BRINGING HOME THE SAM MAGUIRE WEESHIE FOGARTY REMEMBERS 1969 Twenty one player on this great Kerry team experiencing Earlier that evening, the crowd at Rathmore detonators on a once in a lifetime journey through Kerry Railway station applauded their own local the rail line football history. hero Den Joe Crowley, the first Rathmore man exploded in The station platform was a sea of laughing, to win an All Senior medal. The late joyous welcome joyous faces as the players alighted from the Father Kelly, uncle to former GAA president as we eased into train. The supporters surged forward to raise Sean Kelly, made a passionate and emotional my home town of Jackie Lyne and Johnny Culloty high on their speech. after the shoulders and then we were on board Galvin’s The following day we visited the schools All Ireland Final lorry to begin the familiar journey through the around Killarney, showing off the Sam in 1969. My mind packed streets of Killarney. Bon fires blazed at Maguire to the excited, awe struck youngsters. WEESHIE FOGARTY. wandered back various places and the atmosphere was the As we entered the Monastery School my to my childhood most amazing I have ever experienced. It was mind wandered back to a day in 1955 when days of the fifties and sixties. I had memories a moving and unforgettable experience to Tadghie Lyne, the legendary Kerry forward, of 1953, ’55, ’59 and 1962 when I was part look down at the happy faces of the cheering and Johnny Culloty had visited us in that very of that milling crowd on the platform to Kerry supporters. Youngsters sitting on the same school. Now the wheel had turned full welcome home the victorious captains aboard shoulders of their parents, the Killarney Brass circle and I was delighted to be part of the the old steam trains. Legendary names and and Reed Band leading the way down College group. Now I was part of the handing down magnificent captains like John Dowling, Mick St, Henn St. (now Plunkett St), Main St. High of the Kerry tradition. O’ Connell and Sean Og Sheehy together with St. and eventually after around two hours or all their team mates. And now here I was as a so arriving outside the Park Place Hotel. LIAM BROSNAN REFLECTS Kerry O’Shea speaks to former Kerry player Liam Brosnan who was a star of the 1994 All-Ireland Minor winning side

When Kerry last good side in 1993 but were narrowly beaten to win but that didn’t inhibit us.” lifted the Tom by Cork in . They scored two sensational Liam remembers the build-up to the big Markham Trophy goals. That side had players who went on to day. “For a minor footballer playing in an All- in 1994, one of win All-Ireland senior medals for Kerry like Ireland final is a completely new experience the stars of the Dara O’Se, Darragh O’Cinneide, Brian Clarke and for us it was no different. We got the train win over Galway and William Kirby. “The hurt from that loss to to the Saturday morning before the

