Kerry are not good enough to retain the Sam Maguire

| By Eamonn Fitzgerald

Kerry and Cork locked horns in a local derby on Saturday last.

Kerry, the All-Ireland champions who have hammered Cork in recent years, were expected to set aside that dreadful display here in the Park against Mayo. That was just a bad day at the office and they would kick on in style against lowly Cork. Not so; an upset was on the cards as Cork closed down the Kerry players and were sailing until the penalty. It was a black card, but was it a penalty? John Cleary was furious, labelling it a “shocking decision”. Jack O’Connor kicked for touch. Lucky Jack, once more.

I was so happy like all Kerry folk to see Kerry win the 2022 All-Ireland to end the mini famine. However, in my analysis in later editions of this publication, I wrote that in my opinion this was the worst Kerry team to win the Sam Maguire. Plenty of howls of opposition from many Kerry supporters, but that was my analysis then, and now.

Kerry won because Jack wisely plugged the hole in the centre of defence, where Morley prevented the dyke bursting out and allowing Shane Walsh and Damien

Comer to score goals like the ones that wrecked Kerry previously. Lady Luck was unbelievably generous, especially that miraculous Late, Late Free by Seánie O’Shea. Without that great kick, I believe that Dublin would have beaten Kerry in extra time and won the All-Ireland.

Let us never forget that Jack has the best footballer in Ireland. Not alone that, but from following Kerry football for 70 years, I have seen none better than David Clifford. In my view Clifford is the best Kerry football star of all time. My view of Kerry is a personal viewpoint, as with all opinions expressed in this weekly sports column. It is just one opinion; many will disagree.

On Saturday David stepped into the breach to lift yet another mediocre team display, despite being always doubly marked and often by even more than that. Kerry folk need to be down on their knees praying he will escape injury. Without him, Kerry have no hope of winning the All-Ireland. With him they have a chance against Derry, Dublin, Galway, Mayo and Tyrone, the most likely teams to emerge from the pools.

I don’t rate this team as good enough to retain the Sam Maguire. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to eat humble pie.

Next, Kerry play Louth at a neutral venue and we should have one more opportunity of seeing the reigning champions here in the Fitzgerald Stadium.

Match Ratings

Average rating out of 10 as voted on by our readers

Gavin WHITE 6.7

A willing runner as always. You would like to see him tag on a score or two.

Jack BARRY 6.0

Assisted the team’s defensive efforts without really catching the eye.

Dara MOYNIHAN 5.9

Worked hard for 61 minutes. I’m sure this rating would be higher had he scored.

His best game of the season so far.

Adrian SPILLANE 6.0

Kicked a fine score but was forced off at HT with a dead leg.

David CLIFFORD 8.7

Kicked 1-5 despite being well marked by Daniel O’Mahony. Showed great leadership.

Paul GEANEY 7.0

Didn’t score himself but had a hand in several of his teammates’ scores.

MANAGER

Jack O’CONNOR 6.3