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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