Kerry v Dublin All-Ireland Final 1/9/2019

[onlykerry]

3 great performances against the five time champions this year - held our own in practically all aspects of the games and on home turf we beat them.
Croke Park will always be home turf for Dublin and that will always be worth a few points. Three draws in their five winning campaigns takes some of the gloss off the Dublin heroics and I'm convinced home advantage helped a great squad get the five. Remember we have a ridiculous 25 year unbeaten run at home in the championship - God help us if Dublin ever match that!!!!
Agree with previous posters that we should not focus on 3/4 scorers and all should be confident and capable of taking scores - up our scoring rate and we will get there. We really are within touching distance and it's in our own gift to win regardless of who leaves or is added to the Dublin squad.

[barrystea29]

Sept 16, 2019 9:19:58 GMT onlykerry said:

3 great performances against the five time champions this year - held our own in practically all aspects of the games and on home turf we beat them.
Croke Park will always be home turf for Dublin and that will always be worth a few points. Three draws in their five winning campaigns takes some of the gloss off the Dublin heroics and I'm convinced home advantage helped a great squad get the five. Remember we have a ridiculous 25 year unbeaten run at home in the championship - God help us if Dublin ever match that!!!!
Agree with previous posters that we should not focus on 3/4 scorers and all should be confident and capable of taking scores - up our scoring rate and we will get there. We really are within touching distance and it's in our own gift to win regardless of who leaves or is added to the Dublin squad.

[barrystea29]

100 % correct, my English football friends could not believe they get to play on their home ground, massive advantage

[exiled]

It was obvious on Saturday that Dublin were fitter and stronger than us in the second half. I would love to know how many training sessions they had this year compared to Kerry. Their team work was more professional than ours and im sure it's difficult for Peter Keane to get the whole group together more than twice a week on average.

[bedlamite]

The Kerry team was very well coached this year, well prepared, but to beat Dublin they needed all this and a ''little bit more'' to beat Dublin and as events unfolded, this ''little bit more'', be it luck, the bounce of the ball, a few lucky shots going over, or a scrappy goal being scored never came their way. Dublin going to 14 men in the first game, might have be that ''little bit more'', but still it was not enough, and being up 1 point at 72mins played , Dublin's ravenous desire for the Ball and their fitness to execute was something to behold.

Kerry's tactic of not pressing Dublin's kick out in the replay was to avoid the preordained moves Dublin have in their locker when pressed to go long, from which we conceded a lot of scores in the first game. However, psychologically it was giving Dublin the advantage I think, and negated the spontaneity from the game, which a team with better skills would have exploited, and I feel Kerry have individually better skills than Dublin. I think Gavin's decision to start the second half with Connolly was in recognition that it was looking bad for them at half time, the 'process' of controlled football had given them a good start but Kerry had reeled them in. They needed something else that is unmarkable. Connolly gave a Kick pass to Kilkenny that sublime and opened us up, but as it turned out, Murchan's goal in the first 10 seconds of the second period put Dublin back in the driving seat, and back to the 'process', with Connolly playing a more subdued role.
I have read calls from other posters that say that we should mimic Dublin in only ensuring we shoot from close range or with designated shooters. Dublin have developed this brand of football to suit their own players. Kerry have better kickers, but on Saturday, and to a degree on the first day, we missed too much. I have not seen the replays, but from memory O Sullivan, Geaney, Clifford, O Connor, Moran, Spillane missed very kickable scores in the second half, which would have changed the complexion of the game even if only half of them went over. Cluxton's save from O Brien, and our other less convincing goal opportunities, if they had gone our way, again would put us in with a shout, but only a shout.
Fitness was also a place where we lost it. As on the first day, Dublin finished stronger. I was looking at some of our lads and they were knackered as the clock went into the 65th minute. The stamina built up in Dublin is not something Kerry can replicate or develop in one year with these players, but they will need to recognise that this is what is required to win the All Ireland. Peter Keane knows they don't come in 'Lucky Bags''.
Therefore, in summary, we can get to the top if we look at 3 things. Firstly force other teams to play long, and use their skills, rather than letting them have the ball, ie get the game looser. Secondly Improve our efficiency in front of goals, with points and goals, and finally fitness. For heart and attitude, which fuels our intensity, we have that in spades.
The GAA do need to look at ways of encouraging other counties to stay competitive. Kerry are powered by Tradition, Mayo by their fans, and Cork are resurging again due to their 'Corkness'', but where are the bolters like Kildare, Laois, Meath, Armagh. Players and fans in these counties need some recognition to get them to invest in the monumental effort that is required to compete with Dublin and not face drubbings after drubbings. A two horse raise has little or no appeal and is not good for football. The only other hope is that Dublin's dominance is built on say Cluxton's craft and the athleticism of this current bunch, which will fade to give the chasing pack,( many of which have given up chasing) something to hold onto.

