Post by seamus on Mar 16, 2015 9:02:13 GMT
The lack of top quality, tight marking corner backs is our biggest concern heading into the summer. Difficult to see any of the current incumbents holding a fully fit Bernard Brogan, McMenamon, Colm O'Neill, Brian Hurley and the rest. We look very solid with a bit of depth everywhere else with the possible exception of free taking.
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Post by buck02 on Mar 16, 2015 9:11:12 GMT
I think that some of the comments about Michael Murphy are way over the top. His challenge on Lyne merited a yellow and no more. It was mistimed. As regards him developing a nasty streak, I fail to see any hard evidence. He's a fine footballer and a beautiful striker of the ball. I was delighted with today's performance, it was a big step back in the right direction after last week's hiccup. Johnny Buckley showed skill levels today that I never thought he had and David Moran is a fabulous footballer. He was well supported by Maher in midfield and with that kind of dominance Donegal were never going to get 2 points today. Great to win such a fiercely competitive game, a home win against Monaghan would set things up nicely. I usually agree with most things you say, but on this occasions I cannot. I had a great view of the incident and Murphy glanced at Lyne as he went up for the ball and led with the elbow into his neck when Lyne was totally open. It was a reckless challenge and it was lucky that Lyne wasnt seriously injured. It was a straight red in my opinion. The fact that Hickey bottled the decision didnt surprise me in the least. Great to see Johnny Buckley and David Moran dominate the game like they did yesterday. Not bad for too fellas who are too slow to play inter county football! I would question the management on a few things yesterday. First was the decision to leave Pa Kilkenny on McBrearty for so long. Now one could say it was a learning experience for Pa or you could say it could erode his confidence but he should have been taken off after the first ball McBrearty won in the 2nd half (and that's being kind) - such procrastination almost cost us dearly in last years final and the boys need to be more decisive in this area I feel. Tommy Walsh was just about to come on for BJK after BJKs nightmare 10 minute spell in the start of the 2nd half - he was togged and the slip had been handed to the stand-by ref. Then the goal is scored and Tommy is told to sit down again! And when Tommy does come on its for Paul Geaney! And of course the delay in taking off Sheehan, he was hurt after 15 minutes. Of the newer/younger lads I thought O Brien did really well yesterday and Lyne got through a lot of ball, albeit as a spare man for large parts. Mark Griffin got the better of Murphy in general play in the 1st half which is a good achievement. Alan Fitz has put his hand up these last 2 weeks, fair play to him - he looks a bit short of fitness though, thought he struggled to get back a few times in the 2nd half. All in all though it was a fine game of football and proves that Donegal can play ball and when they do they will probably beat most teams out there.
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Post by Mickmack on Mar 16, 2015 9:21:15 GMT
Eoghan Cormican
Kerry 2-13 Donegal 2-11
Donegal felt the full force of a rebounding Kerry yesterday — the dominance of the home outfit reflected in all but the scoreline.
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There may not have been many alarm bells sounded in the wake of Kerry’s 11-point whipping by Cork, but as Johnny Buckley admitted, it was to a cloud of negativity each Kerry player awoke to on Monday morning.
While victory was at the top of their agenda, a redemptive performance was also on the to list for this repeat of the September showpiece.
Where the contest was taken out of Kerry’s control at Páirc Uí Rinn, the All-Ireland champions were savage in their determination to ensure they dictated the terms of war in front of a 6,250-strong crowd at Austin Stack Park. Mark Griffin won the opening tussle with Donegal full-forward Michael Murphy. Buckley rose highest to collect successive kick-outs arriving from either end. Kieran Donaghy swept out to the 45-metre line to lend a hand to foraging colleagues and it was a foul on the Kerry captain that enabled Bryan Sheehan open their account. The battle lines were drawn. Kerry were not prepared to give an inch.
The battles lines would deepen as a heated opening half wore on. Neil Gallagher and Michael Murphy far from endeared themselves to the home contingent when upending Stephen O’Brien on different occasions. Murphy’s challenge on the Kenmare forward under the dropping ball didn’t sit well with the Kerry players. Referee Rory Hickey chose not to card the full-forward, with the Clare official booed off the field at half-time. Indeed, Hickey’s return to the dressing room was delayed momentarily as players clashed in the tunnel underneath the main stand.
For all their forward endeavour, midfield dominance and superb work-ethic in defence, 64 minutes elapsed before Kerry’s superiority was accurately reflected on the scoreboard.
