|
Post by Annascaultilidie on Jul 2, 2014 9:12:41 GMT
Win or lose, both teams avoid Dublin and Ulster in both quarters and semi. Assuming the losers win their Rd4 qualifier on 26th July it'll be Losers Munster v Winners Conn and Losers Conn v Winners Mun on 3rd Aug and the winners play each other on the 24th. So, if Kerry lost, it might look like... Qual: One of the best 2 from Wexford Laois Tipperary Longford Limerick Antrim Wicklow Sligo Qtr: Mayo Semi: Cork (again) or Galway Interesting post. So if Kerry lose and win one qualifier match they will be playing Mayo in the QF...cant see Mayo losing the Connacht final. The qualifier game would be at aneutral venue as far as i know. If Kerry win on Sunday its less certain who they would play in the QF as there is a fair chance that the losers of the Connacht final will lose their qualifier match especially if they meet Tyrone etc Anyway, they cant meet Donegal or Dublin till the final if kaywhy is correct. Sort of takes the edge off Sundays game for me. I remember in in the 70s and early 80s the Kerryman used to produce a special colour supplement for the Munster Final which was the QF of the All Ireland and the winner took it all. If Kerry and Cork win the QFs then they will meet again in the semifinal.... this system means that Kerry and Cork wont ever again meet in the All Ireland Final assuming that Kerry and Cork continue to meet in the Munster Final. Not great is it? Hard to beat a team twice in the same year too! Luckily we would only have to win one of those games, namely the second one!!
|
|
Jigz84
Fanatical Member
Posts: 2,017
|
Post by Jigz84 on Jul 2, 2014 9:19:49 GMT
It's an odd starting 15, Crowley dropped, Buckley straight in despite showing no form since the first half of last year's Munster Final, Murphy wing back, O'Brien at 10. It's important for Kerry to force Paddy Kelly back (if he's selected at 6) so I expect one of O'Brien, Declan or Geaney to start at centre forward. Otherwise he'd make hay of Sheehan.
|
|
|
Post by jackmurphy on Jul 2, 2014 9:40:41 GMT
23/24 players in Kerry capable of easily lifting SAM. That's not correct. No team will easily beat Dublin. You mind listing these players and also the management contenders? I agree we should be aiming for league titles and of course SAM, but it's hard to see those results from this panel despite encouraging progression. I think the panel of players you have though should make it clearer for me though. I think you should read the post again i said there was a panel that could be easily capable of winning Sam, Not a team that was capable of easily winning Sam Kerry have a core group of players IMO that are only second to Dublin and by no means the Dubs are unbeatable Experience Anyone who plays/watches football knows how vital experience is in a match. Aidan O Mahoney Marc Killian Maher Declan Darran Sheehan Star Donnacha All have played in huge games for Kerry,Donnacha should of been an All Star last year,Sheehan was contender for POTY the year before.There is massive talent within that bunch The new leadersFionn Buckley James O D Crowley Mark Griffin Lyne Moran Fionn & Crowley i have no doubt will be multiple All Star winners in there career,They both games play without fear and are very comfortable on the ball.Lyne and Griffin are both strong runners and big ball carriers Moran if he had a run without injury would be a match for most in the middle,Buckley is the enigma,The man has nothing physically wrong with him it's in the head.The management need to get him right,I seen him in Newbridge last year in a league game and he was a carbon copy of Jack O Shea.We need to tap into this guys potential New kids on the blockStephen O B Paul Geaney Paul Murphy Brian Kelly O Brien is as exciting a player i have seen in a long time,We should have no fear of Geaney not kicking on,While Murphy and Kelly have nailed down starting spots. This panel alone is very capable of making a September appearance this year,Anything less is failure on behalf of the management
I think that this management has shown that it's capable of producing a game plan to defeat Dublin - whether it has the players to do so this season remains to be seen. Dublin & Mayo look to be 1 & 2 and then you have Kerry, Cork, Donegal, Monaghan, Tyrone all at level 3 and maybe Roscommon Galway & Meath at level 4 and then the also-rans. Apart from Dublin & Mayo, Kerry & Cork are best positioned to make the final and Kerry's tradition and experience see them as the best bet. What you say is correct in theory but in practice - most of the experienced nine you've listed have concerns over fitnes and/or form and some are in their twilight years (career wise). If those nine were at the peak of their powers then Kerry would be my favourites for the AI but they're not.
|
|
kerryexile
Fanatical Member
Whether you believe that you can, or that you can't, you are right anyway.
