Keane's Controversial Kick - Have Your Say

After Sunday’s lacklustre All Ireland Final encounter between Kerry and Donegal, there was one rather controversial moment to be discussed.

Barry John Keane didn’t win many fans with his antics in the dying moments. As Donegal keeper, Paul Durcan was about to take a kick out, the Kerry sub ran up and knocked the ball off the tee. Naturally enough, Donegal fans were infuriated. It was hardly the type of sportsmanship you’d expect from a GAA player.

But was Keane right to do it for the sake of winning an All-Ireland? The majority of the time, any sign of time-wasting antics never bodes well with the losing side or indeed neutrals, for that matter. But can any of us say we would have done any different had we been in Keane’s position, with such a prestigious title on the line?

At the time, Donegal were gradually building momentum and looked sharper than they had all the match. One kick of a ball would decide the winner. Donegal were after scoring three points in succession and a revival was certainly in progress.

Paul Durcan never grumbled, simply retrieved the ball and began again. Nevertheless, it was obvious that Donegal’s momentum was somewhat thwarted.

It is unfortunate that, apart from in Kerry, Keane will be remembered for that contribution to Kerry’s win not the two points he scored after coming on with just over ten minutes to go.

Was it purely cynical? Or was it a clever ploy? You decide.

Question: International Friendlies - Worthwhile Or A Waste Of Time?

Its a matter of opinion really, isn't it? Many people may argue that international friendlies provide a guide to management and squads about fitness levels, team formations, tactics, etc. Others will state that they are worthless. A waste of resources and a risk, a risk that players might pick up an injury before a vital game.

Personally, I believe it depends on the fixture. Take for example, Ireland's match against Oman last Wednesday night. In my opinion, a complete and utter waste of time. A lacklustre encounter. A meaningless fixture which was highlighted by a dismal turnout of barely 14,000 people in the Aviva Stadium.

 With an important Euro 2016 qualifying match on Sunday against Georgia, it seems rather trivial as to why such a game is even organised. Worryingly enough, Ireland were hardly impressive against the team lying 67th in the FIFA world rankings. A header from Kevin Doyle in the first-half and a close range shot from Alex Pearce providing the only entertainment for the night. Hardly rip-roaring stuff. Not exactly the return from retirement that Shay Given would have dreamed of. What with him practically remaining stationary while he was between the posts.

Friendlies are, of course, opportunities to give the new kids on the block a run out for their country. And I don't want to take anything away from how special a night it must be for any young lad who makes their debut for their country on such an occasion. It must be a dream come true to put on the jersey and run out onto the pitch to join their teammates. But apart from that, I can't see any logic in organising a friendly against a lower ranked team.

On the other end of the scale however, if a friendly were to be played against a much higher ranked, well respected team, I doubt many Irish fans would be complaining. Lets face it, even if we get beaten we still extract such joy out of fixtures such as 'Ireland v Spain' or 'Ireland v Portugal'. Not to mention the delight and anticipation before a clash against 'the old enemy' England! We love to witness how our boys fare against the worlds greatest stars. Not to mention how beneficial it would be to a player to play against the likes of Ronaldo, Iniesta, etc. And you could bet your house on a sellout crowd. 

These are the type of friendly fixtures the FAI should be trying to capture. Every match should have the aim of improving the squad in any way possible. Can we really say that games such as that against Oman accomplish this? Of course we can't. It was of no benefit to Ireland, ahead of the Georgia game, whatsoever. Its quite likely that only three of the players that started on Wednesday will retain their places for Sunday. So realistically, it cannot have taught Martin O' Neill anything about team line-outs or formations that he hadn't already identified.  

Keep presenting fixtures such as that against Oman and pitiful performances will continue to be the result. However, a mouthwatering friendly, such as the upcoming fixture against England in 2015, will signal the return of the passionate Ireland team we love and adore. Not to mention the sea of green jerseys, not green seats, that will occupy the Aviva Stadium.

All Ireland Hurling Final - An Occasion Like No Other!

In the eyes and hearts of the Irish nation there is no sporting occasion quite like the All Ireland final. We may reach the Grand Slam decider in the Six Nations, we may qualify for the Euro Championship or we may have an athlete competing in the Olympics. All major events in the Irish sporting calendar that fill us with an overwhelming sense of pride and national identity. But nothing gets the heart racing, the butterflies stirring quite like the All Ireland final.

Why is this? I think its due to the fact that the GAA is woven into out history, our culture. It is part of who we are as an Irish people. This is our national game. A game many of us have played and loved since we could walk. And when it comes to the final we know we will be treated to the best this country has to offer. The greatest skill, the quickest pace, the fiercest intensity.

Lets face it, even if you're not that interested in sport you'll still be fully aware of the magnitude of this weekends clash. It has dominated the sports headlines over the past week. Be honest, you might even take a sneaky glimpse at Up For The Match this Saturday night! We can't help it, its in our blood!

For those 83,000 patrons lucky enough to have a golden ticket to Croke Park this weekend, I bet the pulse is already racing. I've been lucky enough to attend one All Ireland and nothing can compare to it. From the train journey into Drumcondra to that epic first clash of hurls, the atmosphere is mind-blowing! The usual exchange of insults between opposing fans (purely banter of course!) outside Quinns, the walk down Jones Road in a mass of colour and sound. Those dedicated fans who have made the trip to Dublin who thrall the streets in search of any sniff of a ticket. The sellers on the street with an array of overpriced merchandise! And that's all before you even get to the stadium! Its all so familiar yet the feeling it ignites, never gets old.

Croke Park. In my opinion, one of the greatest stadiums in the world. And a icon of all that is great about Irish traditions, the Irish culture and the Irish people. And on All Ireland final day, this breathtaking structure is nothing less than sensational. The crowd, the noise, the buzz, its overwhelming. From the hair-raising roars as the teams emerge from the tunnel to that split-second of deafening silence before the band strike up 'Amhrán Na bhFiann'. And following on from that.. the nerves. And eventually the ball is thrown in and thus begins a legendary battle.

  On Sunday we will we treated to another chapter in what must be one of the greatest sporting rivalries of the modern era. Kilkenny versus Tipperary. It will, no doubt, be a titanic encounter. I think its fair to say that the physicality, the intensity and the hunger will be of the highest standard achievable. These are two of the biggest contributors to our beloved game. They will give this game nothing but the utmost respect. Not to mention the fact that these counties are neighbours! Don't underestimate the importance of bragging rights! 

Despite which teams are actually vying it out for the Liam McCarthy,
the majority of the country will be tuning into The Sunday Game (or Sky Sports to avoid conflict) to here what the lads have to say about these two incredible teams, their fierce rivalry and the occasion as a whole. 

We may play a variety of sports in Ireland. The pool is widening every year. But as regards a sense of national identity and pride, nothing can beat this age-old, wonderful game that we love and cherish so dearly. So ignore Mary or Joe down the road who say they haven't the slightest bit of interest in the match on Sunday because you can bet they'll be the one's on the edge of their seat, in front of the telly, roaring on one team or another, because lets face it, we can't stay neutral even if we say we don't care who wins!

Its the All Ireland Final. And nothing, nothing can compare to it.