Páirc Aibhistín de Staic, Trá Lí Dé Satharn 18ú Márta i.n. Reiteoir: SEAN HURSON (Tír Eoghain)

Transcription

1 SRAITH ALLIANZ 2017 ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE ROINN 1 BÁBHTA 5 CIARRAÍ VS ÁTH CLIATH 3.00 Páirc Aibhistín de Staic, Trá Lí Dé Satharn 18ú Márta i.n. Reiteoir: SEAN HURSON (Tír Eoghain)

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3 Fáiltiú an Chathaoirligh Céad míle Fáilte roimh gach duine chuig Páirc Aibhistín de Staic, Trá Lí anocht. Fáilte faoi leith chuig imreoirí, oifigí agus lucht leanúna Áth Cliath, coimh maith le n-ár muintir fhéin agus roimh na reiteoirí agus na n-oifigí freisin. Tá ceangailt stairiúil idir Ciarraí agus Áth Cliath ar feadh blianta fada, go háirithe ó na seachtóidí. You are all very welcome here tonight to the 5th round of the 2017 Allianz Football League Division 1 in Austin Stack Park where Saturday night fever firmly comes to Tralee with Kerry hosting All-Ireland & Allianz League champions, Dublin in a sell-out fixture. Tonight has all the ingredients of a great game of football and promises to be quite an occasion. Dublin are bidding for their fifth League title in a row this year and tonight seek to extend their unbeaten run to 34 games. Kerry are in fact the last team to beat the Dubs back in March 2015 and ironically are the county to have recorded the GAA s all-time unbeaten record in league and championship games which was set back in the early 1930s when they went 34 games unbeaten. Neither team will be focusing on this particular statistic but it nevertheless brings some added intrigue to a longstanding intense sporting rivalry between both counties. Austin Stack Park This is the second Allianz football league game to be played under lights here in Austin Stack Park this year and the Saturday night element of the fixture certainly brings added fervour to the occasion. The facilities are a credit to the Austin Stack Park Management Committee. Credit Union County Leagues The Credit Union County Leagues, which get underway this weekend, began in Kerry back in 1971 and have proven to be one of the most successful competitions ever introduced in our County. Chapter 23 of the Irish League of Credit Unions continue their generous sponsorship of the County Leagues and 2017 marks their 15th consecutive year of sponsorship. We wish to sincerely thank them for their continued support and in so many ways the community and voluntary ethos of the GAA is reflected in the Credit Union movement. Kerry GAA Centre of Excellence The first Phase of the Development (Clubhouse and four pitches) will be available for use from June 2017 onwards see Page 29 for full details Play for Kerry Tonight, at half time in the game, we launch our new Fundraising Drive in order to underpin and enhance our Player Development Programme. Marc Ó Sé has very kindly agreed to be our Fundraising Ambassador and I would earnestly ask all our supporters and patrons to support this new initiative over the coming weeks, months and years. The cost is 100 per annum and there are a variety of unique and novel prizes to be won. Exact details on the initiative and how to join are contained within this programme. Finally I hope that everyone enjoys this evening s game and may the best team win. Buíochas Díbh go Léir, Tadhg O Murchú, Cathaoirleach Coiste Chontae Chiarraí. SRAITH ALLIANZ 2017 ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE ROINN 1 BÁBHTA 5 TODAY S OFFICIALS Reiteoir: SEAN HURSON (Tír Eoghain) Standby Referee: Conor Lane (Corcaigh) Linesman: James Bermingham (Corcaigh) Sideline Official: David Murnane (Corcaigh) BUÍOCHAS CIARRAÍ VS ÁTH CLIATH Páirc Aibhistín de Staic, Trá Lí Dé Satharn 18ú Márta i.n. Reiteoir: SEAN HURSON (Tír Roghain) Cover Photo: Donnchadh Walsh (Ciarraí) has Philly McMahon (Áth Cliath) on his trail in the All Ireland Senior Football Semi Final last year. (Photo: Kerry s Eye) My thanks to all who contributed to today s Programme the proceeds of which are going to the Austin Stack Park Committee for the refurbishment of Press and Spectator facilities. John O Leary, PRO Coiste Chontae Chiarraí.

