The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
‘There’s no point dwelling on the Cork defeat’
WHEN Kerry were defeated by a twelve point margin by Cork in the Munster ladies final three weeks ago, their interim manager Eddie Sheehy cut a disconsolate figure after the game.
Kerry had taken a 2-6 to 1-5 lead into the break at half-time, but Cork went through the gears in the third quarter to pull 4-8 to 2-6 ahead as they showed the ruthlessness that has become their hallmark over the years.
The defeat meant that Kerry went into the new All Ireland qualifier system in a group that contains Munster semi-finalists Tipperary and Ulster champions Donegal.
Whilst both sides will provide top drawer competition for the Kerry ladies, they will fear neither, and Saturday’s clash with the Premier county could provide the ideal opportunity for Kerry to get their season back on track.
There is no doubt that Tipperary will provide tough opposition however. An excellent National Football League Division 2 campaign saw them win six out of their seven games, but they suffered heartbreak in the final as a late point saw Cavan snatch a 0-17 to 2-10 victory.
Tipperary dusted themselves down after this defeat and put Cork to the pin of their collar in the Munster semi final, before eventually losing out by a five point margin. It might have been a different result if Tipperary had taken their goal chances in that game, but once again Cork took advantage of such wastefulness to pull away in the finish.
Eddie Sheehy is well aware of the threat that Tipperary will bring, and has earmarked Aishling Moloney as a special talent in their side. The flame haired Cahir girl tends to drift between midfield and full-forward and is certainly their marquee player.
Sheehy said that while they will have a plan for Moloney, Tipperary are far from a one player team.
“Moloney will have to be watched of course, but Tipperary are well organised and have good players throughout the field, especially the likes of Aisling McCarthy and Orla O’Dwyer.
“I mean they won the All Ireland intermediate title last year so realistically we are going to be up against it.
“I have confidence in the girls though and we are hoping for a big performance next Saturday.”
The Kerry manager’s confidence in his side is refreshing, and they have embarked on a number of challenge games since the Cork defeat.
“It’s all about games in my opinion. I mean training is fine, but you only really see what you need to do when you see the players in a game situation. Against Cork we had plenty of possession, but were a little naïve and lacked patience at times.
“Every time we turned over the ball Cork hit us on the break so hopefully we have learned from this. We have good players and on our day are as good as any team in the country, so hopefully we can cut out the simple mistakes and drive on.”
Kerry can report a clean bill of health going into the game and will have two time All Star Louise Ni Mhuircheartaigh back in their ranks. The Corca Dhuibhne girl missed the Munster Final due to a shoulder injury and will be vital to the Kerry cause.
The Kerry panel has a settled look about it at this stage with Kate Maher of Kilcummin the only new addition since the Munster Final. Sheehy said that there is fierce competition for places on the starting 15 and that this can only be a good thing for his side.
“We have 32 girls on our panel and everyone of them wants to play. The commitment for training and challenge games has been immense, girls are chomping at the bit for game time and this is a huge positive.
“There is no point in dwelling on the Cork defeat. We need to move on now and we have worked hard over the last few weeks in preparation for the Tipperary game. Hopefully it will work out in our favour on the day.”
As Sheehy stated there is good competition in the Kerry squad, but they will still be calling on players of proven ability like Ní Mhuircheartaigh, Lorraine Scanlon, Sarah Houlihan, Amanda Brosnan, Aishling O’Connell and Eilis Lynch to pull them through.
Younger players like Andrea Murphy and Emma Dineen have also had their moments this season. Their biggest problem for the team has been a lack of consistency and they will face an acid test next Saturday.
A defeat could see Kerry under serious pressure when they go in to face Donegal two weeks later. If Kerry can come away with a win against Tipperary, then the game against Donegal will take on a different slant altogether with both these sides looking to possibly top the group.
With this in mind expect Kerry to come through on Saturday, but only after a ferocious battle.