Kerry seek to put the minor record straight

GIVEN all their senior success over the last 20 years, it’s hard to believe that Kerry have won only two minor All-Ireland titles in the same period.

They beat Dublin in the 1988 decider, and their last victory was in 1994, when a team that included current senior Mike Frank Russell and captained by Jack Ferriter beat Galway to take the Tomas Markham Cup.

Since that win, Kerry have lost three finals, 1996 losing to Laois, 2004 to Tyrone, and 2005 when Roscommon beat them in a replay.

Tomorrow they get the chance to reach another final when they face Mayo in the semi-final at Croke Park and on paper at least, they are more than capable of reaching their fourth final in 12 years.

Ever since they beat Cork in the Munster semi-final in a thrilling contest, Kerry have answered every question asked of them.

Tipperary tested them in the provincial final holding Kerry to a draw, but Kerry went on to crush the Premier county’s challenge in the replay, to prove to Tipp that you only get one chance to beat the big boys.

Offaly provided the opposition in the All-Ireland quarter-final, and again Kerry did the business, winning by five goals.

That game was a personal triumph for Barry John Walsh, who finished with 3-3, all from play. A younger brother of senior Tommy, BJ looks destined to follow in his footsteps.

For team coach John Kennedy, now in his third year in charge, the big prize has eluded him so far, but he’s hopeful this could be the year.

“That win over Cork in Páirc Uí Rinn convinced me that we had a very good squad of players,” said John. “Tipp put it up to us in the Munster final but having survived the first day, I was confident we could complete the job.

“We’ve made the minimum of changes, which is always a good sign. Injury has robbed us of Jamie O’Donoghue but he is on the subs bench. There is great strength in depth among our subs and any one coming in won’t let the side down.

“Mayo have turned out some great minor teams over the years. They have been very impressive this season and their display against Monaghan in their quarter-final, which went to extra time, suggests they won’t be any pushover.”

Ray Dempsey who played senior with Mayo, is now in charge of the minor team and has produced a team which doesn’t know the meaning of defeat, a problem Mayo teams in the past have had.

“We’ve had it easy in a number of games this year, but the Monaghan match showed we can also compete in the physical stakes,” said Dempsey.

It took a late point by defender Conor Freeman to force the extra time and in that 20-minute period Mayo, superbly led by Aidan O’Shea, Aidan Walsh and David O’Hara, ensured they eventually won 1-12 to 0-9.

Croke Park can be an intimidating place for minors, particularly when you don’t have support behind you. Because their seniors are also involved and their followers will be in early, Kerry will be fancied but must play well to achieve that.