A wayward Tommy Walsh kick was gathered by Paul O’Donoghue, the second-half sub illegally challenged by Éamonn McGee. In the absence of Bryan Sheehan, withdrawn at half-time complaining of a rib problem, David Moran stepped up to the penalty kick. The ball was clinically dispatched beyond Paul Durcan — 2-12 to 1-10.
Stephen O’Brien further stretched their advantage in the subsequent action.
Paddy McBrearty cut the deficit with his fourth point and the outcome was thrown back into the pot when Anthony Maher was adjudged to have fouled Colm McFadden in the closing minutes. Michael Murphy nailed the resulting penalty. Cue 12 Kerry men flooding deep into their own half to close it out.
Such a negative, if necessary approach, was far removed from a first-half showing built on aerial supremacy of Anthony Maher, David Moran and Johnny Buckley. Three placed ball efforts from the right boot of Sheehan had moved Fitzmaurice’s charges into a deserved early lead.
On 10 minutes one sweeping passage of play propelled Donegal into pole position, undoing Kerry’s promising start. Hugh McFadden, Michael Murphy and Martin O’Reilly combined in putting through Ryan McHugh and the centre-back slotted the ball into the corner of Brendan Kealy’s goal.
Donegal’s players, grouped into threes, spent much of the warm-up engaging in 60-metre sprints. Catching Kerry on the counter was their game-plan. Aside from McHugh’s goal, however, it was a system that provided little or no return before being abandoned in the closing stages.
Killian Young assumed the role of sweeper as opposite number Mark McHugh foraged further out the field. And notwithstanding his missed goal opportunity on 56 minutes, the Kerry defender hardly put a foot wrong.
Kerry continued unperturbed following McHugh’s green flag and kept their opponents scoreless for the next 12 minutes. At the other end, four points were whipped over in rampant succession.
Paul Murphy, Moran, Barry John Keane and Sheehan pushed Kerry ahead. It was a lead they carried to the break (0-9 to 1-5) despite Hugh McFadden, Murphy (free) and Martin McElhinney efforts.
The introduction of Colm McFadden for the second half and Murphy’s redeployment to centre-forward injected fresh impetus into the travelling cause. McFadden and Murphy, with McBrearty, kicked three unanswered minors to edge Gallagher’s side two clear — scarcely believable on the balance of play. Kerry cried out for a moment of brilliance to reward their efforts. What materialised on 45 minutes was more Donegal ponderousness than anything else. Paul Geaney robbed Neil McGee of possession, turned inside the Donegal defender and floated the ball across the square, where Barry John Keane fisted to the net. Geaney and Buckley traded points with McBrearty and Neil Gallagher thereafter, Donegal’s bid to achieve parity frustrated by a string of wides from Colm McFadden, Mark McHugh and Christy Toye. Moran’s penalty kick ensued, redemption followed.
Game-changer
Colm McFadden, Christy Toye and Mark McHugh kicked three poor wides directly before David Moran slotted the penalty which, ultimately, saw Kerry across the line.
Talk of the town
The turnaround in the Kerry performance seven days after falling by 11 points to Cork.
Did that just happen?
Jonathan Lyne registering Kerry’s first wide after 25 minutes, their sole transgression in this department in the first period.
Fitzmaurice’s forward unit was a model of efficiency in the opening half.
Best on show
Johnny Buckley put in a tremendous shift here. Contributed to Kerry’s aerial dominance around the middle.
Made life extremely difficult for Karl Lacey, and, indeed the entire Donegal half-back unit.
Black card watch
Michael Murphy fouled Stephen O’Brien either side of half-time, and was yellow-carded for the second infringement. Neil Gallagher too was lucky to escape black when upending O’Brien with a high tackle on 23 minutes.
Sideline superior
Stephen Enright was introduced for Pa Kilkenny on the Kerry side after 47 minutes. The latter struggled all through against Paddy McBrearty and it was a change in personnel that should have been made much earlier.
The man in black
Rory Hickey was booed off the field at half and full-time by the Kerry supporters. Eamonn Fitzmaurice took particular grievance with the decision not to award Paul O’Donoghue a free at the end of the second half. There were several other examples where justice evaded the home outfit.
What’s next?
Kerry welcome to Monaghan in a fortnight bidding to cement a league semi-final berth; Donegal host Tyrone in Ballybofey.
Eoghan Cormican Scorers for Kerry: B Sheehan (0-6, 0-1 ’45, 0-3f); D Moran, BJ Keane (1-1 each); P Murphy, P Geaney, J Buckley, S O’Brien, A Fitzgerald (0-1). Scorers for Donegal: M Murphy (1-3, 1-0 pen, 0-1 ’45, 0-2f); P McBrearty (0-4); R McHugh (1-0); C McFadden, M McElhinney, N Gallagher, H McFadden (0-1).
