Sunday September 18

Electric Ireland MFC Final

Kerry v Galway, Croke Park, 1.15pm

By Cian O'Connell

An entertaining and lively match is anticipated especially following the stylish manner in which Kerry and Galway performed at the Semi-Final stage.

Classy finishing in attack was evident when Kerry shrugged off a spirited Kildare outfit, while Galway stayed calm too defeating a rated Donegal outfit.

Ultimately it means two teams, who are keen to use a direct approach will clash on the third Sunday in September with an All Ireland title the particularly sweet prize on offer.

With St Brendan’s, Killarney claiming the Hogan Cup in such splendid fashion in March, Kerry have coped admirably with the heavy burden of expectancy through their campaign.

Seeking a third minor crown in a row Kerry have become accustomed to this stage again, before that 2014 triumph they hadn’t been national champions since 1994.

Back then they defeated a Galway outfit and members of the two panels went on to have decorated careers.

Barry O’Shea, Denis O’Dwyer, and Mike Frank Russell subsequently won senior All Irelands with Kerry, while Richie Fahy, Tomas Meehan, John Divilly, Declan Meehan, Paul Clancy, Michael Donnellan, Padraic Joyce, and Derek Savage were key figures during Galway’s triumphs in 1998 and 2001.

It is an illustrious cast list and as Kerry slung over several outrageous scores when beating Kildare it was easy to see why they are hopeful and confident about the future.

David Clifford, a star for the Sem in the Hogan Cup triumph, nailed eight points, including six from play, while the smashing wing play of Dara Moynihan was excellent too.

Centre forward Sean O’Shea created and scored, while Diarmuid O’Connor and David Show were accurate up front.

It means that Galway will need to be robust defensively, but Stephen Joyce’s team are well organised and have coped with every challenge so far.

Cormac Haslam is a promising goalkeeper, while Sean O’Maoilchiarain from Oileain Arainn has significant potential at full back.

In attack Evan Murphy, Robert Finnerty, and the exciting Dessie Conneely, who captains the maroon and whites, carry a threat.

Donegal examined Galway’s resolve, and while the Tribesmen were able to summon the necessary answers Kerry remain the team to beat at this level.

Pobalscoil Corca Dhuibhne and St Brendan’s Killarney’s strength during the past five years has aided the Kerry cause with Peter O’Leary stitching a formidable panel together.

An intriguing decider beckons.

Paths to the Final

** **

Kerry

Munster Semi-Final: Kerry 1-13 Clare 1-6

Munster Final: Kerry 3-14 Cork 3-8

All Ireland Quarter Final: Kerry 1-24 Derry 2-10

All Ireland Semi Final: Kerry 2-26 Kildare 0-10

Galway

Connacht Semi-Final: Galway 3-11 Roscommon 1-7

Connacht Final: Galway 1-9 Mayo 0-6

All Ireland Quarter Final: Galway 3-10 Laois 0-12

All Ireland Semi Final: Galway 2-12 Donegal 1-11