4 ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE - ROINN 1 - BÁBHTA 5 CIARRAÍ V ÁTH CLIATH ALLIANZ LEAGUE 2017 RESULTS & FIXTURES - DIVISION 1 RESULTS ROUND 1 DATE TIME HOME AWAY VENUE 4 Feb 7pm MAYO MONAGHAN MacHale Park 5 Feb 2pm DONEGAL KERRY Letterkenny 5 Feb 2pm CAVAN DUBLIN Breffni Park 5 Feb 2pm TYRONE ROSCOMMON Healy Park RESULTS ROUND 2 DATE TIME HOME AWAY VENUE 11 Feb 7pm DUBLIN TYRONE Croke Park 11 Feb 7pm KERRY MAYO Austin Stack Park 12 Feb 2pm MONAGHAN CAVAN Castleblaney 12 Feb 2.30pm ROSCOMMON DONEGAL Hyde Park ROUND 3 25 Feb 7pm MAYO ROSCOMMON MacHale Park 26 Feb 2pm DONEGAL DUBLIN Ballybofey 26 Feb 2pm KERRY MONAGHAN Fitzgerald Stadium 26 Feb 2:30pm TYRONE CAVAN Healy Park ROUND 4 4 Mar 7pm CAVAN DONEGAL Breffni Pk 4 Mar 7pm DUBLIN MAYO Croke Park 4 Mar 7pm TYRONE MONAGHAN Healy Park 5 Mar 2pm ROSCOMMON KERRY Hyde Park REMAINING FIXTURES ROUND 5 18 Mar 7pm KERRY v DUBLIN Austin Stack Park 18 Mar 7pm DONEGAL v TYRONE Ballybofey 19 Mar 2pm MAYO v CAVAN MacHale Park 19 Mar 2pm MONAGHAN v ROSCOMMON Inniskeen ROUND 6 25 Mar 7pm DUBLIN v ROSCOMMON Croke Park 26 Mar 2pm CAVAN v KERRY Breffni Park 26 Mar 3pm DONEGAL v MONAGHAN Ballyshannon 26 Mar 3pm TYRONE v MAYO Healy Park ROUND 7 2 Apr 2pm KERRY v TYRONE Fitzgerald Stadium 2 Apr 2pm MAYO v DONEGAL MacHale Park 2 Apr 2pm MONAGHAN v DUBLIN Clones 2 Apr 2pm ROSCOMMON v CAVAN Dr Hyde Park 04

5 David Moran, Colm Cooper and Paul Murphy (Ciarraí) in action against Ciarán Kilkenny (Áth Cliath) in the Allianz League final last year. (Photo: Kerry s Eye)??DID YOU KNOW?? Allianz Football League KERRY v DUBLIN Kerry were the last team to beat Dublin in the Allianz Football League. On the 1/3/15 in Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney, Kerry prevailed by 0-15 to Since then, Dublin have remained unbeaten in 33 League and Championship matches. Kieran Donaghy made his League debut against Dublin in Austin Stack Park on the 5/3/05. He lined out at midfield alongside Tomás Ó Sé. The match was played under lights. Barney Rock made his League debut against Kerry in Austin Stack Park on the 7/10/79. Kerry won by 1-16 to Barney s son, Dean Rock has made 26 League appearances for Dublin scoring Colm Cooper has made 60 League Appearances for Kerry scoring Stephen Cluxton has 88 League appearances for Dublin scoring 0-18 not a bad scoring record for a goalkeeper! Kerry and Dublin have played in 5 different venues in the history of the National Football League - Austin Stack Park, Fitzgerald Stadium, Croke Park, Parnell Park, and Listowel. Dublin s biggest winning margin against Kerry in the League was the 3-11 to 0-7 victory on 24/2/91. Dublin and Kerry have met on 3 occasions in League finals - Dublin won in 1987 and 2016, Kerry in by TIM SLATTERY 05

