Awaits the Kingdom
One negative that has to be discussed, even if it’s nit picking, is our lack of creation when it comes to goal chances. Take Galway for instance in their semi-final up west against Sligo. They hit the net four times.
Dublin likewise against Wicklow the previous weekend. If we go further north, Donegal are finding the net regularly. These are the teams that are coming down the tracks and they are putting teams away with their ability to score goals.
Now, 32 points in seventy plus minutes of football is an outrageous return but how many times did we open up a Clare defence that was ripe for the picking? We will need goals to beat Cork on June 23, there is no doubt in my mind about that. It is something that will definitely go in the ‘things to work on’ section of Eamonn’s file.
It was interesting to see how the management used their bench. The guys who were sprung into action were all of the older generation and I’m measuring age in Championship minutes rather than in birthdays, lest the boys get upset.
With a new format this year and the eagerly anticipated
MAIN MAN
A really difficultone this. You could easily go for any offive or sixplayers. Seán O’Shea and Micheál Burns made brilliantly assured debuts, while guys like PaulMurphy andPaul Geaneyplayed to their usual high standard. Onthisoccasion though we might just go for Stephen O’Brien, scored three from play and terrorised Clare consistentlywith the trademark dipofhisshoulder.
TALKING POINT
AreKerry that good or are Clare that bad? Thatwasthe big discussion post-match. People were stuck halfway between praisingKerry to the hilt for a dominant display and saying that Clare werejust desperately poor. Theywerebut Kerry’s brilliance shouldn’t be underestimated.
KEY MOMENT
There reallywasn’t one. Kerry were so comfortable inthis game right from the off. Super 8s in the distance it looked like something Kerry were having a look at. Start with the young, energetic, pacy first fifteen to go hard for as long as possible and then introduce the experienced game managers when the time is right. Obviously Sunday wasn’t ideal for having a look at that possible set-up but it might be the way Kerry are looking to approach that busy period in late July and August.
They are leaving nothing to chance when it comes to the latter stages of the Championship. By all accounts Eamonn has up to near 40 players training in the new centre of excellence in Currans with a view to that busy schedule of games. It’s a good call especially with the inevitable injuries and possible suspensions that they might be faced with during the Super 8s.
More players, of course, adds to the expense of running a county squad, but that is the nature of the beast. It’s one thing trying to compete with the likes of Dublin on the pitch but it’s another story when it comes to the financial side of the game.
Regardless, I think having an extended panel working alongside the main group has to be done and is also a good incentive for younger players to aspire to. Instead of trying to fast track our Under 20s for instance, why not put them into this extended panel so they can see first hand what it takes to be part of the senior inter-county set-up?
When their time does come to graduate up the level it’s not a huge deal and they come in better prepared. It’s a win/win situation for both players and management.
For now, however, it’s job done for Kerry. Training should be fun for the next three weeks.
Let the chomping continue.
More players, of course, adds to the expense of running a county squad, but it’s the nature of the beast