[royalkerryfan]

Sept 16, 2019 9:30:50 GMT exiled said:

It was obvious on Saturday that Dublin were fitter and stronger than us in the second half. I would love to know how many training sessions they had this year compared to Kerry. Their team work was more professional than ours and im sure it's difficult for Peter Keane to get the whole group together more than twice a week on average.

To be fair Dublin have years of senior conditioning compared to our lads who have nothing like that built up.

[veteran]

Well the dust is starting to settle , the pain is beginning to ease and the depression is lifting a little.

At the outset, let me sincerely congratulate Dublin, worthy champions. They always looked that better team on Saturday. The goal was a killer blow for us. There is no doubt it should have been called back for over carrying and there was also a hint of Sean O'Shea being subtly prevented from trying to get after Eoin Murchin, Dublin have this blocking off down to a fine art, but it would be churlish to dwell on that incident. We will never know for sure how matters would have panned out if that goal was disallowed but the suspicion is, on the evidence over the two games, that Dublin would have prevailed in any case. They are that little bit ahead of us collectively, in game management with a deep reservoir of physical fitness levels accumulated over several years from playing at the top level. Appropriately, the spoils belong to them once more and may they go mad with the achievement of the five in a row!


At the start of the year only the deranged among the Kerry supporters, very likely I belong to that cohort, could have anticipated reaching both the NFL final and the All-Ireland final. But those crazy dreams became a reality and for that we can bow the head in homage at players and management alike. They gave us moments to cherish both from an individual and team standpoint. There were times of uncertainty and doubt but as the year progressed the team and management matured and developed and increasingly flourished. Now that the gestation period is over it is not unreasonable to optimistically predict great deeds in 2020, not unreasonable to suggest that the cup could be ours this time next year , something unthinkable this time last year. Truly remarkable progress in a short space of time for a novice management team at this level and their group of players, largely a collection of neophytes. I am endlessly excited at the prospect of Donie Buckley getting his hands on this panel of players for a full winter and spring. That thought is intoxicating for me at least although I suppose at my age it is easy to get intoxicated.

One of the gratifying aspects of match the last day was how we recovered completely to be level at half time. Equally, we valiantly recovered after the solar plexus blow of the goal in the second half. The second half recovery was always going to be more difficult. We were inevitably going to tire and Dublin , on the road for so long, were always going to outlast us. When Dublin were running riot in those opening minutes it looked for a while as if were going to be blown back out to Inchicore by the force of their tsunami. Kerry gritted their teeth and matched Dublin blow for blow in a terrific opening half. Davin Moran and Jack Barry resumed their drawn game exploits ,up front the likes of Paul Geaney and David Clifford were simply exhibiting what every Kerry follower knows they possess, 0-4 each from play , matching the riflemen at the other end.


Ever since I have seen Paul Geaney play for Dingle and UCC I have been mesmerized by his outrageous talent. Some people might be surprised to hear me say he is one of the greatest Kerry footballers I have seen. Catch , kick, dummy, work rate , leadership and attitude. The entire package. If you think he was quiet in the drawn game , look again.