6 match preview IT S a tight call which sold out fastest: 78,000 Coldplay tickets for Croke Park in July or the 12,000 entries into this evening's meeting between Kerry and Dublin here in Tralee. Either way it's standing room only around the old ground tonight and elbow room, you'd imagine, will be fairly much at a premium out on the pitch too. Much has been made of Dublin's 33-game unbeaten run across League and Championship since March 2015, and the football gods are surely having a little chuckle at having sent the Dubs to Tralee primed to equal a 34-game unbeaten record that has stood for 84 years. And yes, you've guessed it: the record is held by Kerry. KERRY v DUBLINby PAUL BRENNAN Records on the line as Kerry take on touring Dubs Kerry won't be using the preservation of their county's record as motivation, no more so than Dublin will be consciously looking to equal it. There's a game to be played, a result to be achieved, and the record books will write themselves accordingly. Tonight is not about the past it's about the present, and in some ways about the future. Dublin need a win and two points to keep their League title defence on course, as defeat this evening could see them drop out of the top two depending on how other results go this weekend. Kerry need the points to put themselves in a position to challenge for the top two and League final place, but even more than that they quite simply have to put in a performance against Dublin. Eamonn Fitzmaurice's side might have been the last team to beat Dublin before that 33-game streak took seed two years and two weeks ago, but that's scant consolation given the results between the teams since. Two Championship and two League defeats in the meantime has both neutered and energised the rivalry between the counties, and Kerry simply cannot countenance a fifth David Moran (Ciarraí) on the ball with James McCarthy and Brian Fenton in pursuit when the sides met in the Allianz League Final last year. (Photo: Kerry s Eye) 06

7 ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE - ROINN 1 - BÁBHTA 5 CIARRAÍ V ÁTH CLIATH Colm Cooper (Ciarraí) shows his delight at a Kerry goal with Jonny Cooper and Stephen Cluxton (Á th Cliath) in close proximity during the All Ireland Senior Football Semi Final last year. (Photo: Kerry s Eye) successive loss to their great foe. A glimmer of hope for tonight's fixture at least is that those last four defeats happened in Croke Park. Taking on the Dubs in Tralee might be significant in Kerry breaking that losing streak, but even that comes with caveats. First, Dublin have obviously shown in the last 24 months that they can win on the road and, second, Kerry's second half collapse to Mayo at this venue five weeks ago doesn't exactly scream 'Fortress Stack Park'. Starting teams were unknown at the time of writing but whether they start or come on, players like Jack Barry, Ronan Shanahan, Jack Savage and the other firstseason talent Fitzmaurice is attempting to stitch into the team will get a test like none other tonight. Someone suggested that Dublin didn't go out a fortnight ago to beat Mayo, they went out to bury them. Behind that disarming smile Jim Gavin remains a military man, and he and his players will see tonight as an opportunity to deliver another sucker-punch a killer-blow to Kerry football. Significant, perhaps, is that Dublin have led at half time in 25 of their last 33 matches, so the dilemma for the Kerry management is whether to start with an experienced (cynical) team to arrest Dublin's early momentum, or to trust Barry, Shanahan and Savage from the get-go and see how they measure up against the League and All- Ireland champions. For Dublin supporters the interest will be in whether or not Darren Daly, Niall Scully, Shane Carthy and Conor McHugh retain their starting places and, if so, how much they look Championship starters against opposition that is certain to approach this game in as near Championship mode as one can expect in mid March. It's a cliché but also a truism: the League is for playing in but the Championship is for winning. Come what may tonight, if Kerry and Dublin have another cut at each other at the end of the summer the rules of engagement will be markedly different, Yet there's still a nagging sense with Kerry that this evening's performance statement, if you will more than the result could really define that potential late summer duel. Incidentally, that sell-out Coldplay gig in July is billed as the 'A Head Full of Dreams Tour'. Tonight, should Kerry lose or lose badly they will carry a head full of doubts into the summer. Should Dublin lose could we say the same? 07

