County football supremo’s record speaks for itself
Morgan’s record against Kerry proves that sour grapes would be the last item on the menu. More than likely it is a question of querying the latter-day elements in Kerry’s play and the long-term effects they may have on the great rivalry and harmony that has existed up to now.
Billy Morgan’s coaching record includes:
1. Ten Munster club titles.
2. Never beaten by a Kerry club.
3. Being the captain of All-Ireland-winning Cork team
4. Being coach, All-Ireland inter-county, for half of all Cork’s senior victories.
5. Four-in-a-row Munster wins against Kerry.
This record speaks for itself and the defeat of a few weeks ago is insignificant. Morgan’s talents were confined to his club and county and he has never joined the growing band of ‘messiahs on mileage’.
On many occasions in the past 50 years I have been in the same dressing rooms with Billy Morgan, and not once have I heard him advocate illegal play as a coach, mentor or player. As chairman of the Munster football selectors in 1973 and 1975, I witnessed the great comradeship between, and sportsmanship of, Kerry and Cork and other counties, and I would hate to see any diminution of this friendship.
The cynicism of Kerry in the past few years can be gauged by their reinstatement of Dara Ó Sé after he got a red card in a local club match. This did not have the desired intention of an All-Ireland win while the reduction of Paul Galvin’s suspension from six months to three months has not materialised for the better either.
As for Brian Mullins’ indiscretions robbing Kerry of a five-in-a-row, we are now entering fantasy land and demeaning the Dubs’ victory. Another theoretical robbery was the alleged push by an Offaly back in 1982.
Colm (Gooch) Cooper’s sheer class reminds me of Jimmy Barry Murphy’s displays in identical circumstances, and I hope we will see a lot more of his skills in the future.
The illegal attentions of a Kerry forward contributed to the early retirement of Barry Murphy, to the detriment of Cork and the public. These illegalities were not highlighted by the press at the time and — indeed — disparaging remarks about Morgan’s efforts to stop the cynicism are still being made.
If we are to continue to enjoy the skills of the Gooch, Nicholas Murphy, Michael Shields and others, it is important that the media plays its part with accurate reporting.
Ryle Dwyer stated many Kerry people were aghast that Cork’s Anthony Lynch was not suspended. Anyone, from Kerry or elsewhere who is aghast at the non-suspension of a player found not guilty after video evidence was produced is not a true sportsman.
The harshness of Kieran Donaghy’s suspension was commented on by many Cork people and we are delighted he has survived and found new form.
The ability of Dara Ó Sé to play football of the highest standard is unquestionable. His ability to field the highest balls without bending his knees is well demonstrated — on the goal-line and elsewhere.
Ryle Dwyer quotes Joe Keohane as having said they had ways of slowing down opponents in the 1940s. Having met Mr Keohane I am sure he said this with tongue in cheek. I am sure he could not have anticipated a modern historian’s misinterpretation of his views.
The crowing of your columnist at the demise of Antrim, and his attempt to place Billy Morgan in the same context, was disgusting.
The factual version of what happened in Morgan’s pub when he ordered out three Kerrymen is in my possession and is available to anybody but lazy journalists.
Let’s hope that Morgan’s observations will be noted and that present-day cynicism is eliminated.
Finally, let’s wish for a great All-Ireland final and a victory for our neighbours.
Denis McDonnell
46 Calderwood Drive
Donnybrook
Douglas
Cork
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