Cynical play? Kerry are old hands at it
Moreover, it is just the latest instalment in a now decade-long indictment of Ulster sides in Gaelic football. Many have publicly bemoaned what they see as the defensive, negative and overtly physical style of play of northern teams. In contrast, counties like Kerry, with their tradition of ‘pure’ and attacking football have been exalted as the antithesis. Yet the issue of cynical play is as old as the association itself. Indeed, the early history of Kerry teams playing Ulster opposition was no less controversial than in modern times. And, ironically, it was the Kingdom which was so often reviled for being the cynical and excessively physical side in such encounters.
In 1911, Antrim became the first Ulster team to contest an All-Ireland final. Their recompense for their achievement was to receive such a beating from Cork that the winning margin (19 points) is still a record for senior football final.