8 ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE - ROINN 1 - BÁBHTA 5 CIARRAÍ V ÁTH CLIATH KERRY COMPETITION SPONSORS KERRY SENIOR FOOTBALL & HURLING CHAMPIONSHIPS CASTLEISLAND CO-OP LIVESTOCK MART SOCIETY LTD. Sponsors of Kerry Club County Championships Sponsors of 2017 U21 Football & Hurling Championships Family Protection, Retirement Planning Savings Plans, Lump Sum Investments Acorn Life Limited is regulated by the Financial Regulator 08

9 2005 KERRY v DUBLIN THEIR LAST MEETING IN AUSTIN STACK PARK Sraith Náisiúnta Peile CIARRAÍ 2-13 ÁTH CLIATH 2-11 Played under lights at Austin Stack Park on Saturday, 5 March 2005, this was a most entertaining contest between two team s intent on outdoing each other and doing so in the best spirit of the game. The match report by Michael Ferriter in the Kerry s Eye newspaper noted that Kerry s 23 year unbeaten home record against Dublin remains intact after both sides served up a thrilling and intensely fought encounter. Kerry were reigning All-Ireland and League champions and for most of the first half played with the swagger that these titles bring to a team. First half goals from by Declan Quill and Paul Galvin left Kerry in a very strong position and 8 points ahead just as half time approached. Then a rather harsh second yellow card for their wing forward, Paddy Kelly, brought them down to 14 men and Tomás Quinn pointed a late Dublin free. Ag leath am bhí Ciarraí chun tosaigh, 2 7 in aghaidh 0 6. Within 14 seconds of the re-start, Ciaran Whelan finished a great four-man move with a Dublin goal. This A Youthful Kieran Donaghy makes his Kerry debut against Dublin in the 2005 Allianz League game between the sides (Photo: Sportsfile) was followed within a minute by a Shane Ryan point. Suddenly the deficit was just 3 points, 2 7 to 1 7 and Dublin, under manager Paul Caffrey, saw an opportunity to grab the two league points. By the 50th minute there was just a point between the sides. Kerry rallied however. Manager, Jack O Connor, introduced William Kirby for midfielder Kieran Donaghy (who was making his league debut that night) and switched Darragh Ó Sé from an unfamiliar centre-back slot to midfield. Ó Sé, ably assisted by Seamus Moynihan, made a huge difference while up front Declan Quill, who gave a man of the match performance, had two Kerry points to help them settle and they went four clear with 10 minutes left. Yet Dublin failed to lie down. A 62nd minute goal from Declan Lally left it Kerry 2 12 Dublin 2 11 and the game was set for a grand stand finish. Conal Keaney missed a close in free on 65 minutes and in a thrill a minute finale, an injury-time Eoin Brosnan point gave Kerry a two point winning margin after a tremendous contest. CIARRAí: Diarmuid Murphy (An Daingean), Marc Ó Sé (An Ghaeltacht), Tom O Sullivan (Rathmore), Mossie Lyons (Castleisland Desmonds), Aidan O Mahony (Rathmore), Darragh Ó Sé (An Ghaeltacht), Seamus Moynihan (Glenflesk), Kieran Donaghy (Austin Stacks), Tomás Ó Sé (An Ghaeltacht), Paul Galvin (Finuge, 1-0), Eoin Brosnan (Dr. Crokes, 0-2), Paddy Kelly (Ballylongford), Declan Quill (Kerins-O Rahilly s, 1-5), Ronan O Connor (St. Michael s-foilmore, 0-4), Colm Cooper (Dr. Crokes, 0-1). Subs: Liam Hassett (Laune Rangers, 0-1) for Kelly (35, yellow); William Kirby (Austin Stacks) for Donaghy (55); Bryan Sheehan (St. Mary s) for Hassett (67). Yellow card: Kelly. ÁTh CLIATh: Stephen Cluxton (Parnell s), Paul Griffin(Kilmacud Crokes), Paddy Christie (Ballymun Kickhams), Seamus O Shaughnessy (Lucan Sarsfields), Paul Casey (Lucan Sarsfields), Brian Cullen (Skerries Harps), Paddy Andrews (St. Brigid s), Ciarán Whelan (Raheny, 1-2), Shane Ryan (Naomh Mearnóg, 0-1), Declan Lally (St. Brigid s, 1-1), Liam Óg Ó heineacháin (Kilmacud Crokes, 0-1), Senan Connell (Na Fianna, 0-1), Dotsie O Callaghan (St. Brigid s), Conal Keaney (Ballyboden St. Enda s, 0-2), Tomás Quinn (St. Vincent s, 0-1). Subs: Mark Vaughan (Kilmacud Crokes, 0-2) for O Callaghan (h-t); Collie Moran (Ballyboden St. Enda s) for Casey (h-t); Coman Goggins (Ballinteer St. John s) for Andrews (42, yellow); Jason Sherlock (Na Fianna) for Ó heineacháin (54); Barry Cahill (St. Brigid s) for O Shaughnessy (64, yellow); Darren Homan(Ballyboden St. Enda s) for Quinn (64); Homan (68, yellow - no replacement). Yellow cards: Andrews, O Shaughnessy, Homan. Réiteoir: Mick Deegan (Laois). [Neither team progressed to the knockout stages in the 2005 league. Armagh won their first title in 2005 defeating Wexford in the final by 1-21 to 1-14 at Croke Park on 1 May] 09