Posts: 1,123
|
Post by kerryexile on Jul 2, 2014 9:56:04 GMT
The changes on the fullback line are needed to deal with the high ball. Murphy is great prospect and i am a big fan but he is small. Marc is not a natural full back. The line now is more solid but lacking speed.
Murphy's lack of height is less of a problem at half back and also his speed is needed there if we meet Dublin later. Generally the defence is as I'd expect but why isn't Crowley playing. It must be a (well kept) secret injury or discipline. As i've said before he is the only defender we have that can "man" the centre, also needed if we meet Dublin.
Buckley has to show that he has developed a bit of aggression which i don't believe he has.
Forwards are also as expected.
As regards Tomás last year - he was well past it and made it obvious to everyone by continuously trying the long distance scores which he could no longer get. This undermined his reputation to any young fellow he was marking - wasn't clever enough not to try. Don’t get me wrong - he was absolutely brilliant in his day.
|
|
|
Post by delorean on Jul 2, 2014 10:15:34 GMT
Interesting post. So if Kerry lose and win one qualifier match they will be playing Mayo in the QF...cant see Mayo losing the Connacht final. The qualifier game would be at aneutral venue as far as i know. If Kerry win on Sunday its less certain who they would play in the QF as there is a fair chance that the losers of the Connacht final will lose their qualifier match especially if they meet Tyrone etc
Anyway, they cant meet Donegal or Dublin till the final if kaywhy is correct. Sort of takes the edge off Sundays game for me. I remember in in the 70s and early 80s the Kerryman used to produce a special colour supplement for the Munster Final which was the QF of the All Ireland and the winner took it all. If Kerry and Cork win the QFs then they will meet again in the semifinal.... this system means that Kerry and Cork wont ever again meet in the All Ireland Final assuming that Kerry and Cork continue to meet in the Munster Final. Not great is it? Hard to beat a team twice in the same year too! I think the bit in bold is slightly inaacurate. Tyrone are in the B side of the qualifiers and therefore will be kept away from the Connacht runners up, as are Kildare, Down and potential Monaghan/Armagh. The A side is much weaker and I'd expect Galway to have a decent chance of beating any of the eight remaining (Limerick, Antrim, Tipp, Longford, Wicklow, Sligo, Wexford, Laois). Good point about Cork and Kerry not being able to meet in the AI under this format. Unseeding Munster would be the way to go I feel, and fairer all round anyway.
|
|
peig
Senior Member
Posts: 726
|
Post by peig on Jul 2, 2014 10:20:37 GMT
Crowley has to be injured - it's the only explanation for his exclusion. As regards Murphy's move to the wing, perhaps he's showing more promise in that position in training since the game v Clare (lest we forget he went up the field and scored a goal) and a different approach is required to temper Crowley's exclusion. I expect to see Crowley making an appearance, though. The most frustrating thing for me looking at this team is our consistent failure to find a constant and reliable full-back; it's an issue that has plagued us for years. Although O'Mahoney has been a warrior for us, I don't think he'll last the pace on Sunday. Also, while the forward lines have an amount of experience and cohesiveness as a unit, I think this is hugely lacking in our backs. I feel we have options, especially at midfield with Sheehan, and Moran and Donaghy called upon if needs must. Lest we forget that Cork didn't set the world on fire in their game v Tipp.
