Kelly’s eye for goal sees Déise through
But, he will be demanding a better return from his attack, after agreeing a virtuoso performance from Eoin Kelly “carried” them through in Semple Stadium on Saturday.
Kelly’s massive 2-13 featured some breathtaking points from frees and play, scored in a style reminiscent of a purple patch he hit against Cork in the 2005 Munster semi-final. It inspired the Déise and broke the hearts of a brave Offaly side, whom manager Joe Dooley felt were upset by the loss through injury of wing-back Diarmuid Horan and a car accident earlier in the day which claimed the lives of two young people. One of the victims was a first cousin of their full-back David Kenny.
The first of Kelly’s goals, which came in the third minute, almost collapsed the Offaly challenge before it got off the ground. And, four times in a 10-minute period in the second half, he hit levelling points which prevented the Midlanders from opening up a gap. Only one came from play — from near the right touchline — and it was sheer brilliance.
“Eoin Kelly is there to score,” Fitzgerald remarked. “He played well today, (but) he wouldn’t be doing that only for the boys working hard outside the field. If we get a point or two off him the next day, we’ll be delighted. Certainly he couldn’t carry us again. The other forwards are going to have to step up to the mark.”
After an opening score from John Mullane (dynamic in the first quarter) and the first of nine points from placed balls, Kelly was set up for his goal by Mullane. Two more quick scores — the first from a ‘65 after ‘keeper Brian Mullins deflected a low shot from Mullane outside the post — gave them a flying start. It looked gloomy for Offaly because of the manner in which they were conceding possession.
“We got off to a very bad start, but we fought back brilliantly,” said Dooley. Hitting eight points without reply between the 8th and 20th minutes (helped by unerring free-taking from Brian Carroll), his youthful team managed a major improvement in defence — with captain Kevin Brady excelling at right-half, Rory Hanniffy and Brendan Murphy combining very well at midfield and Carroll and Derek Molloy giving leadership up front.
Significantly, however, full-forward Joe Bergin — hero of the win over Limerick — made no inroads against Ken McGrath, who hurled with his customary zeal and consistency, even if out of position. Kelly, always showing well for the ball, scored Waterford’s second goal in the 21st minute, when he got in behind Kenny. Undaunted, Offaly’s continued improvement saw them produce some good scores to be only a single point behind at the break, 2-6 to 0-11.
Dan Shanahan, who wasn’t involved very much in the game, resumed at full-forward, with Kelly switching to the right corner — and adopting a roving commission which was to pay a rich dividend. Having gone ahead for the first time within two minutes, Offaly led three more times in quick succession, only to be pegged back each time by Kelly scores. And he put his team back in front in the 40th minute with another marvellous point.
Waterford quickly stretched their lead to three points and gradually won back control, with Tony Browne commanding at centre-back captain ‘Brick’ Walsh getting on top at centre-field and Seamus Prendergast contributing much more after moving to centre-forward.
Nevertheless, it was still a struggle all the way to the finish to suppress an Offaly side which showed admirable skill and commitment — which manifested itself in a superb score from corner-back David Franks. But, in the end, they hadn’t the scoring power to save the game and a few late misses proved costly.
Eoin Kelly, meanwhile, was modest about his extraordinary score. “It was a team effort today. The last five weeks we have been under a lot of pressure, a lot was being said about us. All we want to do is to play for Waterford and win for Waterford. People say this team is finished. We’ll see.”
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