animal
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Post by animal on Sept 22, 2009 13:15:53 GMT
Back in work today and really and truly on cloud 9. I've spent yesterday and my lunch break today soaking up all the reaction in the papers. This one is so sweet. To go into the game as underdogs and to go 5 points down so early in the game before grinding the result out has made this extremely satisfying.
Diarmuid was better than ever this year. Much improved on his kick-outs and his shot stopping kept us in games all the way up to and including the final.
Tom Sullivan was my MOTM for his outstanding display. For me, Tom has been our most consistent back all year.
Tommy Griffin showed massive courage to recover from the first ten minutes. Delighted for him.
Tomás has put in a savage season and is a serious contender again for player of the year.
The person I thought most about in the build up and during the game was the great Darragh ó Sé. To see him pick up his 6th medal is incredible in the modern era. A mighty man who owed us nothing and now owes us even less. We should bombard Tom Humphries to ghost write his book!
Galvin was everywhere on the day and should have scored. He's in the front line for the player of the year and after what he went through last year his redemption is complete. Mighty man.
Tadhg was vitally important on the day. His energy levels are there for all to see and he negated Cork's key player for 50 minutes. Please stay Tadhg!
Tommy silenced his doubters - and I'll include myself among them - with 4 excellent points. Two off either foot on the biggest stage.
Huge credit must go to Jack and his team. They were much maligned earlier in the year but who are any of us to ever doubt him again?
Finally, I think what I enjoyed the most on Sunday was the sheer joy on people's faces especially in the stand at the final whistle and on the pitch after the game. This one meant an awful lot to Kerry people and you could tell.
An Ríocht Abú!
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Post by kerrymaninmayo on Sept 22, 2009 14:14:17 GMT
I've been an avid reader for years to gauge the opinion of the other ordinary Joe Kerrymen out there but this year I decided I'd try an ould message!
Primary emotion on Sunday was satisfaction followed closely by sheer joy; shed a few tears as well I'd have to admit. Was more satisfying that 2004 (despite the three years of pain that preceded that one) due to all the issues we had during this years campaign.
Having worked in Mayo for years and never been afraid to display the colours, I've had to put up with a fair share of banter/abuse/discussion about Kerry's "soft" All Irelands and perceived psychological barrier when playing Tyrone. Had a grin from ear to ear this morning approaching the front gate at work and haven't stopped grinning since.
No need to comment on the individual displays on Sunday, it's all been said already. Full back line as a unit was immense, never got that sense that any of the three were in trouble, unlike the Cork or Sligo games earlier in the year.
When the practice of each player lifting the cup individually after the captain's speech started a while back I thought it was a bit cringeworthy but I'm a complete convert now - the Walsh brothers, the Cromane duo and the Rathmore legends jointly hoisting the cup provide photos that should adorn the local GAA clubhouses for years to come, not to mention Tadhg's jig and Galvin's antics in 2007!
Ciarrai Abu - roll on a Winter of contented football talk, flawed All-Stars selections and anticipation for 2010!
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seamus
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Post by seamus on Sept 22, 2009 14:15:58 GMT
This one was a big one. Hard fought. Backs to the wall. We thought the team were gone so many times. The team and the supporters have finally been glued together. I have never seen such an outpouring of joy after a match. It surpassed 1997 for me.
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JOAN
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Post by JOAN on Sept 22, 2009 14:36:57 GMT
biggest crowd I have ever seen on the pitch after a ky win!!!! supporters were class
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Joxer
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Post by Joxer on Sept 22, 2009 14:39:30 GMT
Seamus, I think that says it all really...for me too, it eclipsed 1997 which is some going! I stayed off this site for much of the 3 weeks prior to the final because I was so over-confident, I couldn't producr one solid argument for myself to say we would lose this final. I had managed to convince myself that Meath were a threat prior to the semi-final but then really on the basis that we might be over-confident and not respect them but I genuinely felt,going into last Sunday , that it would take a herculean effort on the part of Cork, rather than the other way around, for Kerry to be denied. I couldn't understand how all the so called experts had been sucked in to believe we were passed it and would be beaten....the Dublin victory conveniently (from our perspective I suppose) being filed under 'Dublin Collapse' rather than anything else...as if any Dublin team worthy of the name would freeze in the way they are being described as having done. That was as near as perfect a performance I have ever seen on the football field and while, Dublin can of course be criticized for mistakes on the day, they were above and beyond all else, simply unfortunate to meet Kerry in that mood and set of circumstances. To have Kerry similarly written off before last Sunday as they had been before the Dublin game defies logic but hey, I guess we shouldn't complain!