|
|
|
Post by Attacking Wing Back on Jul 2, 2014 10:36:01 GMT
Analyzing that team objectively you could say at least half a dozen or more of our players are off form. I dont believe in this cr*p that its a 'Munster Final'....'so and so always delivers against Cork'...'form goes out the window'.. Kelly
| Soild but a total novice at championship level | Enright | has been off form for nearly 2 years now but, granted he looked to have improved in the latter part of the league | Aidan O'Mahony | Can do a job at best. He isnt as mobile as he used to be and is really a bit part player at the minute. | Marc O' Sé | Looked off form last year and has carried that into this year. Has lost some of his pace as well. | Paul Murphy | Probably our most on form defender, still a novice as this level too. | Killian | Is a not a centre back, Is struggling for form after return from injures. | Fionn Fitz | Is playing well. | Buckley | was injured and out of form before that. | Maher | Totally out of sorts | O'Brien
| Looked very good and promising in the corner, dont have a clue what to expect from him on the wing | Sheehan | Looked very good against Clare when we needed him | D Walsh | Just back from injury and it showed big time against Clare. | James O'Donoghue | Back after a long lay off, form was great before that but will lack of game time have blunted his edge? | Declan | Has played no football apart form the Clare game where he looked extremely rusty. Not ideal for one of our leaders. | Geaney | Bang in form |
Looking at that list above. We have two corner backs that are off form. (Granted Enright might be on an upward curve) A center back that is only back from injury an searching for form. A wing back in his first Munster Final. Both Midfielders off form. One wing forward that is in his first Munster Final and hasn't played the position before. Anoth that is coming back from a long layoff. Our full forward line is deadly though is all on form and this might be just enough
|
|
|
Post by jackmurphy on Jul 2, 2014 11:02:28 GMT
Analyzing that team objectively you could say at least half a dozen or more of our players are off form. I dont believe in this cr*p that its a 'Munster Final'....'so and so always delivers against Cork'...'form goes out the window'.. Kelly
| Soild but a total novice at championship level | Enright | has been off form for nearly 2 years now but, granted he looked to have improved in the latter part of the league | Aidan O'Mahony | Can do a job at best. He isnt as mobile as he used to be and is really a bit part player at the minute. | Marc O' Sé | Looked off form last year and has carried that into this year. Has lost some of his pace as well. | Paul Murphy | Probably our most on form defender, still a novice as this level too. | Killian | Is a not a centre back, Is struggling for form after return from injures. | Fionn Fitz | Is playing well. | Buckley | was injured and out of form before that. | Maher | Totally out of sorts | O'Brien
| Looked very good and promising in the corner, dont have a clue what to expect from him on the wing | Sheehan | Looked very good against Clare when we needed him | D Walsh | Just back from injury and it showed big time against Clare. | James O'Donoghue | Back after a long lay off, form was great before that but will lack of game time have blunted his edge? | Declan | Has played no football apart form the Clare game where he looked extremely rusty. Not ideal for one of our leaders. | Geaney | Bang in form |
Looking at that list above. We have two corner backs that are off form. (Granted Enright might be on an upward curve) A center back that is only back from injury an searching for form. A wing back in his first Munster Final. Both Midfielders off form. One wing forward that is in his first Munster Final and hasn't played the position before. Anoth that is coming back from a long layoff. Our full forward line is deadly though is all on form and this might be just enough Hard to argue with any of that AWB. Cork have the poorest MF of any potential challengers and Kerry will dominate the 1st half at MF IMO. That's what happened in the last 2 home c/ship games (2011 & 2013) In both of these, the forwards racked up the scores to win by HT. Alan O Connor dominated both 2nd halves and Cork fought back. Kerry got the edge in the 1st half in PUC in 2012 but on this occasion at least 3 good goal chances were spurned. Gooch had claims for a penalty too. Cork powered on to win easily in the last quarter. Maher and Buckley will fade again and Cork should gain control at MF in the 2nd half - Kerry will need a 5 point lead by HT IMO. Cork's defence looks very unsettled and Kerry's forwards are well capable of posting a good score by HT - If it's close at HT, I'd see Cork winning it again in the final quarter.
|
|
kot
Fanatical Member
Posts: 1,127
|
Post by kot on Jul 2, 2014 11:05:53 GMT
Jack Sherwood has certainly slipped down the pecking order. I dont know what to make of Aidan O Mahoney at Full Back or Crowley droppe, or Buckley at midfield. Please Jesus let it all work out. Sherwood is injured. Crowley, from what I have been lead to believe, shockingly is not. If he is not, then how on earth is not starting!!?
|
|
peig
Senior Member
Posts: 726
|
Post by peig on Jul 2, 2014 11:11:39 GMT
Jack Sherwood has certainly slipped down the pecking order. I dont know what to make of Aidan O Mahoney at Full Back or Crowley droppe, or Buckley at midfield. Please Jesus let it all work out. Sherwood is injured. Crowley, from what I have been lead to believe, shockingly is not. If he is not, then how on earth is not starting!!? Jayzus...
|
|
|
Post by Ballyfireside on Jul 2, 2014 11:38:46 GMT
AWB's analysis is very honest if negative and maybe the nerves are playing up a bit on all of us as we have one of our big games of the year; our pride is at stake too of course and nobody wants to be listening to their neighbours slagging them off for the next twelve months either. Eg D Walsh - Just back from injury and it showed big time against Clare. But it is now v Cork and Donnacha will have moved on again so Clare game is not so relevant, well not as relevant as what Fitzie & Co have seen in training since then. Remember what Tomás said in his column recently - if we are to criticize then at least get it right.