10 ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE - ROINN 1 - BÁBHTA 5 GROWING UP WITH A SPORTING RIVALRY By MARC Ó Sé Igrew up listening to tales of the great sporting rivalries that existed between Kerry and Dublin in the 70 s and the 80 s. Having an uncle living next door who played his part in all of those huge battles was great for me and my three brothers as we got a great insight into what went on in those matches. Watching Paidí train in the winter months with the likes of Ogie or Seanie Walsh to prepare themselves for Micko s heavy spring training and to see what they actually put their bodies through to get to a level they felt would get them through Micko s sessions was fascinating. It just goes to show the intensity of Micko s sessions at that time. I can still see Páidí wearing David Hickey s sky blue number 12 Dublin jersey as he put himself through the pain barrier pounding those roads during the winter. All of this in preparation for three matches, because that is all you had to prepare for in those days. The Munster final, the All Ireland semi-final and the All Ireland final. I remember the build up to the 1985 final when Paidí was captain. I don t remember much from the game but I do remember the excitement in our home and also the fear of losing to the Dubs. Maybe that is what led Páidí and Kerry to victory. That fear of losing. Watching re-runs of that game it showed how close both teams were and it certainly planted the seed in my head that all I wanted to do was to play for Kerry and have big days out in Croke Park like that day. While we have had great days, in CIARRAÍ V ÁTH CLIATH Marc with Sam Maguire in 2014 recent years it s this Dublin team who are proving to be the top team of this current decade and the debate now is are they the greatest Dublin team of all time? I certainly think so yet I would have only seen videos of the team of the 70 s so it would be hard for me to make proper judgement on that. But to be considered the greatest Dublin team of all time is (Photo: Kerry s Eye) Marc Ó Sé in action against Bernard Brogan in last year s Allianz League Final (Photo: Sportsfile) 10

