Kingdom withstand Rebel comeback

NOT every GAA coach has warmed to the idea of a team psychologist, but All-Ireland champions Kerry are making a strong case for one — not to mention a cardiologist.

For the second time in a week they blew a huge second-half lead against Cork before composing themselves long enough to grab a dramatic winning goal in yesterday’s cliff-hanger of an All-Ireland semi-final.

The season’s most gripping climax had a movie script feel to it and now the Kingdom must prepare for a blockbuster finale against their nemesis, Tyrone, in three weeks. Mickey Harte’s side ended the hope of the people’s favourites, Wexford in yesterday’s second semi-final, 0-23 to 1-14 to set up a first championship clash since the 2005 final between the two counties that have won the last five All-Ireland titles.

While Conor Counihan’s Cork may not be on stage for the September credits, they came within a whisker of topping last week’s Houdini act by reeling in Kerry from nine points back with only 20 minutes remaining. However, no sooner had a Pearse O’Neill goal sent the small Cork contingent in a crowd of 65,252 into raptures than Kerry had turned the semi-final on its head with Colm Cooper’s goal.

The Kingdom’s crown has tottered in recent weeks, but few can doubt their “bouncebackability”, that’s the third time in the two semi-finals they responded immediately to a Cork goal with one of their own.

“Kerry is a very proud footballing county where there are not too many counter-attractions,” said Counihan. “They keep coming up with answers and new players and they’ve unbelievable strength in depth.”

The Kingdom will also have talismen Darragh O Se and Paul Galvin available again for their September 21 duel with Tyrone, a side Kerry have not beaten in the championship since 1986.

“People thought I was disingenuous last week when I expressed my disappointment at Darragh’s sending off,” said coach Pat O’Shea, “but he has performed over 15 years in a glittering career and I would have hated for him to be sent off in his last championship game.”

As the tickets scramble for the final begins, Tyrone will have a second team in the minor final, after a convincing victory over Meath yesterday. They will meet Mayo, conquerors of Kerry.