I think we over estimate ourselves and think we can predict how lads will play and who will win, who will be up at half time, etc, etc. I have often engaged like this myself but is it so foolish and of no assistance whatsoever. Maybe we can lead the way here as other counties' Pro Boards probably make the same mistake. When you think about it we are mad to be coming out with such statements and we not even seen them training. Fitzie has been bold and so what I might read from that is that competition is stiff and as much as I like Darren, if there is a better option on this occasion then you won't hear Darren complaining, he will be trying to regain his place. I am amazed that Aidan is still up to it but I am not thinking it is a bad decision; who am I who hasn't seen them in the flesh, let alone my lack of expertise, etc, etc. Brian Sheehan and Maher were the two worst MF pair at one stage, only to come out in the next game and win the match for us by eliminating their markers and making it 15 v 13 while only opening the direct route through mid field to one way traffic on then day.
Maybe we should be helping with ideas of how to crack the opposition when theirs election is made. Now there's a novel concept!
Slan go foill a chairde Chiarrai
|
|
|
Post by misteallaigh abú on Jul 2, 2014 11:49:11 GMT
An interesting team selection and it's obvious that the management team have tried to address the problem areas from 2 weeks ago. Buckley will give his all for 50 or so minutes and himself and Maher lorded it against cork last year in Killarney for enough of the game to drive us on to victory. However, circumstances have changed somewhat. Maher has been out of form and Buckley is on the comeback so it remains to be seen how effective they will be. Aidan and Marc aren't getting any younger, I assume Aidan won't be picking up Hurley? If cork play a 2 man full forward line both of our most experienced and decorated defenders could be in for a torrid time. The more I look at the defence the more I can't see us winning this game. Number 6 has been a huge issue for kerry and nobody has really effectively marshalled the centre back position since Eoin Brosnan in 2011. Killian is not a number 6. Also, I wonder about Enright ahead of Crowley? Surely Murphy in the corner and Crowley on the wing would make more sense? Maybe they are picking the defence in order to get the match ups right and they certainly know more that I do! Our forward line, operating at it's optimum has the ability to cut loose. I am praying that Paul Geaney really kicks on after his fine performance in Ennis. It would be great to see him blossom this summer. Declan has to show a good bit more next Sunday, a seriously talented footballer who has tended to become more and more peripheral in recent years. We need a big game from Declan and a huge work rate from Sheehan to make our forward line really hum. We will get what we expect from Donncha, lots of hard work and honest endeavour. As for Jameso, he will wreak havoc given the right kind of ball. It's obvious that Eamon and co have given the selection a lot of thought. Hopefully the changes made allied to the influential subs bench of Crowley, Star, Darran, Moran etc can swing it. I want to believe we can do it but the frailties in our defence are there for all to see. A good loss, if there is such a thing, wouldn't be so bad as an extra game would do us good heading for Croke Park. There is always a great buzz around Munster football final day, looking forward to it immensely.
|
|
|
Post by jackmurphy on Jul 2, 2014 11:52:04 GMT
AWB's analysis is very honest if negative Eg D Walsh - Just back from injury and it showed big time against Clare. But it is now v Cork and Donnacha will have moved on again so Clare game is not so relevant, well not as relevant as what Fitzie sees in training. Remember what Tomás said in his column recently, if we are to criticize then at least get it right. I think we over estimate ourselves and think we can predict how lads will play and who will win, and who will be up at half time. I have often engaged like this myself but is it so foolish and of no assistance whatsoever. Maybe we can lead the way here as other counties' Pro Boards probably make the same mistake. When you think about it we are mad to be coming out with such statements and we not even seen them training. Maybe we should be helping with ideas of how to crack the opposition when theirs election is made. Now there's a novel concept! Slan go foill a chairde Chiarrai With closed doors training and challenges - people have very little to go on. Most appreciate that it's foolish to read too much into the 1st c/ship outings in games where Cork and Kerry were on a hiding to nothing. This clash is further complicated by the injuries and form of some players. Cork's preparation has been affected by the dual thing - Walsh, Cahalane and Cadogan have done very little training and IC playing in the last 10 weeks. Obviously, you can't be sure that this game will develop along similar patterns to recent fixtures but with little else to go on, then it's not unreasonable. That's the nature of these discussions forums - supporters look at everything, seeking indicators. We're wrong more ofter than right, but we'll keep trying.