11 a huge achievement when you consider the great teams that have gone in the past. That great Dublin team of the 70 s was full of great players and more importantly full of great characters like Paddy Cullen in goal. Watching the clip Paddy did with Mikey Sheehy, Robbie Kelliher and Ger Power recently to re-enact the famous goal Mikey scored in 1978, it struck me the huge respect they had for each other. Robbie is a regular visitor to Ventry and he and his family are great friends with our family going back years now. That all came about because of this great rivalry between these great counties. But he should have thrown the ball away instead of throwing it to Mikey! And Mikey told him that too! When I went to college in Maynooth I became very friendly with the Brogans. Alan in particular. Bernard senior was a selector on our Sigerson Cup team and Alan and Bernard were both on that team. How we didn t win a Sigerson baffles me to this day. But I hit it off straight away with them and we have remained great friends ever since. At the moment Dublin are the inform team and have been for a few years now. Kerry are showing signs of getting closer in Croke Park final day but until we beat them there soon that won t count for nothing. Due to the success of our Minor teams these last three years there is an expectation in Kerry for it to happen now. This is a very hard thing to do and it will of course take time for these players to mature. In the next few years I expect these players to become leaders of this team and there are signs of that happening already. However, Dublin are in a different league to everyone else in the country at the moment and Marc, Darragh and Tomás All Stars 2007 where they are superior to the rest of the country is in their strength in depth. Their panel is full of talent. Two weeks ago they gave Mayo a footballing lesson in Croke Park and when you think of the players who have yet to come back into the panel it just shows how strong they really are. That said, Kerry are the team to beat this great Dublin side. Maybe there can be an argument made that Dublin don t like travelling away from home or away from Croke Park. We possibly saw this in the league versus Donegal. And then there is the matter of Dublin s unbeaten run of 33 games. I am pretty sure Kerry will want to hold on to their record of 34. This game promises to be another intriguing battle as only Kerry/Dublin games are. While we know we are up against it we must also look at the wealth of talent we have on our Kerry team and we know we are a match for any team on a given day and I would be hoping for a huge performance from the Kingdom. This is one we will have to fight for though and somehow I don t think Philly McMahon will be as generous to James O Donoghue as Robbie Kelliher was to Mikey Sheehy! Marc Ó Sé shares a record 88 Championship appearances for the Kingdom with his brother Tomás. In his time, he played in 6 Championship games and 7 League games against Dublin. If you told me as a child that I would go on and win All Ireland's with my heroes I would have said I was dreaming so to be able to do that has been one of the greatest thrills of my life. To play alongside some of the greatest players to ever play the game is something I will always cherish. Marc Ó Sé on his retirement last October. A youthful Marc Ó Sé pictured in 2001 with brothers Darragh and Tomás 11 (Photo: Sportsfile) (Photo: Kerry s Eye)

12 ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE - ROINN 1 - BÁBHTA 5 SPECIAL TIMES FOR DUBLIN S BRIAN FENTON By JOhN harrington, GAA.ie Chief Writer CIARRAÍ V ÁTH CLIATH It would be ironic were Brian Fenton to lose his first ever match as a Dublin senior footballer against Kerry this evening. After all, Kerry blood flows through his own veins. His father, Brian Snr, was a handy footballer himself and won two O Donoghue Cups (East Kerry Championship) with Spa, Killarney in 1966 and He passed on his love of football to his son and gave him more than a gentle nudge in that direction at a time when Brian Jnr was also showing a flair for swimming. That too was passed down through the genes from his late mother Marian who was a champion swimmer, and his (Photo: Sportsfile uncle David Cummins who represented Ireland in swimming at the Moscow Olympics. There s a higher regard for football than swimming in Kerry though, and Fenton knew from an early age that his father was keen for him to focus on the former rather than the latter. Yeah, definitely, laughs Fenton. He's a Kerry-man so football is in his blood and my blood. He was pushing me towards the GAA club. It was always the plan to play football, but I remember someone came to the school and told us all about the underage games (in Raheny GAA club) and gave us a letter to bring home to the parents Brian Fenton covering back on Colm Cooper (Ciarraí) in last year's All Ireland semi final Brian Fenton - The All Star and that was it. So you're sort of brought along then and I can remember buying my first pair of boots. My dad bought them, and I was asking him would they make the noise running out on concrete! I just wanted to get out there. I was really keen to get out there. In the space of just two years, Brian Fenton has established himself as arguably the best midfielder in Gaelic Football. It s been a remarkably stratospheric rise for a player who didn t play minor football for Dublin and had just one year of action in the U-21 grade. A Hollywood writer wouldn t have scripted his story thus far. He s now won two All- Irelands, two League titles, two All-Stars, and is yet to know what it feels like to walk off the pitch on the wrong side of the result as a senior inter-county footballer. It s very rare for a young player to arrive on the scene and make 12 (Photo: Sportsfile

