Dr Crokes gave me a second chance, I was gone – Murphy
SHANE MURPHY said he is indebted to Dr Crokes for revitalising his career as he celebrated a third successive Kerry county title since joining the Killarney club from nearby Kilcummin in 2016.
Murphy’s arrival to Crokes has coincided with their climb to the top of the roll of honour in the Kingdom as they outstripped Austin Stacks and Laune Rangers to reach 13 titles with a quick three-in-a-row.
His transfer ‘in the road’ may not have sat easily but Murphy believes it has given impetus to his career.
“They’ve been very welcoming. I was badly stuck at the time and they really helped me out. I’m indebted to them, really,” he said.
“They gave me a second chance. I was gone, otherwise. I was going nowhere, they gave me the chance and I took it. It’s gone well so far.”
Murphy and the Crokes defence denied Dingle a goal for the first time in the 2019 Kerry championship and that shut-out of Paul Geaney and Co has put them on the path to provincial redemption after losing to Nemo Rangers in last year’s Munster final.
“Last year (against Clonmel in Clonmel), we went at it (celebrating) too hard for two days and then went up there and were very lucky to win but we’ll get the heads right this week and hopefully we’ll have a long road ahead of us. When you come together early on those mornings when you’re on the road, it’s nice.”
Murphy feels the success in recent years is only fuelling even more drive to succeed.
“We were actually saying it on Friday night that there is such a winning attitude in Crokes and nobody wants to lose, ever. If it’s a training match, league or championship, nobody wants to lose.”
He joked that Eoin Brosnan, who with Colm Cooper was winning an eighth Kerry senior medal, the most by any player, was “only playing because he gets out of the house with all the kids!
“No, seriously, you never want to finish on a low and that happened last year. Hopefully, we can go all the way this year, otherwise they could be back again next year.”
But strands of youth continue to push through with David Shaw the latest to catch the eye with his progression, the 20-year-old landing four points in an impressive display against Dingle.
“He’s after getting used to senior football and he’s way more confident, driven, stronger and faster. He’s really stepped up. He probably wasn’t ready last year but this year he’s been unbelievable.”
Proposed
The Kerry goalkeeper has mixed views on the proposed experimental rules, opposing the restriction on the handpasses to three but supporting the idea of a mark inside the 20-metre line.
“I like that. I like high balls so that would suit me. When I don’t come for a ball is when I’ve nowhere to go whereas now, if you catch it, you’ve a free out every time. I think that’s a great one.”
He has doubts about the proposals around the kickout too.
“I kick the ball long so it’s fine but I don’t think it will work. I think it will slow the game down. You would want about six referees to manage it – how are you going to have two fellas from each team between the two 45s? It makesnosensetome.
“Maybe if you say the ball just has to pass the 45, it could be a rule but what if it’s a windy day out in west Kerry, how is a junior goalkeeper going to kick it past the 45 then?”