LIAM BROSNAN. in that year’s final Cork drove on the lads that were still eligible match and stayed in Malahide where all the was Currow’s for 1994. We were determined to win that Kerry teams stayed at the time. We had a meal Liam Brosnan. The Currow man lined out on year. We beat Cork in the Munster semi-final and a team meeting before Charlie took us for the ’40 that day in the memorable 0-16 to 1-7 and Clare in the Munster final. Then we faced a walk on the beach just to put our minds at win over a star-studded Galway team. Armagh in the All-Ireland semi-final. They had ease. On Sunday’s encounter with Donegal, Liam remembers the build-up to the game a very good side also at the time with players Liam Brosnan is quietly confident. “I know well. “We had a great backroom team of like the McEntees, and Diarmuid Marsden. a lot of these lads from being involved with Charlie Nelligan, who was our manager, “We then met Galway in the All-Ireland final. the development squads. They are serious , Sean Walsh, who later became Galway were backboned by players from St footballers. I think if we stick to our game plan President of the Munster Council, Derry Jarleth’s in Tuam and had future senior stars, we can overcome Donegal, but still, Donegal Crowley from Glenflesk and Junior Murphy Declan Meehan, Michael Donnellan, Padraig will be tough enough. Kerry have an excellent from Cahersiveen. “I was lucky that I was a Joyce, Derek Savage and Sean Og De Paor all manager in Jack O’Connor and that is the vital minor for three years from 1992. We had a very household names who were strongly fancied cog in our wheel.” SHEEHY QUIETLY CONFIDENT Kerry O’Shea meets up with Kerry selector Mikey Sheehy Mikey Sheehy 1978 decider against Dublin. settle the nerves. On the Saturday before a big is one of the Mikey grew up in St Brendan’s Park in Tralee. game in Croke Park, we would meet in Fitzgerald greats of Gaelic A close neighbour of his was legendary Stadium for a kickaround, before heading to the Games. As a Kerry footballer John Joe Landers. “I was very Park Place Hotel for Lunch, and then we would player, he was fortunate that I grew up near John Joe Landers get the train to Dublin. We usually relaxed the a key member in St Brendan’s Park. John Joe along with his night before by watching Match of the Day in of the Kerry’s brother Tim, was one of Kerry’s greatest players the Hotel which was a great help with winding Golden Era sides and was always there for me during my playing down.” from 1975 to career. I valued his friendship and I always Mikey is quietly confident of Kerry’s chances 1987, winning adhered to his advice.” against Donegal: “They will be very difficult MIKEY SHEEHY. eight All-Ireland Mikey has fond memories of the build-up to opponents; they are a good, hard physical side. I medals during the All-Ireland final during his playing days. was very impressed with them when I saw them that memorable spell for Kerry football. “In the week of the final, every fella did his own against Dublin, we will have our work cut out to Mikey will always be remembered for his thing. I was no different. For me, it was to go beat them but I have a gut feeling that we can scoring feats, and in particular for that great to Banna for a walk with the dog. Banna was do it.” goal he scored against in the always a great place to get away from it all and

AWAITING THE ARRIVAL OF THE KERRY TEAM AT THE MEET & GREET IN FITZGERALD STADIUM ON A ‘SELFIE’ WITH KIERAN DONAGHEY AT THE MEET & GREET AT FITZGERALD STADIUM ON SATURDAY. SATURDAY WERE THE MURPHY’S L-R MARY, CHRISTOPHER, DONAL & RACHEL. PICTURE MARIE PICTURE MARIE CARROLL-O’SULLIVAN 087 391 4808 CARROLL-O’SULLIVAN 087 391 4808

KERRY FANS MIA & RYAN TWOMEY MEET AIDAN O’MAHONEY WITH THEIR DAD MARCUS AT THE MEET KERRY FANS EMMA GRIFFIN & MELISSA AHERN MEET AT THE MEET & GREET AT & GREET AT FITZGERALD STADIUM ON SATURDAY. PICTURE MARIE CARROLL-O’SULLIVAN 087 391 FITZGERALD STADIUM ON SATURDAY. PICTURE MARIE CARROLL-O’SULLIVAN 087 391 4808 4808

VIEWS FROM THE CAMP Kerry O’Shea gets the views from the Kerry Press Day Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney was abuzz faded and Donegal were brilliant in the second and experience that has served us well this year. with excitement last Saturday as the Kerry half. Nobody expected the outcome before Donegal’s win over Dublin wasn’t a surprise to team held their Open Day which afforded the game and they will be difficult opponents. me. They won the title in 2012, last year didn’t fans young and old a chance to meet the We have learned a lot from the game, and are go too well for them. They are used to the big team and wish them well for the final. It was going through the video footage and trying to days now. They have a great management. also an opportunity for local and national counteract their game plan while trying to stay They are in this final on merit”. media representatives to speak to members loyal to ours.” of the team and team management ahead of DECLAN O’SULLIVAN the decider with Donegal. “The build-up is different for a lot of the younger “It’s great to be back in another All-Ireland final lads who are on the panel for the first time. You and great to get a crack at Sam again. It was EAMONN FITZMAURICE (Kerry manager): have to prepare them for that. You have to get always going to be hard to follow up the Cork “We resumed training on the Tuesday night them focussed on the football which will be our performance with another similar performance. after the semi-final. Thankfully we have no aim between now and the final.” We are improving with every game and the major injuries ahead of the Donegal game, all games against Mayo have brought us on a lot. the injuries have cleared up. Darran O’Sullivan, (Kerry ) The game against Donegal will be a big step-up. Stephen O’Brien and Bryan Sheehan will be “We are happy where we are at the moment. It will be a very tense, physical game, fellas are back in contention for starting places. Donegal It has been a topsy turvy year but we knuckled hungry. Everyone will be fighting to get onto the will be a difficult opposition. Dublin started well down after the league. We never doubted team the next day”. with some beautiful long range points, but they ourselves; we have a nice blend between youth

