I have always backed Cork in these matches down through the years especially in Munster but they just seem to have lost their direction a bit. Who knows? Maybe that might suit them instead of coming in from the league flying high every year but there's just something about that last day loss to Mayo that makes me think they're not right especially with Colm O'Neill gone. Kerry aren't all there either but in Killarney they'll have enough for this.

doublehop (Kildare) - Posts: 4172 - 20/06/2013 20:32:31    1411905

Cork ready to rock in Killarney!

Firstly, I will acknowledge that Kerry have real strength and cover in midfield and this may be the main reason they remain competitive in 2013. But to me, either side of their midfield, Kerry have problems and I just don't think they have enough to challenge ultimately for Sam in 2013 or indeed to beat Cork in the Munster Final.

I came in for stick earlier this year for saying Kerry are on the way down as serious contenders for All Ireland's over the coming few years, including this one. I stand by that view. Look Kerry have not won the All Ireland since 2009 and they have lost some serious talent in recent years - talent that has not been replaced to the same standard in my view. Some of their remaining greats may claim the appetite is still there but Dublin and Donegal in concurrent Championships against Kerry proved who had the real desire and especially freshness when it came right down to it!

Apart from stronger midfield options, I can't see where Kerry have really improved in their defence or that their forwards have reversed the mileage since 2012!

Be honest, Kerry are going to the well once more in 2013 with some of best forwards to have played the game but most of them are no longer on the way up in their careers and a couple just may be on the slide. Youngish gun James O' Donoghue needs to finally show this year that he has the temperament for the big day and the jury is way out on that one. Personally, I doubt his an X factor that in truth the Kerry forwards have needed for a few seasons, especially ever since Tommy Walsh packed his tools and headed to Oz.

When push came to shove the weariness of years on road among the Kerry forwards has told in recent seasons and they can be held from going on the rampage as Dublin clearly showed in 2011 and Donegal last year and indeed Cork in Munster last year. The move of Cooper to the 40 may benefit the player but as the quality and strength of opposition that Kerry meet this year improves, how beneficial it is to the team remains to be seen. The phrase of moving chairs around on the Titanic comes to my mind and that still sank!

However, Kerry for me have their biggest problems in the defence. Killian Young as an option at center back, in the words of John Mcenroe - you cannot be serious! Mark this down as a major weak position for Kerry and can an ageing and returning from injury Eoin Brosnan when needed really be able to step back up to the level required? Fionn Fitzgerald still seems a bit lightweight for this level as a corner back and I think Marc O'Se's game has dropped a little bit. Tomas O'Se is one of the best attacking wing backs the game has ever seen but his surging runs can come with a price because as he tends to leave gaps and can be ran at. At full back Aidan O'Mahony is another year older and fills the gap at fullback but not very assuredly. I think Kerry has found a good young defender in Crowley but the jury is way out on all the other young gun defenders.

I like the mix of youth Cork have introduced and so typical of Cork their young guns already have the physique to cope with this level. I think Cork has more to offer in this years Championship and being well past the law of averages by now Cork are surely due a win in Killarney. Law of averages aside, I think Cork are a well rested team during the League (badly needed) and an influx of seriously talented fresh blood should see them ready to rock in Killarney. Cork have the power game and speed I believe to tear through the best of what Kerry have to offer in their defence in 2013. Furthermore, Cork have the defence and the game plan to follow the template shown by others and shut down this Kerry attack as so many others have done in recent times. Sorry Kerry supporters it's my kiss of death for you again - Cork to win with a few to spare.

JamesH (Mayo) - Posts: 465 - 21/06/2013 14:39:23    1412332

Sorry Kerry supporters it's my kiss of death for you again - Cork to win with a few to spare.

One of these days one of your predictions will come true JamesH and I fear it could be this one

Superglue (Kerry) - Posts: 1283 - 21/06/2013 15:45:25    1412397

In fairness superglue some day you'll be honest. Apart from the the result in Killarney last year against Tyrone (Kerry did have one of those days) I have called all their other results for Kerry right since 05! But don't let a throw away line full of get in the way of the truth.

JamesH (Mayo) - Posts: 465 - 21/06/2013 19:00:18    1412530

I think that in keeping with their 'fly below the radar' stance this year that Kerry will dcide to lose this one and go the backdoor route!......Then totally slew whoever they meet in the final to be crowned AI Champions 2013!

Regards,

Snufalufagus....Laochra Gael

Snufalufagus (Dublin) - Posts: 8100 - 21/06/2013 19:06:38    1412535

JamesH
County: Mayo
Posts: 192

1412530
In fairness superglue some day you'll be honest. Apart from the the result in Killarney last year against Tyrone (Kerry did have one of those days) I have called all their other results for Kerry right since 05! But don't let a throw away line full of get in the way of the truth.