|
|
|
Post by greengold35 on Jul 2, 2014 12:19:12 GMT
I am a big fan of Crowley's but he seems off form at the moment- he was quiet against Clare but was poor apparently last week in the A vs B game which lead to him being dropped- no doubt he will play a part on Sunday- form is temporary, class is permanent.
|
|
|
Post by ardfertnarrie on Jul 2, 2014 14:19:58 GMT
Can't believe Crowley has been dropped. The man is a horse and we will need all the strenght and speed we can use on Sunday.
Only explanation is that he has a slight knock or was taken to the cleaners at a training match in the last week.
No surprise to see Buckley in there. Not too many other options which is a big worry. Maher needs a big game on Sunday if he is to restore any sort of pride. He hasn't had a good game in a while.
Happy with the forwards.
|
|
|
Post by haryegsnbaken on Jul 2, 2014 14:37:31 GMT
Buckley is the enigma,The man has nothing physically wrong with him it's in the head.The management need to get him right,I seen him in Newbridge last year in a league game and he was a carbon copy of Jack O Shea.We need to tap into this guys potential
Yes I do believe Buckley certainly has it also. He was by far our best MF operator up to the semi final last year. Unfortunately for the poor fella the occasion got to him. I think if the line had taken action earlier then things just might have been different. His mind was frazzled and the free he took was just the crown topper of the nightmare he had. Injuries have not helped his cause this year either so I think we need to give this lad a bit of time.
|
|
|
Post by kerrygold on Jul 2, 2014 15:00:17 GMT
Looking at the newly structured back door set up now, Kerry's season boils down to beating Cork and Mayo, in no particular order, during the August window to get a tilt at the Dubs in September. Only one from Dublin, Meath, Donegal, Monaghan/Armagh, kildare/Down and Tyrone can make it to the final, most likely to be be Dublin.
If Kerry beat Cork on Sunday, Mayo might take out Cork in the quarter final, meaning Kerry's season boils down to beating Cork in July and maybe Mayo in August to get a tilt at the Dubs. Kerry losing on Sunday means they will have to beat both Mayo and Cork in August. This alone should add real bite to the Munster Final with both teams wanting it as a matter of priority in a must win game. Early season weeding preventing weeds going to seed later on! I think the Kerry setup would have taken this road map last January.
It will be a tight affair on Sunday with little in the outcome, probably no more than a handful of points either way.
If Kerry come through their side of the draw I presume the place would go nuts if Tommy Walsh and the Gooch happened to be on the bench come the third Sunday in September. Everything to play for I would think, summer football has arrived as a new Kerry team sets out on the road.
|
|
|
Post by Annascaultilidie on Jul 2, 2014 15:07:22 GMT
If Kerry come through their side of the draw I presume the place would go nuts if Tommy Walsh and the Gooch happened to be on the bench come the third Sunday in September. Now that is something to dream about.
|
|
|
Post by townend on Jul 2, 2014 17:11:46 GMT
don't read to much into corks display in the semil final, tipp are a team on the way up the last few years more worried with kerrys poor display again clare who took them two games to beat waterford who were beaten last sunday by Carlow, Crowley not picked is a strange one, i think if Cork play two man fullforward line we are in trouble Hurley and Colm O'Neill will go to town on Marc and O'Mahomy in kerry's fullback line, Maher is out of form this two years, i wouldn't worry about Corks duel players as they have been hurling the last few weeks and Walsh done well after coming on again tipp, and they will be mad fit playing both codes.
its hard to see kerry winning this with it been in the park as well, i think a few on this kerry team have alot of miles on them. plus the best forward in the country missing in Cooper, heart says kerry team that is picked says cork.
