Kingdom ‘unknowns’ stake claim

THEY began Sunday’s All-Ireland semi-final as liabilities in some eyes; to others they were raw and unproven.

Outside the county, they were virtually unknown. But Kerry’s Pádraig Reidy, Killian Young and midfielder Seamus Scanlon arrived in some style as footballers against Dublin — answered their critics and vindicating their selection in a Croke Park cauldron.

“Experience gained in the white heat of battle is worth anything because you can’t replicate it elsewhere,” said Kerry coach Pat O’Shea yesterday. He used the word ‘heroic’ in referring to Reidy, the young corner-back now poised to become the first Scartaglin player in history to start an All-Ireland final in three weeks.