Subs for Kerry: A Fitzgerald for Sheehan (HT, inj), S Enright for Kilkenny (47), T Walsh for Geaney (54), P O’Donoghue for Keane (63), F Fitzgerald for P Crowley (66), K O’Leary for Buckley (68).
Subs for Donegal: C McFadden for McElhinney (HT), A Thompson for Doherty (56), M McElhinney for H McFadden (63, inj), E McMugh for O’Reilly (66), G McFadden for M McHugh (72), D McLaughlin for Toye (72).
Referee: R Hickey (Clare).
Kerry: B Kealy; P Kilkenny, M Griffin, P Murphy; J Lyne, P Crowley, K Young; A Maher, D Moran; S O’Brien, B Sheehan, J Buckley; P Geaney, K Donaghy, BJ Keane. Donegal: P Durcan; P McGrath, E McGee, N McGee; K Lacey, R McHugh, E Doherty; H McFadden, N Gallagher; M McHugh, M McElhinney, C Toye; M O’Reilly, M Murphy, P McBrearty.
KEYWORDS: Donegal, Kerry, Allianz Football League
© Irish Examiner Ltd. All rights reserved
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Post by Mickmack on Mar 16, 2015 9:29:37 GMT
IRISH INDO
Fitz delight as Kingdom up their game
Kerry 2-13 Donegal 2-11
Whatever this game was, it wasn’t last year’s All-Ireland final.
Sure it was tactical and at times both sides got numbers behind the ball and they played conservatively when required.
But there was more of the traditional elements prevalent in this game at a time when football seemed to have further turned its back on its roots.
Two of the finest exponents of full-forward play around – Michael Murphy and Kieran Donaghy – spent most of their time there.
And in the end, it was a happy homecoming from Donaghy in his first game as Kerry captain on his own patch.
With the Kingdom two points up and a Donegal free dropping in around the square late in injury time, Donaghy rose highest to claim it and referee Rory Hickey called time.
Hickey left the field to a chorus of boos that was hardly merited in a game that simmered with tension at times without ever boiling over.
Afterwards, Eamonn Fitzmaurice reflected that his side had been more focused than a week ago when they lost heavily in Cork and they seemed to have a slight edge for most of this game.
Donegal grabbed the only goal of the first half when Murphy gathered an angled delivery that dropped on the square. Some slick Donegal hands eventually found Ryan McHugh’s intelligent run.
SLOT
The Kilcar youngster had started the move 60 metres down field and he got on the end of the final pass from Martin O’Reilly to calmly slot past Brendan Kealy after 11 minutes.
That score handed them the lead briefly but Kerry, who were playing against the wind, were moving nicely in attack.
Bryan Sheehan was showing his full array of dead-ball skills, stroking over from a variety of angles and distances.
The St Mary’s man also managed two from play and had amassed six points by the break. He didn’t re-emerge for the second half with a rib complaint that Kerry will have assessed later today.
By the short whistle, they held a 0-9 to 1-5 advantage after Donegal had ended a 13-minute scoreless period with two late scores. The visitors came out strong on the restart.
They hit three points in as many minutes to take charge but Barry John Keane bundled the ball to the net to take the wind from their sails. Keane had missed three very kickable chances before that but he was in the right place to punch home ten minutes into the second half.
Both sides then made a number of changes which saw the game lose its shape. Tommy Walsh was introduced and stationed at full-forward alongside Donaghy but still scores were hard to come by for both sides.
Killian Young pulled a goal-bound effort just wide before the excellent Johnny Buckley landed a fine point to make it 1-12 to 1-10.
It stayed that way for almost ten minutes and Donegal manufactured chances to take the lead. However, Mark McHugh, Colm McFadden and Christy Toye all miscued and with that it seemed their last chance was gone.
At the other end, Kerry won a penalty when Eamonn McGee fouled Paul O’Donoghue after a scrappy passage of play.
David Moran, who had ruled midfield all afternoon, took the responsibility and lashed to the net. That put the home side 2-12 to 1-10 up with just five minutes left to play. Stephen O’Brien stretched the gap to six before McBrearty replied with his fourth of the afternoon and end a 14-minute scoreless period.
There was time for a late Donegal penalty that Murphy converted to put two between the sides. From there, Kerry played keep-ball in a bid to run down the clock and having been close to the Donegal 45-metre line they eventually worked possession all the way back to goalkeeper Kealy.
