Kingdom U21’s ‘under pressure’ to deliver

THE U21 football grade has been very good to Kerry. Since its inception in 1964, the Kingdom have contested 14 finals winning nine.

More importantly the grade helped develop some of the sport’s greatest players with Charlie Nelligan, Mick, Pat and Tom Spillane, Denis “Ogie” Moran, Sean Walsh, Jack O’Shea and Páidí Ó Sé all winning medals at this level.

Tonight a side which includes Tommy Walsh and David Moran — sons of Sean and Ogie — contest the final against Kildare in Thurles (7pm), the Kingdom’s first decider since 1998. That year they defeated Laois in the final with a team that included current seniors Tom O’Sullivan, Tomás Ó Sé and Mike Frank Russell. Former seniors Mick McCarthy, Aodán MacGearailt, Eamonn Fitzmaurice and Noel Kennelly also figured.

Kerry coach and senior selector Seán Geaney admits managing public expectations has been his biggest challenge. “Every county is putting in the work at youth level and we couldn’t afford to look beyond Limerick in the first round, and we were proven right.

“The story was the same against Cork in the semi-final. They were going for a fifth Munster title in a row and we had suffered badly at their hands over that time. We managed to pull through, and we did enough to see off Tipperary in the final. Expectations are always high here in Kerry, not so much to be winning games but trophies.

“We’ll be under pressure to deliver that much-needed All-Ireland title,” he added.

If Kerry have a weakness it’s in defence. In a number of games captain Killian Young has been the difference whether deployed at centre or full back. His calming influence has regularly steadied the ship and seen them through especially in the semi-final with Mayo. Kerry are fortunate however that they can move players around with devastating effect most notably big Tommy Walsh.

While he usually starts at full forward, he has come to the 40 and to midfield when times are tough and has given the necessary drive in the crucial final stages. His ability to win ball from the air and kick long-range points are two excellent features of his game, but he’s going to need more help from the likes of Denis Moran, Paddy Curran, Paul O’Connor, Mike O’Donoghue and Kieran O’Leary.

Kildare may be considered surprise finalists but they are certainly worthy ones. Former senior stalwart Glenn Ryan, making his intercounty management debut, has worked the oracle in an impressive campaign, which included wins overs Meath, Dublin, Carlow and Wexford in the Leinster final before the saw off the challenge of Down in the semi-final.

A fascinating game is in prospect. Kildare’s forwards led by Gavin Smullen, Sean Fahy and Alan Smith are an impressive outfit and if they get a good supply of ball, they’ll trouble the Kerry backline.