|
|
|
Post by aranteorainn on Jul 2, 2014 19:09:36 GMT
|
|
|
Post by jackmurphy on Jul 2, 2014 20:10:27 GMT
Cork will line out pretty much as expected. Colm O Neill didn't start v Tipp so it's not a huge surprise that he's not starting on Sunday - he'll probably see game time. It looks a very strong side with a decent bench. Looking at the 2 sides - there's very little between them - Cork are probably justified as favourites due to home advantage and Kerry's injuries.
|
|
fitz
Fanatical Member
Red sky at night get off my land
Posts: 1,719
|
Post by fitz on Jul 2, 2014 20:18:28 GMT
Hi Fitzwop, I disagree with you with regard to Marc, I believe he is there on his reputation and not on his performances at present. Yes he has great experience but Tomas had great experience last year and he galloped up the field thinking he was 26 years old. He left us severely exposed at the back as he couldn't get back and his man-Diarmuid Connelly subsequently got MOM. That was happening all season yet Fitzmaurice never dealt with the situation because it was Tomas. I think that the same might happen this year if he does not make the correct calls. I am as big a fan of the o se's as anyone else but time moves on and we must realise that playing fellas on reputations is a pitfall. Just look at Spain in the WC. It's a fair point, with Connolly motm. I don't think Marc will roam as much, reasonable point too on the reputation angle, I still think he has value in the tank. Let's see.
|
|
fitz
Fanatical Member
Red sky at night get off my land
Posts: 1,719
|
Post by fitz on Jul 2, 2014 20:32:43 GMT
I'd be most hopeful for a strong second half. We've got used to blitzing and hanging on. None of the guys on either team should be fading out during 70 mins unless the temperature and humidity is Everestlike. Johnny Buck is 25, ffs he can last more than 50 mins. They're trained and 'nutritioned' to a tee. All the questioned selections are part of a deliberate plan, we just can't work it out. Suffice to say everyone picked is going well at training. Agreed? One caveat, is the hope that Fionn and Killi Gonzalez is an order issue on the timesheet and that Fionn will be centre back. Spit in the paw time, rub em together and throw her up ta fcuk
|
|
|
Post by taggert on Jul 2, 2014 21:45:37 GMT
Boots you mention allowing Young "work his way back". Kerry have been doing that for 5 years as far as I can see. His championship displays since 2009 have been consistently below par putting it mildly. Very lucky to be at 6 and he is someone whose reputation grows every time he DOESN'T play.
|
|
boots
Full Member
Posts: 149
|
Post by boots on Jul 2, 2014 21:58:14 GMT
Boots you mention allowing Young "work his way back". Kerry have been doing that for 5 years as far as I can see. His championship displays since 2009 have been consistently below par putting it mildly. Very lucky to be at 6 and he is someone whose reputation grows every time he DOESN'T play. Agree 100%. As I said, our half back line is by far our weakest line.
|
|
|
Post by Mickmack on Jul 2, 2014 22:11:11 GMT
Eoin Cadogan, Damien Cahalane and Aidan Walsh have returned to the Cork team to play Kerry in the Munster SFC final.
Cork boss Brian Cuthbert has also made a number of positional changes for the game at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday.
Thomas Clancy will start at centre-back, with John O'Rourke and Patrick Kelly moving to the wing-forward positions.
Cork: K O'Halloran; M Shields, E Cadogan, N Galvin; J Loughrey, T Clancy, D Cahalane; A Walsh, F Goold; P Kelly, P Kerrigan, J O'Rourke; D Goulding, B Hurley, B O'Driscoll.
Kerry manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice made four changes to the team that beat Clare in the semi-final.
Aidan O'Mahony, Johnny Buckley, Donnchadh Walsh and James O'Donoghue are set to start.
Peter Crowley, David Moran, Darran O'Sullivan and Michael Geaney drop to the bench.
Kerry: B Kelly; M Ó Sé, A O'Mahony, S Enright; P Murphy, K Young, F Fitzgerald (Capt); A Maher, J Buckley; S O'Brien, B Sheehan, D Walsh; P Geaney, Declan O'Sullivan, J O'Donoghue
|
|
G_S_J
Senior Member
With greatness already assured, history now awaits.