Its nearlt 20yrs ago now that a nun in a primary school in Dingle told me she had a future Kerry full-back playing in her school. A lad by the name of Tommy Griffin has it all she said and 'mark my words, he'll win All-Irelands at full-back for Kerry yet'.....I guess she knew a thing or two!
You could go through the entire team and find heroes. Tommy Walsh, I criticized heavily after the U21 Munster Final....he arrived at the top table in massive style on Sunday. Heres hoping we see many great years from Tommy now. Paul is absolutely outstanding when he concentrates on football...not many if any with the same reputation as he has can say the same thing. What a player!
We, the supporters, have had another fantastic year...this team is up there with our greatest legends. Walk easy, as the man said, when your cup is full...but we have so much to be grateful for.
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Post by longball2 on Sept 22, 2009 14:43:42 GMT
Just getting back to reality now. Its amazing how emotional this win has been. Seemed to be a fierce outpouring of joy after the match on the field much more than other years. The same at the home comings last night which look like being up in recent years. I met an old time in a Killarney hostelry a Kerry man exiled in Cork he has been going to home comings since the 50s and he will never tire of them.
Its been a funny year we had highs and many lows and haven't played football to our standards as in other years (think of 2002) but the win seems amazingly satisfying.
I will look back with pleasure of going to Tullamore and being amazed to see such a big kerry crowd. The kerry crowd on the pitch that day. That game was a real turning point. The team finished well in the last 15 minutes their spark was back. The was a buzz after the game among the supporters.
The Dublin game was great also.
I think that we should realise we are looking at some great men who for all their great skill have shown that their greatest asset is their character.
Sunday was a great team performance. Hats off to the management team.
You can't beat the combination of pride, experience and tradition that we displayed on Sunday.
Its days like Sunday that make you proud to be from Kerry! Come on the Kingdom.
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Post by ardfertnarrie on Sept 22, 2009 15:11:55 GMT
Its hard to quantify, but I'll be honest and say that I don't think I felt that kind of emotion at any of our previous All-Ireland wins. 1997 was close, but I was only 17 and probably not mature enough to really understand it's importance. 2000 was unbelievable for the sheer battle that season was (Armagh and Galway) and I missed the 2004 final because I was awaiting the birth of my first born. Then of course the great satisfaction of winning 2006 after the pain of 2005 and the way we did it and the milestone of winning back to backs.
Still and all, Sunday was the most magical for me.
Thank you the entire team and panel. I'm sure you know by now how much we appreciate what you have done.
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Post by misteallaigh abú on Sept 22, 2009 15:59:44 GMT
I am nearly sure Fitzmaurice (I was right at the back of the upper tier) had a few words with Tommy Griffin on the endline a few moments after the goal was conceded, his performance thereafter was outstanding.
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Post by nicoshea on Sept 22, 2009 16:44:48 GMT
He did... (Was listening on the radio and they pointed that out....)
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thepope
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Post by thepope on Sept 22, 2009 16:52:45 GMT
I am nearly sure Fitzmaurice (I was right at the back of the upper tier) had a few words with Tommy Griffin on the endline a few moments after the goal was conceded, his performance thereafter was outstanding. touchline reporter for RTE, whatever their name is!! said fitzmaurice told tommy to start playing O'Neill from the front- the rest is history!! delighted in particular for Tommy, lest we forget he solved the full back issue, impressive considering he didn't move there until the qualifiers, but he got a handle on it and fair play to him. vindication after the disappointment of being inexplicably dropped for last year's decider
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Post by Attacking Wing Back on Sept 22, 2009 19:10:07 GMT
The final in a way was a micronism of Kerrys entire championship season. Rocked early on but the lads puffed out their cheeks, put their shoulders to the wheel and pushed on.
While Kerry football will always be associated with style on Sunday these players revealed the iron fist concealed by the velvet glove. Steel on the sideline and steel in the minds. Never once did they waver in the face of adversity. All players deserve immense credit for the performances especially Tommy G for the way he recovered from his early setback.