13 We've done it! Brian Fenton celebrates after winning his second All Ireland medal last October with victory over Mayo (Photo: Sportsfile such an immediate impact especially in such a pivotal position, but those who know him best are not surprised. Former Dublin midfielder Ciaran Whelan is a Raheny clubmate of Fenton s, and knew he had star quality from a very young age even though he was overlooked by the Dublin minor management. No, I'm not surprised, to be honest, says Whelan. Brian coming up through the ranks was always a very, very good player. And while he was unlucky not to make the minor team, you could see that he always had great ball-skills, he was always very comfortable in possession. He had two good feet and he was a smart footballer, really. When he was younger his size probably went against him because he wasn't that tall, and he grew very late in life. And I firmly believe he still is bloody growing! He's getting bigger all the time.the biggest factor he had to deal with going into the senior setup was the work-rate. And I think that was the core element that he added to his game that he needed to. He's had to learn how to work hard and tackle hard, because everything else was there. Once he added that to his game, it all came together, and he's on a roller-coaster at the moment. It's brilliant to see. As a footballer, Fenton is the full package. He s dominant in the air, extremely quick across the ground, reads the game brilliantly, tackles cleanly, and scores clinically. He only turned 24 last week and midfielders tend not to peak until their late twenties so he has the potential to get even better in the coming years. You get the feeling he ll fulfil all that potential too. He s a very grounded character who hasn t let the success of the last two years go to his head, and he s ambitious to achieve a lot more. "A few of the lads have four All-Irelands at this stage so there's always something more to aspire to in this game and hopefully I can keep achieving, says Fenton. But yeah, it's special, special times and I don't take it for granted." 13

14 ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE - ROINN 1 - BÁBHTA 5 CIARRAÍ V ÁTH CLIATH KERRY ASSOCIATE SPONSORS 14

15 PLAYER PROFILE FORWARD NAME JACK SAVAGE BORN height 5-11 WEIGhT 78kgs CLUB KERINS O RAhILLYS Occupation: Bank Official When and where did you first play Football? Kerins O Rahillys, Strand Road Childhood GAA heroes: Colm Gooch Cooper Inter County Experience: Minor: 2012 & 2013 U21: 2014, 2015, 2016 Allianz League Debut V: Donegal, Round 1 this year Sporting Achievements to date: Munster Minor Medal 2013, Under 21 County & Club Championship, Senior Co. League Any Superstitions before a match? Same shorts and socks! Favourite Venue: Strand Road (Kerins O Rahillys) Biggest influence on your sporting career to date: Parents Most memorable sporting moment as a player? Captaining Kerry Under 21s in 2016 Biggest Sporting Disappointment: Losing Munster U21 Final 2016 In ten years time I hope to be... Alive and playing ball If there was a transfer market in GAA who would you buy? Conor McManus The best invention ever: iphone One word to describe yourself: A Narrie! Something people may not know about you? I play Hurling with St Brendans, Ardfert What skill do you think is the most important in Football? Kicking Advice for young players: Practice your skills in your spare time Favourite sport other than Football? Basketball What do you like most about the GAA? Games and the Club how would you improve the GAA? Shorter Season Name 2 GAA People you would invite to Dinner? Mike Quirke and Mick O Dwyer hobbies: Basketball Favourite Food? Steak Favourite Music: Ed Sheeran Favourite Film: Shawshank Redemption Facebook or Twitter? Twitter