PATIENTLY AWAITING THE THEIR HEROS AT THE ‘MEET & GREET’ OF THE KERRY TEAM AT FITZGERALD STADIUM ON SATURDAY AND BLENDING IN WELL WITH THE THE VIBRANCE OF THE OPEL INSIGNIA SPONSORED BY AHERN’S BMW, OPEL & VTS CENTRE CASTLEISLAND AND SOON TO BE AUTOGRAPHED BY THE KERRY TEAM WERE BACK ROW L-R ADAM COUNIHAN, CONNIE COUNIHAN, LAURA AHERN, JACK AHERN, GRACE O’SHEA, JASON CASEY & MELISSA AHERN. FRONT ROW L-R ANDREA COUNIHAN, JOHNNY BUCKLEY IS GREETED BY MANY EAGER FANS AT THE ‘MEET & GREET’ OF THE KERRY TEAM AT KATE AHERN, EMILY O”SHEA & LAUREN FITZGERALD. PICTURE MARIE CARROLL-O’SULLIVAN 087 FITZGERALD STADIUM ON SATURDAY. PICTURE MARIE CARROLL-O’SULLIVAN 087 391 4808 391 4808

MARC O’SÉ AUTOGRAPHS THE OPEL INSIGNIA KINDLY SPONSORED BY AHERN’S BMW, OPEL & VTS IN THE HEIGHT OF AUTOGRAPHS AT THE KERRY MEET & GREET AT FITZGERALD STADIUM CENTRE CASTLEISLAND. PICTURE MARIE CARROLL-O’SULLIVAN 087 391 4808 ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON. PICTURE MARIE CARROLL-O’SULLIVAN 087 391 4808

UNDER DOCTORS ORDERS Dr Michael Moloney reflects on his work with the Kerry team

“This is my second season involved with role involves communication with both the the Kerry Senior Football Team. It is a great backroom team and players. I have a close personal and professional honour to be working relationship with my colleague involved. I graduated from UCC in 2005 and Dr Finnerty, the physiotherapists, physical subsequently underwent further training in therapists and the nutritionists.” General Practice. Furthermore I completed my Masters in Sports and Exercise Medicine “Part of my role involves pre participation which transpired to be very beneficial!” evaluation of players. I am involved in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and

“I am currently team doctor to the Ireland U17 illnesses. I attend training sessions and games DR. MICHAEL MOLONEY. Soccer squad and the Kerry Senior Football but I consider a successful day’s work one in Team. I often travel on international duty with which there are no injuries to attend to!” the education of the athletes as well as the the FAI which can make my calendar year testing process.” very busy! The role of the team doctor is very “It is very important to have an in depth interesting and rewarding. Primarily the most understanding of the World Anti-Doping “I currently work in the Killarney Medical important part is being there to support both Guidelines as well as the Irish Sports Centre with Dr Michael O Doherty.” the players and the staff.” Council Guidelines, when dealing with both international and GAA athletes. Many over “I run cardiac screening sessions for “It is important to have an in depth the counter and prescribed medications individuals and clubs. I have a dedicated understanding of musculoskeletal medicine can lead to positive drug testing. For this sports clinic and have a special interest in as well as the physiology of exercise. My reason it is important to be involved in both joint injections and acupuncture.” KERRY MINOR FOOTBALL TEAM PRESS NIGHT Kerry O’Shea visits the Kerry Minor Football Camp

forward to the final, and hopefully we will get the result we want against Donegal.”