Also a word for Tadhg Kennelly. Some game by a man only back in the country only a couple of months. He totally overran graham canty. I'm sure even his great warrior of a father looking down from above would have struggled to contain Tadhg such was his performance
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Post by Kingdomson on Sept 22, 2009 19:36:23 GMT
Congratulations to the Kerry team and management on a magnificent victory. Furthermore, a sincere thank you for all the joy and pride you have given Kerry people all over the world.
It is time the Golden Years Part II was put together – preferably on bluray - we have to watch this team in hi-def. What a decade of great memories!
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Post by Sons of Pitches on Sept 22, 2009 19:54:37 GMT
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falveyb2k
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"The way this man played today, if there was a flood he'd walk on water. Jack O Shea"
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Post by falveyb2k on Sept 22, 2009 20:16:13 GMT
Well done to all the lads involved, when Colm O Neill got the goal for the first time all year I thought that Sam may be beyond us but after all these years following these lads around the country I should have known better. What fantastic guys we have representing this county, men on and off the pitch, enjoy the celebrations, you've earned them.
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Post by jackiel on Sept 22, 2009 21:19:43 GMT
This is my first time on here since Sunday - what a day. The performance on Sunday will stay with me for a long time. I thought Tommy Griffen had an amazing game , to pick himself up after the goal and put in the work he did- 2 fantastic catches that I can remember. Tom deserved MOTM although I thought PG might have had a chance of it too , great workrate all through , I'm so glad for him that his season ended on a high and if right is right he get Player of the Year. Scanlon too was truly on form and as for Diarmuid -what more can you say. In truth the guys all put their heart and soul into it and it paid off royally. My father says it's the best performance by Kerry backs he'd ever seen , even surpassing the great 70's & 80's teams. To you all I'd like to say thanks for all the entertainment throughout the year, long may it last. Will sign off now cos I'm getting emotional again just thinking about it all.
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fritz
Full Member
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Post by fritz on Sept 22, 2009 21:39:06 GMT
I am lucky enough to have attended 10 winning Kerry All-Irelands and it's hard to think of any as satisfying and emotional as this one. Maybe 1997 was the closest, from a personal point of view it was my first as an adult and it also finally brought an end to the drought.
But 1997 was probably more relief than anything; this seems to be a sheer outpouring of joy and sincere elation. Non-Kerry friends and colleagues have commented to the effect that they are surprised by how overjoyed Kerry people have been after Sunday.
It's hard to know what makes this one so special, but there is no doubt that it is exceptionally special. The comments from our Kerry brethen overseas is particularly moving, football is in our soul and how best we measure ourselves. Dublin on Sunday night was incredible; the place was crackling; it seemed like the streets were filled with a family of 25,000 clad in green-and-gold, friendly faces abounded.
Maybe it was the tortuous journey to glory, all the twist, turns, and what seemed like U-turns; maybe it was the culmination of years of spiteful comments from bitter little men, maybe it was galaxy of compelling sub-plots - the redemption of our Paul, the return of Jack, the revivial of Diarmuid, the come back mid stream of Mike Mac, the emotional journey back for Tadhg - maybe it was the near consensus view for most of the summer that it was an inevitability that Tyrone were going to break with their own tradition and retain the All-Ireland. It's hard to put a finger on it but it's been one hell of a journey all the same.
The 36th has been covered in detail but here are a few personal comments:
1. It's probably over-looked as we only led by 2 points at half-time but the passage of play Kerry put together was some of the finest I think ever put together, it had a tempo and epic quality of a soaring opera. It should be recalled that we gave Cork a 5-point start and the ref gave Cork an easy free long after half time should have been called. Between that, we scored ten points and actually left at least three handy points behind us - Galvino with the fist, Gooch on his left and Tadhg in front of goal. But despite those lapses it was a sensational passage, a glorious combination of tactical, mental, and physical domination.
2. I was surprised that Tadhg was taken off and it could have proved costly. In mitigation, he said that the tank was empty by the time he was subbed.
3. I think we also nearly got caught by leaving Darragh on too long. That's not a criticism of the great man, what an achievement to be playing centre-field in an All-Ireland final at 34 and he was fine in the first half but I thought he was struggling for a bit before he came off.