Donegal’s last chance came with a hopeful free that dropped in around the square.
Donaghy rose highest to complete Kerry’s redemption from last week’s defeat to Cork while Donegal are now nervously looking over their shoulders.
“I think everyone upped their game from myself in the management down to the players who upped their game,” reflected Kerry manager Fitzmaurice, whose side welcome Monaghan in two weeks’ time. “We were disappointed with last weekend and we weren’t too happy on Monday morning when we woke up. We trained twice this week and had two good sessions and we were a good bit more tuned in.
“We knew Donegal were going to be very motivated coming down and difficult to beat and we were desperate to get those two points on the board. We’re delighted it worked out that way.”
Fitzmaurice was also pleased with his side’s haul of 2-13 against a Donegal side that seemed more attack-minded than they have shown at times in the past.
“I think they do that a lot of the time. They are very capable. In the All-Ireland final when Kieran got the goal they really came after us and they got back level and we got a few points after that.
“They have a lot of very good players. Obviously they put a lot of emphasis on their system, but when they are in possession they are very effective.”
“We got better performances from players and unless you’re getting that from most of the players on the field you are not going to win games.
“Last weekend we didn’t. Cork were a good bit better than us. They were better in everything they did. They were more up for the game. Their attitude was better. But this weekend we were more focused and that helped our performance.”
Donegal manager Rory Gallagher agreed that his side hit wides at crucial times but admitted Kerry were the better side throughout.
“I think we had three wides and all from very scoreable positions and one of them possibly Mark could have looked to continue on from where I was looking.
“And then we had a wee bit of bad luck with the ball coming off the post (before the penalty). But look these things happen, Kerry were clinical and didn’t miss their chances; they deserved it then.”
Gallagher’s side welcome Tyrone to Donegal next and with both sides on four points, he knows a win is vital if they are to stay up.
“It was always going to be tight, it’s the nature of the division,” he said. “It doesn’t look like six points is going to keep anyone safe this year so you will possibly need seven or eight. So we need to get a win the next day out.”
Man of the Match: David Moran
Scorers – Kerry: B Sheehan 0-6 (3f, 1 ’45), D Moran (1-0 pen), BJ Keane 1-1 each, P Murphy, J Buckley, S O’Brien, P Geaney, A Fitzgerald 0-1 each. Donegal: M Murphy 1-3 (1-0 pen, 2f, 1 ’45), P McBrearty 0-4, R McHugh 1-0, H McFadden, C McFadden, N Gallagher, M McElhinney 0-1 each
KERRY – B Kealy 7; P Kilkenny 6, M Griffin 8, P Murphy 7; J Lyne 6, P Crowley 7, K Young 7; A Maher 8, D Moran 9; S O’Brien 7, B Sheehan 8, J Buckley 8; P Geaney 6, K Donaghy 7, BJ Keane 7. Subs: A Fitzgerald 7 for Sheehan (h-t), S Enright 7 for Kilkenny (47), T Walsh 6 for Geaney (55), P O’Donoghue 6 for Keane (58), F Fitzgerald for Crowley (66), K O’Leary (68).
DONEGAL – P Durcan 7; N McGee 7, E McGee 7, P McGrath 7; K Lacey 6, R McHugh 8, E Doherty 6; H McFadden 7, N Gallagher 7; C Toye 7, M McHugh 7, M McElhinney 7; M O’Reilly 6; P McBrearty 8, M Murphy 7. Subs: C McFadden 6 for McElhinney (h-t), A Thompson 6 for Doherty (56), E McHugh for O’Reilly (66), G McFadden for Toye (69), D McLaughlin for M McHugh (72).
Ref – R Hickey (Clare)
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Post by ballybunion on Mar 16, 2015 9:32:38 GMT
Semi final pairings should we qualify on 11/12th April 1v4 and 2v3
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Post by Mickmack on Mar 16, 2015 9:32:39 GMT
This is from one of todays papers. Just how high is KD here?
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Jo90
Fanatical Member
Posts: 2,685
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Post by Jo90 on Mar 16, 2015 10:16:23 GMT
This is from one of todays papers. Just how high is KD here? Hey, KD is a clean living GAA star - just because he was a basketball star of some note doesn't mean he has a lifestyle like many of his NBA contemporaries!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Mar 16, 2015 10:36:48 GMT
Brian Sheehan was incredible today. Pity he had to go off at half time. He was worth the fee alone. He must be one of the greatest ever exponents of kicking a dead ball.
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