JOHN GALVIN (Kerry Selector) “These lads have developed their game and skills since they were 15 and 16, they are a fine group of players. They have great skills, as a group they have knitted well together. We are developing a good squad. It’s very much a team game. Donegal are a fine footballing side, they will be tough nuts to crack. We are delighted to be in the final and we are well prepared for whatever threat Donegal pose.”

SHANE RYAN (Kerry Minor Goalkeeper) “We are hoping to pick up from where we left off in the semi-final. We have done a lot of work in training, and are trying our best to prepare for the final. Chemistry is important in every team from a club team to the county set-up, as ELECTRIC IRELAND LINKED UP WITH ALL IRELAND MINOR GAA FINALIST CAPTAIN LIAM KEARNEY, KERRY, AND KERRY MANAGER JACK a goalkeeper you have to face up to pressure O’CONNOR, AHEAD OF THE 2014 ALL-IRELAND MINOR & FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS. CLANNA GAEL FONTENOY GAA CLUB, RINGSEND, DUBLIN. PICTURE CREDIT: PAUL MOHAN. situations and communication with other players is vital. Jack brings a lot of experience Last Friday evening as the sun was sinking in very strong against a hotly-fancied Dublin in having won a lot of All- with the Under the West, I met up with Kerry minor football the semi-final. They play a very expansive and 21s and Seniors, he is a great asset to have on team manager Jack O’Connor, selector John defensive game. It’s that old chestnut again, the sideline. As a goalkeeper you have to trust Galvin and minor goalkeeper Shane Ryan a southern team against a northern team, your outfield players, and that’s very important. who spoke at length about Kerry’s upcoming contrasting styles.” It’s a huge honour to be representing Kerry in contest with Donegal in the minor decider. the final. We have brought through a lot of “20 years is a long time for a county like Kerry brilliant players even though we haven’t been JACK O’CONNOR (Team Manager) to be without an All-Ireland Minor title. We are winning All-Ireland Minor titles, Donegal are a “We are delighted to be going into the game very much aware of that, this is a title that is big, physical team, and we have to plan for that with a clean bill of health. Donegal are a good well over due for a county like Kerry. They are a now.” side. They are big and strong. They finished great group of lads to work with, we are looking