4. I don't know the man personally but I was delighted to see Michael Quirke see action at the business end of the final. I have always liked him as a footballer and respect the way he has hung in there over many years and times when the chances of getting meaningful game time was remote. The same can be said for Darran in terms of starting a final.
5. I think it was Mickmack who said the final was a great end to a trying year for David Moran. I second that and would say the same is the case for Aidan O'Mahony. Both could be men to watch in 2010.
6. Without trying to sound patronising, Cork have made big strides this year and are getting ever closer, no question. They have the right man in charge and are building a formidable squad. We are probably going to lose a once-in-a-generation midfielder and the age profile of our back-line is not favourable either.
Thanks to all who provided all the great match reports during the year. Thanks especially to our peerless sage, the Veteran, whose match summaries put most paid scribes to shame. You'll be missed over the winter Veteran!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2009 21:46:18 GMT
I have been an avid reader these last few days but haven't felt able to express as eloquently as others these past two days the pure joy felt since Sunday. All I can say is thank you to every single one of the players, managment and background team.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2009 21:47:07 GMT
It is time the Golden Years Part II was put together – preferably on bluray - we have to watch this team in hi-def. What a decade of great memories! Agreed and I think Donaghy made a similar comment also.
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Post by patinkerry on Sept 22, 2009 22:16:01 GMT
I am hoarse now from all the roars of delight on Sunday-and I am still smiling ear to ear-what a season, from the league final, the injuries, the doubts, the criticisms, the struggling Kerry in the Cork Munster semi-finals with Gooches magic point and Bryan's levelling point to seeing the look of Paul Galvin and Gooches disappointed faces as they got on the bus outside Pairc ui chaoimh, then the leadership of the Star in the longford match only to lose him again, to the Sligo penalty and Diarmuids brillant save to the anxiety of the Antrim match and the glimpse of greatness in the last fifteen minutes and the roars of support for the team on the Tullamore pitch to the mind blowing beauty of Croke Park against Dublin, the craic on the train on the way down, the slip sliding but away against Meath, the craic with the Cork lads building up to the AI to the heart dropping O Neills goal and the Kerry lads smooth answer-the pride of seeing Darren lift Sam, Tadgh doing his jig, Paul silencing his critics and Tom O Sullivan blowing us away with his deserving MOTM-they were so much a team -the 4 Toms being exceptional but everyone doing their fantastic part utilising JOC's clever tactics and silencing Corks form dominance of 2009-Thank you so much, thank you Jack for coming back, thank you for the KERRY journey of 2009-true true true true true CHAMPIONS-Ciarrai abu
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Post by popeye on Sept 22, 2009 22:48:31 GMT
Did anybody else feel the pure outbreak of emotion after the whistle went sunday? There was more Kerry people shedding a tear than the poor Cork supporters on the field afterwards. Ill admit i shed tears myself on the famous sod, for this was a year with so many tough battles, a year where we were written off with our obituary written long before things got serious. I congratulate all the players involved ye stood up and showed what heart ye have. Thank you for such a wonderful year and final.
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Post by seaniebo on Sept 22, 2009 22:55:58 GMT
Its the sweetest one of the lot - I had a conversation today with a cailín now too up on GAA and she couldn't believe how a game of football could have such an effect on me - Trying to explain was like trying to climb Mount Brandon backwards - impossible - The only thing I could say to her in my vain attempt to explain it was it's more than just a game. Its so much more than that. Its pride tradition blood sweat and tears - tears of joy. I have never been as emotional at Croke Park in all my life - 1997 wasn't this good.
We have folllowed this Kerry team in 09 through thick and thinner. At no time did I doubt these boys - too much pride and tradition to lie down and let the wolves eat us. Hounded yet again by all and sundry and by a section of our own as they were booed off the field at half time in the SLigo game. Hounded by the media and those so called experts - and yet the cream rose to the top yet again.
To come back from that crushing defeat to Tyrone last year is mindboggling - where most would have thrown in the towel the appetite for more success burns deep within..Tomas O Se summed it up for me in the aftermath of last years defeat - "we will go home dust ourselves down and come back and do it all again next year, because thats what Kerry do" - Tomas O Se you epitomise everything that is great and glorious about kerry football - and by God ye came back and did it. To the greatest Kerry team since the greatest Kerry team I Salute you.
