The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Two Mile House will relish the underdogs tag
THE VIEW FROM KILDARE
FOR all the success Two Mile House have enjoyed in recent seasons, they have also suffered absolute heartbreak in equal amounts. They lost no less than four Junior Football Championship finals before finally getting over the line back in 2013 when they defeated Straffan by two points.
But once out of Kildare and into Leinster they showed their pedigree going on to not only capture the Leinster title, but the All Ireland to boot, defeating Fuerty of Roscommon in the decider, that played in 2014.
Moving into the intermediate grade they continued with their habit of losing one before winning one when they lost the intermediate final of 2016, after a replay and in very controversial circumstances in both the drawn and the replay games.
But, again, showing just how resilient a side they are they bounced back capturing the intermediate title a few months ago, defeating Monasterevan in the final; before again showing their pedigree capturing the Leinster title when defeating Shamrocks of Offaly, in a close, very close, clash but in the end holding out to clinch the title by a single point.
And so it’s on to Sunday. The Gaelic Grounds Limerick and a meeting with Kerry and Munster champions Kilcummin, a game throwing-in at 2pm.
Kilcummin are by all accounts a very experienced side who have been playing senior football in Kerry for the past twenty years or so with just a break of one year when they were relegated to the intermediate ranks in 2017, but bounced back immediately winning back their senior status in 2018.
Two Mile House have been favourites in practically every game they have played this season in both county and Leinster Club action, with possibly the exception of the Leinster final. However, on Sunday they will be the rank outsiders, according to the layers, in many respects that can be a good thing.
The last time most of us were in The Gaelic Grounds was just last summer as we witnessed Kildare Under 20s shock Kerry to book a place in the All Ireland final, so being installed as hot favourites does have its drawbacks at times.
So can Two Mile House get a similar result against their Kerry counterparts? The quick answer is, well why not.
Two Mile House, it hardly needs saying, have enjoyed a great season. They may have a fair sprinkling of young and fairly inexperienced players at this level, but they also have some top class players who have played at the top at county level and who are more than capable of holding their own at all levels of the game.
Chris Healy is enjoying a great season; his work rate and scoring ability will be needed on Sunday, but he has the ability to open any defence regardless of how tight he is marked, while Peter Kelly leads by example whether he be at the back; the middle or firing over the odd point up front.
Aidan Casey will punish any indiscretions while Mark Sherry (due a big game) the Burke boys, Finnian Breen, the D’Arcys; young Jack Collins and Caomhan Doolin and Conor Keogh will all be bubbling with confidence. Keeper Didier Cordonnier, just 19, is cool and composed; good stopper with an excellent long and accurate kick out when it is required.
Roll on Sunday. The Gaelic Grounds. The underdogs. Many of these lads have been at this level not too long ago and if they can produce their best don’t be surprised if they book another place in an All Ireland final.
Now what a prospect that is for this most progressive of small, rural clubs on the outskirts of Naas.