Hah! This wasn't hard to find.
http://www.hoganstand.com/Cork/MessagePage.aspx?TopicID=33838

Superglue (Kerry) - Posts: 1283 - 22/06/2013 16:07:00    1412824

Say what you want about Kerry Cork are no great shakes at the moment
Talent must be scarce in Cork when they they give a starting place
to a player from another county i dont think any county manager will
be shaken in his booths this year thinking about Cork
county

wfkerry (USA) - Posts: 933 - 22/06/2013 18:20:24    1412901

Say what you want about Kerry Cork are no great shakes at the moment
Talent must be scarce in Cork when they they give a starting place
to a player from another county i dont think any county manager will
be shaken in his booths this year thinking about Cork
county

Great post.....Spot on

bloodandbandage (Cork) - Posts: 578 - 25/06/2013 09:24:10    1414897

Well seeing as JamesH created a thread in February declaring "Kerry Football RIP", I think we should forfeit the Munster Final.

Cute_Kerry_Hoor (Kerry) - Posts: 2518 - 25/06/2013 10:19:16    1414936

bloodandbandage
County: Cork
Posts: 55

1414897
Say what you want about Kerry Cork are no great shakes at the moment
Talent must be scarce in Cork when they they give a starting place
to a player from another county i dont think any county manager will
be shaken in his booths this year thinking about Cork
county

Great post.....Spot on

Spot on is right.
Cork never win nothing with outsiders.

Superglue (Kerry) - Posts: 1283 - 25/06/2013 10:23:50    1414937

Kerry do not never lose in Killarney. Cork don't have no chance.

bennybunny (Cork) - Posts: 3917 - 25/06/2013 13:17:55    1415143

Jaysus

Look at the attention the Dubs v Kildare thread is getting compared to this...

Kerry v Cork is one of the biggest games in football!

jimbodub (Dublin) - Posts: 20763 - 25/06/2013 13:29:23    1415156

Am heading to this one as we have a player on Tipp minor team playing Kerry in minor final at 12 p.m.

Will be down early in Killarney so.

Where's best place to park in Killarney for the match as I haven't been there in years?

P.S.Senior match is very hard to call,I certainly wouldn't try to call it.

Muilleann (Tipperary) - Posts: 114 - 25/06/2013 13:31:48    1415161

JamesH
County: Mayo
Posts: 192
Look Kerry have not won the All Ireland since 2009

Look, Mayo have not the All-Ireland since 1951 and have lost some players in the meantime. still think they might win it this year :)

s goldrick (Cavan) - Posts: 5524 - 25/06/2013 13:35:57    1415171

bennybunny
County: Cork
Posts: 1765

1415143
Kerry do not never lose in Killarney. Cork don't have no chance.

You're not wrong

Superglue (Kerry) - Posts: 1283 - 25/06/2013 14:30:12    1415247

The Munster, Leinster and Connaught football 'Championships' combined still don't have half the excitement, passion and interest as the Ulster Championship creates.

Ulsterman (Antrim) - Posts: 9840 - 25/06/2013 14:41:12    1415264

Muilleann
County: Tipperary
Posts: 84

1415161
Am heading to this one as we have a player on Tipp minor team playing Kerry in minor final at 12 p.m.

Will be down early in Killarney so.

Where's best place to park in Killarney for the match as I haven't been there in years?

P.S.Senior match is very hard to call,I certainly wouldn't try to call it.


Park on the by-pass road but get down early and be turned for home, short walk to town and stadium from there.

Cute_Kerry_Hoor (Kerry) - Posts: 2518 - 25/06/2013 14:47:02    1415271

Ulsterman
County: Antrim
Posts: 6140

1415264
The Munster, Leinster and Connaught football 'Championships' combined still don't have half the excitement, passion and interest as the Ulster Championship creates.

Ulster and excitement????

Superglue (Kerry) - Posts: 1283 - 25/06/2013 15:16:29    1415311

Superglue
County: Kerry
Posts: 683

1415311
Ulsterman
County: Antrim
Posts: 6140

1415264
The Munster, Leinster and Connaught football 'Championships' combined still don't have half the excitement, passion and interest as the Ulster Championship creates.

Ulster and excitement????

He's talking about the Heineken Cup....

bennybunny (Cork) - Posts: 3917 - 26/06/2013 09:29:30    1415698

Not long now, I'd imagine a lot of Dublin folk will have a big interest in this one as a potential semi clash with the winner is on the cards.

bloodandbandage (Cork) - Posts: 578 - 01/07/2013 15:53:25    1420673