Kerry v Galway
Allianz Football League, Division 1
Austin stack Park, 7pm Saturday 1st February 2020.
Kerry came away from Croke Park last Saturday evening with a single league point to show for their efforts. David Clifford’s late-late equalising free securing a 1-19 apiece draw with the Dubs.
Peter Keane’s side went blow for blow with the All-Ireland champions and showed why they will be a force to be reckoned with at the business end of both league and championship this season. Clifford, who only turned 21 during the week, scored a superb solo first-half goal.
In a replica of the drawn All-Ireland final last year, Kerry could have won as they led by 3 points with 65 minutes gone. A couple of Ciaran Kilkenny scores and a Dean Rock free looked to have given Dublin the win. However, Clifford was nerveless as he drove over the free a full ten minutes into stoppage time.
Galway’s new approach under the new management trio of Padráic Joyce, John Divily and John Concannon was tested by Banty McEnany’s Monaghan on Sunday afternoon. Galway shaded this tight encounter by the bare minimum.
Galway’s attacking style was very direct against Monaghan. The quick ball into their forwards was in direct contrast to the often slow laborious build-ups witnessed by Galway fans last season under the previous regime. However, there were signs that Galway will be susceptible to conceding scores just as easily as getting them at the other end. Monaghan’s attack troubled the Galway rearguard when they went direct up the middle of the park. There was uncertainty in the tribesmen’s defensive system. Galway’s midfield faded in the third quarter of the game. During this stage, Monaghan reeled off five points on the spin.
These two sides met in Tuam Stadium last February in round four of league. On that occasion, the visitors won by a single point. Galway 1-10 Kerry 0-14.
Team News
Kerry v Galway
Peter Keane has made three changes from last weeks side. There are new faces in the 7,8 & 9 shirts for their Saturday evening clash with Galway. There is a new midfield pairing as Liam Kearney and Jack Barry pair up. While Gavin White come back into the side at right half-back. Brian Ó Beaglaoich and Adrian Spillane who both picked up knocks last weekend drop out. Tommy Walsh is the third player to make way.
Pádraic Joyce has also made three changes from the Galway side that overcame Monaghan last Sunday. Ronan Steede, who gave a man of the match display for Corofin in their All-Ireland win over Kilcoo, will start in midfield. While the other two changes come in the half-forward line. Eamon Brannigan and Damien Comer both start. Michael Boyle, Adrian Varley & Paul Conroy are the players to make way.
Galway
- Connor Gleeson (Dunmore)
- Johny Duane (St.James)
- Seán Mulkerrin (Oileáin Árann)
- Johnny Heaney (Killanin)
- Gary O’Donnell (Tuam Stars)
- John Daly (Mountbellew/Moylough)
- Cillian McDaid (Monevia/Abbey)
- Ronan Steed (Corofin)
- Céin D’Arcy (Carlistrane)
- Eamon Brannigan
- Damien Comer (Annaghdown)
- Finian Ó Laoí (An Spidéal)
- Michael Daly (Mountbellew/Moylough)
- Shane Walsh (Kilkerrin/Clonberne)
- Robert Finnerty (Salthill/Knocknacarra)
Kerry
- Shane Ryan (Rathmore)
- Jason Foley (Ballydonoghue)
- Tadhg Morley (Templenoe)
- Shane Enright (Tarbert)
- Paul Murphy (Rathmore)
- Gavin Crowley (Templenoe)
- Gavin White (Dr. Crokes)
- Liam Kearney (Spa)
- Jack Barry (Na Gaeil)
- Gavin O’Brien (Kerin O’Rahillys)
- Seán O’Shea (Kenmare Shamrocks)
- Stephen O’Brien (Kenmare Shamrocks)
- James O’Donoughue (Killarney Legion)
- David Clifford (Fossa)
- Paul Geaney (Dingle)