Posts: 647
|
Post by G_S_J on Jul 3, 2014 14:18:49 GMT
Five Reasons We Hate Going To Cork For ‘The Big One’ traleetoday.ie/five-reasons-hate-going-cork-matches/SO Kerry are to play their last game at the old Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday. Ah, the battles over the years, the stamina needed, the ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and the elation of success…and that’s just the emotions felt by Kerry supporters when they finally get to the ground! Yes, it’s safe to say that no Kerry fan likes going to the old Páirc for games against the old enemy. Cork city we like, but that walk and the charmless, Communist-era concrete block of a stadium, puts more dread into the hearts of Kerry fans than any Rebel full-forward line over the years. Dermot Crean picks his pet hates about going to Cork for the big matches… 1. The Drive. I know it’s only 80 miles (well, 160 round trip), but there’s the bendy road between Ballyvourney and Macroom, where you’ll then be stuck in traffic for an age, before going on to find parking in the city. You’re then met by ‘Smug Bastard Kerry Fan™’ outside The Imperial who chastises you for taking said route: “Whatcha go that way for? I left Tralee at half four this morning, went through Nadd and was eating breakfast in Cork by five.” Idiot. 2. The Walk. Let’s face it, we all park up somewhere around the city centre and make our way along the quays, until we reach the long road that eventually…eventually, leads to the stadium. Even Cork fans will admit to hating it. You’ll need supplies for the trek of course – water, sandwiches, sleeping bag, tent, satellite phone, flares… 3. When it rains. Anyone out there remember 1999? I’m surprised there wasn’t anyone drowned! It was, without doubt, the most miserable day ever for Kerry fans in a jam-packed Pairc Ui Chaoimh (and yes I’m including 1990!). Kerry were crap, Maurice Fitz was blackguarded and a determined Cork went on a second half rampage to win 2-10 to 2-4. I think I got Trenchfoot that day. (Notable exception: 1996 when even the monsoon rain towards the end of the match couldn’t dampen Kerry’s first Munster final win in Cork since 1985.) 4. When we lose. Ugh! Despite the Cork wit being sharper than Suarez’s molars, walking back to the car isn’t a barrel of laughs for Kerry folk who’ve just seen their team beaten. After you’ve run the gauntlet of taunts on the way to your car, you still have to go endure the static traffic in Macroom where there’s always a welcoming middle finger and a jeer from the ‘comedians’ celebrating outside the pubs. Spare a thought and a prayer for those Kerry people living along the border during those difficult times. 5. It’s just not Killarney. The stadium is almost in the town. There’s always a great atmosphere. Cork people outnumber us there anyway. It’s closer and easier for many of them to get there. I could go on… Why can’t we just play the match there every year? Why, God Why?!
|
|
|
Post by misteallaigh abú on Jul 3, 2014 14:26:59 GMT
The Walk is bad enough but for anyone unfortunate enough to have to use the toilets in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, well that's just about the worst of the lot. It reminds me of the " worst toilet in Scotland" part in the film Trainspotting.
|
|
|
Post by delorean on Jul 3, 2014 15:01:10 GMT
The walk is grand really, just spoilt in the likes of Killarney and Thurles. Most major stadia across reasonable sized cities would require various forms of public transport. For it to be walkable at all is handy out. From my experience, Croke Park and even Lansdowne Road, to a lesser extent, are in the minority. The poor facilities and lack of comfort within the stands are indefensible though!
As for the biennial soaking Leeside... the torrent at half time in 2008 was savage, but nothing compared to the constant stream in Killarney 2002, in the aftermath of the Ireland Spain penalty shoot-out! The worst I've ever experienced was the monsoon for Kerry Galway in Dublin though. Rain forecast for this weekend also.
Can't beat Killarney for the atmosphere to be fair... who knows, might be back there Saturday week?!
|
|
|
Post by Mickmack on Jul 3, 2014 18:29:57 GMT
So tis most likely a game to decide who gets to play Galway in the QFs rather than Mayo. The winners on Sunday will make the semi final handily enough.
Mayo are on the road a while now and are beatable in 2014 I feel. Cork wont fancy playing Kerry in a semi final and the Cork hurlers are likely to be progressing to the hurling final round that time so the dual players will be flat out.
Colms recovery aint goin well according to my very reliable source so chances of him donning the jersey in 2014 are nil apparently. Hopefully he will play for Kerry again.
|
|