As mentioned , the early goal defined the second half and essentially decided the game. In spite of that, there was no white feather shown , no retreat. They expended every ounce of their market value but were ultimately overwhelmed by a superior force. Game, set and match to the Dubs.


Has any player on the team matured like Shane Ryan? Shaky and unsure at the beginning of the year, development has been steady and on Saturday he was immaculate. Tadgh and Tom O'Sullivan were stretched to breaking point but they were stretched by masterful footballers. Jason was totally assured on Saturday and another winter in the gym will propel him to being one of the best around which anybody who has witnessed him at underage would have anticipated. Brian O'Beaghlaigh is another player who established himself over the two games , blotting out Nial Scully on both occasions. Does anybody know why he got a yellow card?


I am not sure why David blindly punched that ball at the throw in but he has had a terrific year for us. For a man who has missed so much football, Jack Barry's contribution has been crucial and if he remains injury free he could have a huge year in 2020.


Stephen O'Brien did not score but if ever a statistic lied this is one. It is unlikely that anybody has worked so hard in a final without tangible reward. He toiled in every area of the field and he has been nothing short of sensational all year. His goal attempt was straight at Stephen with Paul lurking on the far post. Easy to spot that from my safe perch.


So, the final curtain sees Dublin on top once more. For how long more is the intriguing question. Donegal . Mayo, Galway, Tyrone, Kildare, Cork will look forward to 2020 with a degree of optimism. Then of course there is the spectre of the boys from the southwest. 2020 is a long distance away but anticipating what might be will shorten those long , dreary months. They will also be made more tolerable by reflecting on what transpired in 2019, ultimately heart breaking but hugely exhilarating as well. Pride restored and notions of grandeur renewed. Same as it always was.

Conor Lane refereed it fairly.

[greengold35]

Sept 16, 2019 10:42:13 GMT royalkerryfan said:

Sept 16, 2019 9:30:50 GMT exiled said:

It was obvious on Saturday that Dublin were fitter and stronger than us in the second half. I would love to know how many training sessions they had this year compared to Kerry. Their team work was more professional than ours and im sure it's difficult for Peter Keane to get the whole group together more than twice a week on average.

To be fair Dublin have years of senior conditioning compared to our lads who have nothing like that built up.

I think that this goes beyond S& C training - Dublin, apparently train regularly at high altitude levels similar to endurance athletes - this has the effect of improving performance & speeding up recovery times from injury - we all marvel at their levels of fitness & this maybe offers an explanation.

The financial backing they receive ensures this type of elite preparation can be availed of - see link below.


irishaltitudechambers.ie/sporting/

[Kingdomson]

Sept 16, 2019 11:05:30 GMT greengold35 said:

Sept 16, 2019 10:42:13 GMT royalkerryfan said:

To be fair Dublin have years of senior conditioning compared to our lads who have nothing like that built up.

I think that this goes beyond S& C training - Dublin, apparently train regularly at high altitude levels similar to endurance athletes - this has the effect of improving performance & speeding up recovery times from injury - we all marvel at their levels of fitness & this maybe offers an explanation.

The financial backing they receive ensures this type of elite preparation can be availed of - see link below.


irishaltitudechambers.ie/sporting/

We can make use of Carrauntoohil for free!

[jackiel]

I have nothing to add that hasn't already been said , really enjoyed this year and the progress made.See you on the road in 2020.

[trevor73]

This made me laugh
Theres truth in it too !

[colinsworth1]

Guys
High altitude, high finance ,high population
Just kick the ball over the bar please .

[augustafield]

Losing 2 National Finals this year , the All Ireland after a replay , to
the greatest team of this generation , is no mean feat and no disgrace .
The disappointment at Saturday’s result is made all the more acute
because of the surprise we caused notwithstanding the pundits
forebodings , in rattling the Dubs cage the first day , which gave us
great hope for the replay , bud sadly if you poke the bear you must make
sure he won’t return . The Dubs did , with a vengeance , and hats off to them
for their deserved triumph . To the victors go the spoils and 5 in a row is a
fantastic achievement and no doubt beating Kerry in the process adds a grim
satisfaction .

