Monday 22 September 2014

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.

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