Kerry don’t win races that go to a photo finish
The midfielder-turned-TV3 pundit struggled to contain a smile after watching Paul Galvin’s highly charged post-match interview.
Galvin was on the brink of tears. It was surreal. Yet, Galvin wasn’t the only Kerryman overcome by emotion.
When the final whistle sounded many of the players could be seen pumping their fists towards the crowd. Given the history between the counties, the jubilation was understandable, but it did seem a little over the top.
Kerry have celebrated All-Irelands with less gusto.
Yes, Kerry beat their northern nemesis. But let’s be brutally honest. They didn’t really beat Tyrone. They beat ‘Tyrone Lite’.
Admittedly, Kerry were impressive. But Tyrone’s inferiority was evident from early on. And if Kerry have one speciality, it is finishing a weaker opponent.
We have seen them do it repeatedly. They take particular delight in embarrassing Cork in Croke Park. Mayo players go weak at the knees when they see Kerry.
And this is what set Armagh (2002) and Tyrone (2003, 2005, and 2008) apart.
For all their undeniable talent, there is one accusation against this Kerry team which still stands. They don’t win races that go to a photo finish. Any team that has the stomach to stay with them until the final gallop usually has the heart to beat them in the burst for the line (for the latest example, see last year’s All-Ireland final).
And that is what makes Sunday’s All-Ireland quarter-final between Kerry and Donegal so engrossing.
Donegal are going to push Kerry into the red. In terms of strength, athleticism and organisation, the Ulster champions tick all the boxes. Most importantly of all, Donegal will be convinced they can beat Kerry.
It will be fascinating to see how Kerry respond. They have failed most of their other major tests.
In the past fortnight, Joe Brolly created uproar by questioning Colm Cooper’s ability to lead a team in adversity. Widely criticised, the point Joe was making got lost in the controversy.
Yes, ‘the Gooch’ is a marvellous footballer. Yes, he is a joy to watch. But is he a leader like Peter Canavan?
Consider Canavan’s performance in the All-Ireland final of 1995 when he accounted for all but one of the 12 points against Dublin. In those days, if Canavan had a poor game, Tyrone lost.
Cooper has never faced that pressure. When Kerry have needed ‘the Gooch’ to win a game, he hasn’t always done it.
In the last few years his best displays have been against defenders out of their depth. Cooper has never put on a show against Tyrone. Will he be able to buck the trend against Donegal?
In Cooper’s defence, his managers haven’t done him many favours. In 2003, Kerry’s plan centred on hitting him with low diagonal balls. Paidi Ó Sé had no Plan ‘B’ whenever Tyrone used Gavin Devlin as a sweeper.
In 2008, Pat O’Shea’s side channelled deliveries towards Kieran Donaghy and Tommy Walsh. Consequently, Gooch fed off scraps.
That’s why it’s slightly unfair to castigate him for his failure to single-handedly turn the tide in those games against Tyrone. Because it’s not just the Kerry players who have failed their sternest examinations. Paidí Ó Se, Pat O’Shea and Jack O’Connor were all outwitted by Mickey Harte.
Given Jim McGuinness has now inherited Harte’s mantle as the leading mind in the game, it will be interesting to see how O’Connor fares.
The Kerry boss desperately needs Declan O’Sullivan and Darran O’Sullivan to carry the game to Donegal. They have the pace and drive to penetrate tackles and put Donegal on the retreat. But if Jack’s caution gets the better of him, he might place too great an emphasis on the defensive roles required of his half-forwards.
The volume of first-time ball that is directed towards Kieran Donaghy will also tell a story. Jack might be reluctant to employ this tactic as it could leave Kerry open to counter-attacks.
Donegal are profiting from the hype about their defensive system. There seems to be an accepted wisdom that it’s futile to kick high ball into their full-back line. This is nonsense. During this year’s league, Laois midfielder Padraig Clancy plundered two goals against Donegal from the edge of the square. While targeting Donaghy can draw dividends, it also requires a gamble. If Donegal break it puts Kerry on the back foot. Will Jack be prepared to take that punt?
Ultimately, tactics aren’t going to dictate the game.
Kerry have the superior players. Their forwards are infinitely more talented than Donegal’s. However, those conditions have applied in the past and it counted for nothing. When confronted by teams willing to go eyeball to eyeball for 70 minutes, Kerry have blinked. On Sunday, Donegal are going to stare into the heart and soul of this Kerry team.
To win, Kerry will need more than talent. They’ll need mettle. If Kerry can win, then the type of celebrations we witnessed a fortnight ago would be entirely justified.
* Contact: p.heaney@irishnews.com