It must be accepted that our team put up sterling performances not only in
both matches but throughout the entire season of League and Championship.
Without exception they have honored the green and gold with
great pride and passion and by doing so they have respected all the players
who came before them . They will be most disappointed of all but they have
no need to be - they left all out on the pitch in Croke Park and played to the
long whistle . They deserve our thanks and respect as do PK and his Management
team for their endeavours throughout the year . And they have given us enthusiasm
and much anticipation for the year 2020.

Dublin are some team and to beat them one must aspire to be as good as them.
I have no doubt our men will reach their level . It will take tough hard work but we
have made a good start - and that is half the battle.

[ciarrai78]

Almost forty eight hours later and my thoughts are still consumed by the game. In order to take my mind off the defeat, I’ve been reflecting on the year and stating the obvious, the positives far outweigh the negatives. Some random thoughts below:

To begin, I have to say that this team have given us great enjoyment through the year. I think it’s fair to say that reaching the two national finals probably exceeded most of our expectations. The family and I have had season tickets since the scheme began about ten years or so. During that time, my son has become a man and he now works and lives abroad and doesn’t make it to all of the games, but still plans his weekends at home around Kerry fixtures. This year “his” seat in the car has more often than not been occupied by his mother or sister and as a family we have travelled the country following the green and gold. On the way home from Dublin on Sunday, we all agreed that this year’s journey with a young team has been tremendously enjoyable and almost on a par with 2009. However unlike 2009, this team is at the beginning of their journey and they are only getting started. Their best days are ahead.

We have an astute management team who are very good tactically. They have introduced a lot of new blood into the panel and their calculated risk taking has borne fruit. They deserve our gratitude for their excellent work. I have heard and read some people (a minority it must be said) criticising and questioning some of the side-line decisions on Saturday evening. My thoughts on this are twofold. Firstly, if you’ve never been responsible yourself for picking a team, dropping players and making substitutions under pressure you are in no position to criticise any decision or lack thereof. Secondly, it must always be remembered that our management team are volunteers who invest their time, energy and soul for Kerry football and because of this, all they deserve in my opinion, is our thanks and our encouragement to keep going.

We have a number of exciting prospects that didn’t make the twenty six on Saturday evening who given time will improve our team. I’m talking of the likes of Graham O’Sullivan, Gavan O’Brien, and Tomás O’Se. Undoubtedly, a few more players will put their hands up during the county championship. I’m already looking forward to the National League when the process of “blooding” new players will resume.

Our seasoned veterans still have a lot to offer and will continue to play a vital role in developing our younger players. In particular Shane Enright, Peter Crowley, Stephen O’Brien, Paul Geaney and Dave Moran. Incidentally, I thought the management made great use of Shane Enright utilising him when they needed his “steel”. Like Tommy Walsh, if he is managed correctly, he has a few more years at inter county level being utilised on a “horses for courses” basis.

My final thought, is on the captaincy which is an old bug bear of many. There has been a lot written on this forum on the outdated system of allowing the county champions to nominate the captain. Like many, I believe this system should be scrapped but if not, given my local divisional side haven’t a snowballs chance in hell, I hope that Kerins O’Rahillys (a club that I have no affiliation with) win the county championship so that Dave Moran, a man who leads by example, gets a long overdue opportunity to captain Kerry.

[Billy]

