IT IS becoming increasingly clear that Kieran Donaghy (thank God his parents moved from Tyrone) is the most influential player of his generation. Without him, there is no way on earth Kerry would have won two in a row. With him, they look set to win three and possibly more.
In 2006 he resurrected them single-handedly. His goal against Armagh punctured the cult of Francie and spurred them to victory in a game they seemed destined to lose.
In 2007, he continued to wreak havoc in the opposition square, capping his seaso
n with 2-2 in the final. The fact he didn’t get an All-Star underlines just how good he is. The extraordinary standards he has created for himself cannot be reached by mortals.
Monaghan played brilliantly and earned the opportunity that would probably have won them the game. When young Hanratty shrugged off his man and drove in on goal with grim intent, that was the moment. As he hit the ‘14,’ he had two choices. Either weigh-up the positions of the goalie and covering defenders, pick his spot and slot the goal or draw them in, then offload the handpass for a simple finish.
Alas, composure isn’t part of Kieran’s repertoire and he did neither, blasting the ball emotionally. On Sunday night in Puff Daddy’s living room, RTE’s computer graphics suggested the pass was the better option, but for me both options were on.
Compare and contrast that with the very similar situation Eoin Brosnan found himself in a few moments later. Careering through the Monaghan defence, he coolly analysed what lay ahead, sucked in the defenders and laid it to Star (thank God his parents left Tyrone), who calmly and unemotionally picked his spot.
Titanic struggles are decided by tiny distinctions. Afterwards, a shattered but somehow heroic Seamus McEnaney (what a job he has done), hit the nail on the head. He said they had no trouble marking Colm Cooper, who in two games against them has managed a single point from play, but there was nothing anyone can do about Star.
The young God scored 1-2 and set up another three points, in spite of the most intense, aggressive marking imaginable. The difference between Kerry and other counties is surely summed up in the fact that Tommy Walsh, on his debut, played astonishingly, scoring two points and setting up a further three.
How can these two be contained? Art McRory’s brilliant description of Frank McGuigan, that it “wasn’t possible to give him a bad ball” applies to both.
Galway may brace themselves.
Anti-Football Revolution!
What of Fermanagh, the leaders of the Anti-Football revolution? Donie O’Sullivan, an All-Ireland winner with Kerry, was in Clones for the drawn Ulster Final and was asked afterwards by someone in the crowd, who did he fancy in the replay?
“Not those f . . . ing basketballers” was his response.
Donie was simply echoing the sentiments of most people and although this has been a highly successful year for Fermanagh, no one outside of the county is sorry to see the back of them.
It is no secret that I have long admired Malachy’s managerial abilities.
The full article contains 545 words and appears in Journal Friday newspaper.
