Town rivals Legion can really test champions Dr Crokes

EAST KERRY SFC FINAL Dr Crokes v Legion

Sunday, December 8 Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney Throw-in at

THE Dr. Paddy O’Donoghue Cup is one of the most coveted by any East Kerry player. Like so many Divisonal contest, it has an intricate and colourful history of its own and county league status and the form book count for absolutely nothing.

Dr. Crokes are the unquestioned kingpins of East Kerry.

They won a whopping 8 in a row from 2006 to 2013 before Rathmore struck for four in a row of their own. Last year, having surrendered their 2017 All Ireland crown, Crokes shrugged off their wounds in time to once more claim the O’Donoghue Cup. There is a very strong argument for saying that the Crokes side of the past decade are the best team to ever play in East Kerry.

You won’t hear Killarney Legion saying that though – not a chance! The two clubs, both based in Killarney, have a huge rivalry. The fact that so many of their players are neighbours and the families know each other well only adds spice to the mix. Both sides have players who won All Ireland minor and Hogan Cup medals together along the way. Both sides are a blend of experience mixed with exciting young talent.

Dr. Crokes only got past Kilcumin by the skin of their teeth – as good a game as I’ve seen all year. 3-16 to 3-15, Crokes asked very hard questions and able to show both knowledge and nerve with their answers. Tony Brosnan got the man of the match; Brian Looney can’t have been far behind him. The semi-final was another great battle with Spa. Crokes were always able to keep their noses in front, albeit only barely, and eventually won on a 2-18 to 1-18 scoreline.

John Payne, Mike Moloney, Da