A disappointing end to a very good year. I think the good things that happened in the first game -the aggressive press, the Walsh and Spillane performances and the attacking set up were not built upon. We generally sat back off dublin letting them dictate the terms -proven not to work, they will break you down with patience. D o connor a young man of 20 was thrown in with not much big game experience behind him. Walsh or Spillane didnt start. We leathered i think 5 balls in from central enough positions way out the field in first 10 a/ the lads inside had v little chance of winning them b/ walsh would have had a better chance if starting. We had to work our backsides off to get in at ht even. We got in level with mccaffrey sure to be gone. Bring on walsh or spillane or both.
Didnt happen. The goal i dont know why moran didnt field it -guaranteed easy posession rather than a risky palm down. Murchan was left run through then. People were that worried about their own man marking no one used the head to come across. We worked our way back to 1 behind.45 gone. Cue the crucial moment of the game. We steal cluxton kick out and are inside their half with men free. Rather than a quick lay off d o connor gets shunted off the ball fairly by connolly. Ball in from him,point, 2 down. We had momentum at 1 down and the ball in their half twas a heartbreaker after working so hard. Generally in last 20 our decision making was poor. Execution too. We had 9 missed chances from 43rd minute. We need to be cool in posession, we gave it away and kicked low percentage shots wide. The team and management are learning. Dublin wasted v little, just 4 wides. Twas a v good 1st year. I think we will win next year and take over soon. The gap is closing now. Some learnings but fair play to all of them for a great year. Ciarrai abú

[Ballyfireside]

Sept 16, 2019 13:15:34 GMT Kingdomson said:

Sept 16, 2019 11:05:30 GMT greengold35 said:

I think that this goes beyond S& C training - Dublin, apparently train regularly at high altitude levels similar to endurance athletes - this has the effect of improving performance & speeding up recovery times from injury - we all marvel at their levels of fitness & this maybe offers an explanation.

The financial backing they receive ensures this type of elite preparation can be availed of - see link below.


irishaltitudechambers.ie/sporting/

We can make use of Carrauntoohil for free!

Kenya won Olympics for same reason, one laddo didn't even know his age but he knew how to run.

[LodenVor]

Sept 15, 2019 20:19:16 GMT taggert said:

1. Dublin have perfected strategic fouling (i.e. non black/red card fouling) with the foul on Morley a red card in the soccer code, but a mere tick yesterday. Coupled with Murchan's over carrying, there was a 5-point swing (factoring in the tap over free).
...
5. Dublins use of screens and borderline 3rd man tackles (just stopping short by walking across or naking opponents check their runs) in creating the fraction of a second needed for their shooters to fire.

I think Dublin's goal actually involved a well-timed off-the-ball collision by Fenton on Murchan's marker to stop him catching the runner. Technically a black card offence, but not too many refs spot it and blow the whistle (even ones standing right in front of it when it was happening like Conor Lane was on Saturday ).

[royalkerryfan]

Looking back again, For all our worries about out FB line and keeper we kept Dublin to 1.17 in drawn game and 1.18 in the replay.
It was our forward play that didn't fire and if we look back over the summer we simply didn't score enough goals.
I hate to say this because David had a great great year and won't need to be told but two errors in both games were very costly.
Some real positives came but for me rh er biggest is we solved the keeper issue that we had since Murphy retired.

[fenit67]

We will not beat Dublin until the GAA stop financing them and allowing them to play at home as often as they do. Kerry need a better defence and the ability to score more goals will be key and without it no All-Irelands will be won.

[parishexile]

Having watched back Sunday Game and GAA 2019 (tg4) few telling moments
1 Basketball moves by Dublin 'pick', Johnny Cooper for 1st point, Brian Fenton for goal and McCarthy for a point....think both on Sean O Se
2 Get back to one point n 2nd half and win kick out but than a spillane loses it to Connolly down the field a point
3 Disaster that was goal...should have been caught and than steps
4 Bad shot selection and decision making close to goal in second half

All moments that had a bearing on the game and shows how combinations of experience and just plain auld luck can turn a game

[carthalawn]

Have to agree with earlier post on Dublin screens and lazy runners - incredibly effective in creating that extra yard of space or blind spot for a defender - was used to perfection on Saturday night. Annoyingly it is never picked up by referees or linesmen. All part of Dublin’s clinical playbook.

[beebee91]

Sept 16, 2019 19:19:23 GMT fenit67 said:

We will not beat Dublin until the GAA stop financing them and allowing them to play at home as often as they do. Kerry need a better defence and the ability to score more goals will be key and without it no All-Irelands will be won.

Genuine question- of the 37 all Ireland’s Kerry have won how many were won in Croke park??