BARRY O’SHEA ON LIFE ON PLANET FOOTBALL “I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT ANY MAN’S FINEST HOUR, THE GREATEST FULFILLMENT OF ALL THAT HE HOLDS DEAR, IS THAT MOMENT WHEN HE HAS WORKED HIS HEART OUT IN A GOOD CAUSE AND LIES EXHAUSTED ON THE FIELD OF BATTLE-VICTORIOUS.” - Vince Lombardi will be a real buzz about the place. The hard Dublin there is a Garda escort to your hotel slogging on cold and wet winter nights is and the butterflys begin to flutter around the now a distant memory replaced by the great bus. You can sense it in the air that this is no feeling of bounding onto the Fitzgerald ordinary game you are about to take part in. Stadium pitch bursting with fitness and Then there is the light run out and the team enthusiasm. There really is no better feeling meeting. Words said in that meeting may than training on lovely autumn evenings. stick with you for the rest of your life. After When you are doing that you know you have that there is the hardest part....trying to get had a good season thus far. some sleep. Your mind is going 100mph and every possible scenario that could happen in There are banana skins along the way in Croke Park the following day is flying through the build up to a big game and they can be your head. You will eventually get some sleep particularly dangerous for the younger lads but not much. You just want to get it on at this who are experiencing all of this for the first stage. time. There are a lot of side shows that go The morning of the match can really drag along with the All Ireland Final that don’t because everybody is really tuned in and happen around other big games and if guys nerves are on edge. There is mass in the hotel are not carefull these things can distract for the team and some guys will go to that. I from what is really important - The Game! remember on the morning of the 1997 final There is an open training session with the I got out of bed, put on my track suit, and BARRY O’SHEA. supporters,there are fittings for new suits and was heading for the door when my brother, Vince Lombardi knew a thing or two about then of course there are the dreaded tickets. Morgan, said (He Roomed with me as we were being victorious and for the next two weeks Tickets can take over a players mind in the run both on the panel) “where are you going?”....I each and every member of the kerry panel up to a match and if they are not handled well said “I am going to mass”...... ”get back into will be consumed by the thought of being they can drain a guy mentally. People don’t bed you never go to mass and you are not victorious. Everywhere you go,everything mean badly but when they ask a player for going this morning. You will cost us the All you do and everything that passes through a ticket they are putting more pressure on Ireland”. In other words he was saying stick your head will revolve around the All Ireland him. It is only human nature to want to please to the routine and don’t do anything that you Final and nothing else will really matter. Life people and many players can get tied up in wouldn’t normally do. Sports people are full goes on,of course, but it is, kind of going on trying to make sure that all their friends and of Piseogs and Mass was not on our check list! around you because you are away on your family get tickets. The best thing that a player own planet and that is planet football. can do is let a family member look after the If you have negotiated all of the above and tickets and have nothing at all to do with you are still in good mental and physical Playing in the All Ireland Final is the pinnacle them. I think my own father was a ticket tout shape then the easy part is ahead of you. The for any GAA player and the players who are for a few years but he loved all of that and it game is the enjoyable part of the process preparing for the 2014 renewal probably was a weight off my shoulders. and it is where the players can showcase the don’t realise at this stage how lucky they are. fruits of their labour. Walking out onto Croke It may be years down the line when their When all of the build up has been safely Park on All Ireland Final day is reserved for career is over that it will dawn on them how negotiated then the real stuff happens. the lucky few and each and every one of the privileged they really were. I would advise Even the journey to Dublin is a bit different 82,000 odd supporters would love to be in every player to take it all in and enjoy the next because you get a send off from your your position. Now is the time to get it on and few weeks because you never know,it may be neighbours and there is a send off at the train bring Sam Home. your last! station or airport. These things do not happen Ciarrai Abu For the next few weeks the players will be for semi finals. Now you realise that this is a Barry O’Shea bouncing into training in Killarney and there whole different ball game. When you get to KERRY SUPPORTERS CLUB PROVIDE VITAL ROLE The supporters are often seen as the 16th Kerry since 1939 and is looking forward to yet The Supporters Club provide a valuable back- man in any GAA team particularly when another day out later this month. up to the County Board when it comes to fund they travel to places far away from home like raising, and John King stressed that members Tyrone, and Donegal. The Kerry Supporters “We have a very strong core membership, we are active in this regard again this year. “We Club was set up in the winter of 1989 by the cater for young and old, and have people from are currently touring the county selling lines, as then County Chairman Sean Kelly. The first all parts of the country who have Kerry blood it is very expensive to train teams for All-Ireland President was Moyvane’s Cormac O’Leary as members,” said Secretary, John King. “It’s finals, and the response we have been getting while the first Chair was Gerry O’Leary. The great to be heading back to Croke Park on All- from the public is fantastic.” On the issue of current Club Chairman is Rathmore’s Donie Ireland Final day. For All-Ireland weekend, a lot tickets, John King said that the Supporters O’Leary who has been Chairman for the last of our supporters tend to make a weekend of it, Club gets an allocation of tickets and gives 10 years. The Club’s first overnight away trip and we are still quite hopeful that we will bring priority to people who travel with them the was to Donegal in 1990. Current President three busloads of supporters to Dublin with us whole year round. “I am more hopeful now Jerry Brosnan is a son of the late Con Brosnan to lead our fellow Kerrymen in encouraging our than I was going into the Munster final. We have and a brother of Dr Jim Brosnan. Jerry has players.” a nice mix of youth and experience, and I think attended every All-Ireland final involving we can do it.”