I bet Glenbeigh is rocking tonight - congratulations to Darran Jack and all the Kerry team.
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dano
Senior Member
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Post by dano on Sept 23, 2009 3:14:27 GMT
Congratulations to this fine team for a magnificent year, One game lost all year, all critics answered emphatically, a young Listowelman's sporting dreams fulfilled , Darragh's sixth medal, Gooch top scorer for the championship, Paul will be player of the year, Diarmuid up there with Declan and Charlie now, Tom motm, tomas and marc could have been too,Killian and Mike Mac closing down what was supposed to be an invincible Cork attack, Tommy G's performance at f.b. was brilliant, slipping once on the fake grass, Seamus Scanlon possibly the best partner at m.f. for Darragh, Darren's leadership with a fine performance, Tommy coming of age on the biggest day of all and Declan playing a blinder as always. Brilliant subs also coming on at crucial stages and a management team who hatched this victory plan and carried it out so well. Thank you one and all. Of the nine Allirelands I 've attended I never felt pride like I did Sunday
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Derek
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Post by Derek on Sept 23, 2009 9:35:13 GMT
Going back to the RTE coverage on Sunday having watching the full coverage live again on Monday evening when i arrived back from Dublin still a little worse for wear.
It ended up taking away the a bit of the Jubliation i was feeling and intensived my hangover again.
I thought that martin carney's commentary was nothing short of cringe worthy. Every 50/50 was a foul by a kerry player, anything a free was awareded to Kerry it simply was SOFT, Kerry's Legs were gone as they were an ageing team when cork got to within a point and the young pretenders were ready to take over!!!!!
Tommy gets 2 great scores and martin is waxing lyrical about how great a Kerry team the lads were.
Then you move over to Marty and he interviews connor counihan after and it goes something like - Connor you must be disappointed with the performance of the Ref he seemed to give Kerry a lot more frees and soft frees to Kerry did you feel that cost Cork?
Marty check your Fecking stats next time Free's awarded Kerry 27 - Cork 27
I admired counihan for the way he just said ill leave that to the pundits.
All the effort that went into an all ireland final by everyone and RTE put up Ger Canning and Martin Carney i thought they were brutal - Thank god for the iphone and radio kerry.
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Derek
Senior Member
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Post by Derek on Sept 23, 2009 9:36:24 GMT
Must say as well what great craic he cork lads were post match we spent about 4 hours having a sing song and some serious banter with them - I for one would not have been as cheerful if the shoe had been on the other foot.
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Post by austinstacksabu on Sept 23, 2009 9:47:39 GMT
Watched the highlights on Setanta 1 at 8pm. Annoyed they didn't show the cup being hoisted up by Darran.
The match - we had a couple of scary moments.......Tom Sullivan was well off Goulding late in the game but caught up with him just about......very nerve racking.
On the other hand though, the backs play was as pure, honest and hard as I've ever seen from Kerry. Tadhg looked a little knocked when he came off - I remember him getting clattered just before that - was he slightly concussed?
A good game of football - some wonderful points and Kerry men managed to find the space when it was needed.
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Post by tottenham on Sept 23, 2009 9:51:25 GMT
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Post by austinstacksabu on Sept 23, 2009 10:48:55 GMT
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Post by austinstacksabu on Sept 23, 2009 11:35:09 GMT
Feck it. No Kerry football to talk about. Back to full work for the first time since July!!
Am glad I have a job in this climate, but the day passed easier talking about the GAA!!
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Post by longball2 on Sept 23, 2009 12:53:14 GMT
Watched the full game on TV for the first time last night. Have to say Martin Kearney is so biased against Kerry its unbelieveable.
Every Kerry free was "soft" in his book. Saying I still think Cork can will this game/get a goal right to the end.
Whats with these Mayo fellows himself and McStay? Are they bitter cos they didnt win anything? If you add in Tommy Lyons theres a lot of Mayo guys on TV with no medals but big big opinions.
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Post by jerryewe on Sept 23, 2009 14:06:09 GMT
Carney was very bad the last day. Gooch gave Lynch a nudge once and then when Lynch was caught holding onto the Gooch he said the two players had been at it all day. Why would a forward hold onto a back? Say what you want about Spillane but at least he is not overly biased for his own county. He even said Kennelly could have seen red even if he did justify the refs decision
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