[egbabroad]

The issue about the Dubs have the population and the financial resources has been running for decades and is the default excuse when they are on top. Then we it goes the other way, there are too many Culchies in the Capitol, too many other sports to contend with, etc. We should just forget about excuses and work on our game. We have the resources coming out of the minor 5 in a row, just need to get on a roll.

[ballhopper34]

Sept 16, 2019 19:51:29 GMT beebee91 said:

Sept 16, 2019 19:19:23 GMT fenit67 said:

We will not beat Dublin until the GAA stop financing them and allowing them to play at home as often as they do. Kerry need a better defence and the ability to score more goals will be key and without it no All-Irelands will be won.

Genuine question- of the 37 all Ireland’s Kerry have won how many were won in Croke park??

Kerry won 36 in Croke Park, the exception being the 1904 title which was won in Cork on 1 July 1906 on a scoreline of Kerry 0-5 Dublin 0-2.

Every final since 1908 has been in Jones' Road/Croke Park, with the notable exception of Cavan's 1947 victory over Kerry in New York, which ironically was the last final decided on 14 September before 2019.

[oldschool]

Sept 16, 2019 19:50:32 GMT carthalawn said:

Have to agree with earlier post on Dublin screens and lazy runners - incredibly effective in creating that extra yard of space or blind spot for a defender - was used to perfection on Saturday night. Annoyingly it is never picked up by referees or linesmen. All part of Dublin’s clinical playbook.

You are spot on Carthalawn

[pillar]

Just watched game again and taking the drawn game into account.How many Kerry players,especially defenders went down with cramp.Suppose we have to give our S and C dept the benefit of it only being year 1 of their program. But unusual to see lads cramping 10 minutes before time.

[fenit67]

beebee91 Kerry have won all except one in Croke Park. Kerry are not allowed to play all their championship games in Killarney as if they were the case then many would rightly speak of bias. Dublin are afforded this privelege and this means that they will never develop a large county ground. And why would when they can simply roll into Croke Park anytime they choose. Being able to play at home all the time puts the Dublin players at a huge advantage when it comes to preparation.

[sambo]

I am the only one that noticed every time Dublin scored Jason Sherlock ran straight on to the pitch towards the "d" to fill space and almost create a screen in front of Ryan's kick out.Maybe I'm putting two and two together and getting five but I would'nt put it past them. They engage in some cynical stuff.

[Ballyfireside]

Sept 16, 2019 18:57:26 GMT royalkerryfan said:

Looking back again, For all our worries about out FB line and keeper we kept Dublin to 1.17 in drawn game and 1.18 in the replay.
It was our forward play that didn't fire and if we look back over the summer we simply didn't score enough goals.
I hate to say this because David had a great great year and won't need to be told but two errors in both games were very costly.
Some real positives came but for me rh er biggest is we solved the keeper issue that we had since Murphy retired.

Did I see Foley being sent down to the forwards in the dying minutes? Contradiction with your comment re FB line - I wasn't there so can't call it, ah academic now. Interesting Foley's brother Michael/'Mitch' now talked of as getting a trial.

[peanuts]

I'd like to thank this Kerry team for all the pleasure we got from them this year. it was like they grew up in front of our eyes.
With that in mind I don't want to sound too critical but I think the Kerry lads will be a bit disappointed with their lack of composure in the 2nd half. I think we panicked a bit and took the wrong option a few times. O'Brien's goal shot was one, he should have either fisted it across for Geaney to palm into the net or else just fisted it over the bar himself. A goal here would've been huge as it would've brought us back level after the disaster of a start to the 2nd half. Instead the Dublin crowd and team got a huge lift from Cluxton's save and you could sense the momentum ebbing away from us. A few minutes later Geaney tried to work a goal when one wasn't on instead of again taking the point. A point there would have brought it back to 3. These were killer blows as were the 2 misses by Moran in the 2nd half. Now, even if we scored all these we might still not have won but it would have kept us in it going down the stretch.
Hopefully we'll get a chance to put it right next year.