MORAN’S INSPIRATIONAL RETURN IS WORTHY OF A MEDAL By Gerard Mulvihill

Kerry’s David Moran knows two things better has proved to be the springboard from which than most, the layout of a physiotherapy the stellar midfield has revived his career. His clinic and just how gut wrenching and remarkable renaissance will reach its climax demoralising a serious injury can be. He also when he lines out alongside Duagh’s Anthony possess a “never say die” attitude which has Maher on September 21st for the biggest seen him emerge victorious from his long game of his career. injury battle. His performance, powered by sheer strength and tenacity was like poetry in motion Since donning the famous green and gold for against the might of his Mayo counterparts the first time in 2008, the Kerin’s O’ Rahilly’s during last Sunday’s arresting encounter. man has seen his momentum halted by a While Moran’s standard of performance since DAVID MORAN. reoccurring cruciate ligament injury which his return from injuries of such severity may was swiftly followed by a torn retina. come as a pleasant surprise to some, the That together with the expertise of his skilled talent which he has portrayed certainly will medical team was always a recipe for success. Thankfully, the crutches are now back in not. Dubbed a prodigy from an early age, his storage and the days of arduous rehab are now true potential is now coming to fruition, due in David Moran can inspire a Kerry victory on a distant memory. This year’s Championship no small way to his own steely determination. Sunday.

KEYS FOR THE KINGDOM ARE IN THE GENES By Gerard Mulvihill Kerry has for generations boasted an good company alongside men who have won embarrassing wealth of footballing talent the games top award. In their midst is a man with new players emerging from the from an earlier generation of the Moran clan, underage ranks in a conveyer belt like fashion. his legendary father, Ogie, a leader of men.

It has become common place over the past Sunday is also a cause for celebration for number of years to see players coming fellow Kerry great, and his family from legendary footballing stock, already as his son Killian lines out for his county in synonymous with GAA in the county donning the Minor decider. Killian has perhaps had the green and gold. the misfortune of being described as “Tom Home from Australia, where he mastered the Spillane’s son”, similar to how cycling Nicholas art of football of a different kind, ’s Roche has been in the shadow of his father successfully emulated the Stephen, due to the heights scaled by their achievement his father and brother before fathers before them. Man of the Match him by winning a much coveted, all – Ireland performances however, such as his display . medal. in the semi-final are swiftly enlightening the watching public of what a talented footballer structure, a thorough scouting network and Similarly, Kerry’s midfield maestro, David he is in his own right. the ground breaking advancements in sports Moran, possesses a footballing skill set and Should the current generation trend continue science and performance analysis the future an All – Ireland accolade which places him in in tandem with a high quality coaching looks bright for Kerry football.

LEGION PLAYERS REAP THE REWARDS OF UNDERAGE ACADEMY Kevin Griffin, Legion PRO

Legion GAA are extremely proud of their structure of our club would have to be made. of players to have attended those Saturday three lads, Brian, James and Jonathon as they morning sessions and it is most encouraging prepare for next week’s All Ireland Senior It ws decided that the Saturday morning to see the three of them line out in the Green Football Final, but, according to Legion PRO, Underage Academy should be initiated, and Gold on All Ireland final day. it means a lot more to the club than just pride. firstly under the guidance of Denny Murphy For many within the club there is a huge and subsequently Paddy Griffin, Diarmuid o’ Not only is it satisfying for those who have sense of satisfaction and encouragement that Donoghue, Noel Kelliher, John Culloty and mentored them all the way up but it is hugely these three lads representing their county is a presently Sean Culloty to name but a few. encouraging for those hoping to follow in culmination of years of dedicated hard work their footsteps. Legion, a club would like and endeavour by many different selfless Although fifteen years ago, this type of to wish the three lads along with the other trainers and coaches over the past fifteen venture was relatively new amongst clubs, it Killarney lads, Kieran, Fionn, Johnny, Colm years. wasn’t very long before it started to prove its and Daithí and the entire senior panel all worth and Legion became a club that started the best in the final and also to Jordan and In or around that time frame when these to gain a previously unknown respect at Micheal and the Kerry minor team as they players were 8 or 9 years of age, the club juvenile level. endeavour to bring home the Tom Markham realised that if they were to have any hope cup for the first time in 20 years. of challenging the stronger clubs within Legion’s representatives on the Kerry Team the county, then major changes within the would would be amongst the first group A CLUB STEEPED IN FOOTBALL On All Ireland final day Kerins ORahillys will to victory over a very fancied Dublin team In be represented by no fewer than 3 players 1955. Cormac was a in Croke Park. On the senior stage “The very close friend Blues” have David Moran & BarryJohn Keane David Moran needs no introduction – the of the late Donal while at Minor level Cormac Coffey will be outstanding midfielder has battled the Walsh, who representing Strand Road and has done very cruciate Injury twice and thankfully has won passed away in well to date at wing back in the Kerry jersey. that battle. He is following in the footsteps May of 2013. The of his father, the great Oige Moran who boys both began BarryJohn Keane & David Moran both are Captained Kerry to victory in 1978. This their football together In steeped in Football tradition. BarryJohn is son victory was over a great Dublin team that Strand road and were friends of Davy Keane who won a minor All Ireland were going for 3 All Ireland titles in a row. since then. Donal will be keeping an eye on medal with Kerry in 1980. He is grandson David’s dad Oige is also the proud holder of Cormac and guiding him on his big day. of the legendary John Dowling who is best 8 senior All Ireland medals, a fete achieved by remembered as the man who captained Kerry only 5 men... all Kerrymen! CONTEST EAGERLY AWAITED FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE COUNTY “There is a sense of magic in the county all respectively looking forward to Sunday female activities within one structure in the as we approach Kerrys much anticipated September 21st. All of us involved in the GAA club. This has, in our experience allowed us to participation in the All Ireland Sunday week. are aware of the increased interest in ladies look beyond the gender divide with each and Like our rivals in Donegal both our seniors football in the county in recent years. This is every player, manager and mentor enjoying and minors will grace Croke Park on what is a welcome development and where clubs a true sense of equality and involvement. an eagerly awaited contest where four of the have managed to successful develop and To conclude and to revert to the original country’s premier teams will go head to head nurture the male and female participation in question - perhaps the only difference in our in search of All Ireland glory. When asked to our code the benefits are many to be seen. planning of the All Ireland weekend between pen this short article about what participation Clubs can provide a one-stop-shop where men and women will be the time allocation in the All Ireland finals means to the female all members of a family can participate in for a trip to Kildare Village on the Saturday fraternity of the GAA (I do not claim to be the the sport and this truly helps in developing and Grafton Street on Sunday morning! Best overall female voice of the GAA in Kerry!), the a sense of community within our respective wishes to both the Kerry minors and seniors. I consideration of the differentiation between clubs. Girls and boys, ladies and mens teams am sure that they will do us proud.“ the male and female views was short and have an opportunity to train and play side sweet – none! The excitement, trepidation by side, albeit operating in many instances Brid Mc Elligott and expectation for our Kerry teams is in my under separate structures and committees. Chairperson John Mitchels GAA Club view the same – boys, girls, men and women In John Mitchels GAA Club we consciously of every age throughout the county are made a decision to operate both male and

KERRY IN CROKE PARK…. Kerry O’Shea reflects on the dramatic road to the final

Replays rarely live up to the hype. Some, and most definitely this one, surpass it. This game also went into extra-time; there was only the tiniest fraction of things between the sides in the finish of a titanic struggle. James O’Donoghue and shared a thrilling one-on-one duel that proved that direct markers can both deserve man of the match nominations. O’Donoghue, who scored two perfect penalties on his way to being the current frontrunner for Footballer of the Year, was the official choice but he and many others were quick to note the particular contribution of David Moran, who joined Anthony Maher in a superb midfield display that laid the foundation for an eventual 3-16 to 3-13 victory. Kerry did have some luck – Mayo’s Aidan O’Shea and Cillian O’Connor, ACTION FOR THE ALL IRELAND SEMI FINAL. probably their two best footballers, both sat out part of the game after accidentally Kerry weren’t fancied to go far in Eamonn tabloid pages, but can never be written off on clashing heads, and Cormac O’Reilly did Fitzmaurice’s first year as Kerry’s youngest ever the field of play? Time would tell…. inadvertently give Kerry a few breaks, but senior manager. After four games in the 2013 we have been on the other side of vagaries National League they were facing relegation. James O’Donoghue had another green flag fortune before. They hung on and held on to Division One as Galway were beaten fair and square in status, but nobody was fancying them for an the All Ireland quarter final. In the end, Kerry emerged victorious, and a All Ireland. Instead, they overwhelmed Cork and David Moran came on from the bench, day later it was Jimmy McGuinness’s Donegal in the first half of the Munster Final before as did Barry John Keane (0-3) and Kieran who sank the unsinkable ship of reigning going down to Dublin in the All Ireland Semi O’Leary (0-1). No-one fully appreciated their champions Dublin to ensure that both teams Final in an epic game that will live long in the significance…..yet. and indeed their minor counterparts, will see memory of all GAA fans. Croke Park decorated in familiar green and It was semi final time and Mayo were back gold for All Ireland Sunday on September 2014 was expected to be much worse. in Croke Park for another tilt at the windmill 21st. Paul Galvin, Eoin Brosnan, and Tomas O Se, and another attempt to end the most famous all proven warriors in the green and gold, famine in GAA history. And they came close, This review began with a list of the names departed the scene. , easily the they came very close, in a rollercoaster game recently gone from Kerry’s hand – Eamonn most talismanic forward of his generation, crammed with action and excitement. Kerry Fitzmaurice, Mikey Sheehy, , was carried off the field injured as his beloved had nine points from eight scorers to lead and an under-estimated Cian O’Neill have Dr. Crokes lost to Castlebar Mitchels in an All by 0-9 to 0-5 at the break while Mayo were been quietly writing a list of their own. Ireland semi-final, and whatever desperate reduced to 14 men after was O’Donoghue, , Stephen O’Brien, hopes most Kerry supporters were clinging to sent off. Mayo deserve full credit; they came Fionn Fitzgerald and , Croke seemed to dissipate in the wind. out and attacked and they turned a five Park veterans now. A resurgently magnificent point deficit into a five point lead. Kerry were David Moran, Paul Murphy, Brian Kelly in It was a slightly better National League gazing into the abyss, but that’s not a view goal. Jonathon Lyne popping up with two campaign, but Kerry still finished just one that bothers any Kerry footballer. Two kickout vital points. Barry John Keane with 0-6 when place above relegation and that included a catches by Barry John Keane. A salmon leap games were going down to the wire. Kieran ten point hammering by Cork on our own by Kieran Donaghy, a quick slip to James Donaghy cheerfully raiding the skylines. home ground. We struggled to see off a O’Donoghue, and again an immaculate finish. Marc O Se will stride Croke Park at least once battling Clare by 1-17 to 1-13 in the Munster O’Donoghue missed a chance to square more, Aidan O’Mahony beside him as always. semi-final – a good win, but not in a manner things up, his effort sailing just a few inches , Killian Young, and Kieran likely to sway the doubters. Doubt Kerry at to the left. With time almost up, the ball came O’Leary know this ground too of old. It may your peril. The Munster Final, played for the back to substitute Kieran O’Leary. Spectators be too soon to say that Donncadh Walsh will last time in the current incarnation of Pairc outside of Kerry might have had to take a finally get a long overdue All Star this year, Ui Caoimh, saw Kerry at their absolute best, second guess at his name as he calmly lined but he certainly should. Kerry’s transition beating Cork by 0-24 to 0-12 in a phenomenal up his shot….they all know his name now. was done on the underage panels and the performance. Kerry had the best corner coaching grounds long ago, the green and forward in Ireland for a decade in a certain There was controversy when the replay was gold re-forged always year on year. 2014 red-haired Dr. Crokes sharpshooter – in his switched to the in Limerick, will be remembered as another year that absence, his Killarney Legion counterpart and Mayo weren’t slow to express their bore a Kerry stamp of greatness….but there James O’Donoghue cheerfully donned that objections. They did get a lucky break when is one last chapter to be written and Jimmy mantle with 0-10. it was held that Lee Keegan’s offence had McGuinness, a man who knows the playing been mis-cited and he was released to play. fields of Kerry from his days in Tralee IT, will Sting of a dying wasp or another generation Kerry, wisely, kept their mouths shut and their have pen and ink in Croke Park the next day from plough and seine boat proving that powder dry. too…..We will all hold our collective breath. Kerry can easily be written off in punditry and