16 ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE - ROINN 1 - BÁBHTA 5 CIARRAÍ V ÁTH CLIATH (16) Briain Ó Ceallaigh Brian Kelly Killarney Legion (17) Barra Seán Ó Catháin Barry John Keane Kerins O Rahillys (18) Seán Ó Laighin Jonathan Lyne Killarney Legion (19) Antaine Ó Meachair Anthony Maher Duagh (20) Stiofán Ó Briain Stephen O Brien Kenmare (21) Darran Ó Suilleabháin Darran O Sullivan Glenbeigh/Glencar (22) Micheál Ó Géibheannaigh Michael Geaney Dingle (23) Briain Ó Siocháin Bryan Sheehan St. Mary s (24) Cathal Ó Lúing An Ghaeltacht (25) Donnchadh Ó Dálaigh Denis Daly St Marys (26) Gaibhin Ó Crualaioch Gavin Crowley Templenoe (27) Conchúir Ó Catháin Conor Keane Killarney Legion Ciarraí Colours: GREEN & GOLD FIR IONAD: (1) Breandán Ó Caolaí Brendan Kealy Kilcummin (2) (3) (4) Seán Mac Ionrachtaigh Marc Ó Grifín Ronán Ó Seanacháin Shane Enright Mark Griffin Ronan Shanahan Tarbert St. Michaels-Foilmore Austin Stacks (5) (6) (7) Peadar Ó Crualaidh Tadhg Ó Muraile Cillian de Siún Peter Crowley (c) Tadhg Morley Killian Young Laune Rangers Templenoe Renard (8) (9) Daithí Ó Moráin Seán de Barra David Moran Kerins O Rahillys Jack Barry Na Gaeil (10) (11) (12) Adrian Ó Spealáin Pól Ó Murchú Donnchadh Breathnach Adrian Spillane Paul Murphy Donnchadh Walsh Templenoe Rathmore Cromane (13) (14) (15) Caoimhín Mac Cárthaigh Pól Ó Géibheannaigh Sean Sabhaois Kevin McCarthy Paul Geaney Jack Savage Kilcummin Dingle Kerins O Rahillys BAINISTEOIR: Eamonn Fitzmaurice (Finuge) ROGHNÓIRÍ: Mikey Sheehy (Austin Stacks), Padraig Corcoran (Dingle), Liam Hassett (Laune Rangers), Maurice Fitzgerald (St. Marys). CIARRAÍ 1 adh leath 2 adh leath IOMLÁN Cúil Cúilíní Seachaí 45m Saor Ciceanna

17 Áth Cliath Colours: BLUE & WHITE 7 BAINISTEOIR: Jim Gavin (Round Towers, Clondalkin) ROGHNÓIRÍ: Declan Darcy (Clanna Gael/Fontenoy), Shane O'Hanlon (St Vincents), Jason Sherlock (St Oliver Plunketts/Eoghan Ruadh) DUBLIN 1 adh leath 2 adh leath (1) Stiofáin Cluxton Stephen Cluxton Parnells (2) (3) (4) Pilib Mac Mathúna Mícheál Mac Síomóin Daibhéid Ó Broin Philip McMahon Michael Fitzsimons David Byrne Ballymun Kickhams Cuala Naomh Olaf (5) (6) (7) Darren Ó Dálaigh Seán Ó Caoilte Eric Lowndes Darren Daly John Small Eric Lowndes Fingal Ravens Ballymun Kickhams St. Peregrines (8) (9) Brian Ó Fiannachta Mícheál Mac Amhlaoidh Brian Fenton Raheny Michael Darragh Macauley Ballyboden St. Enda's (10) (11) (12) Neil Ó Scolaí Dean Mac Concharraige Seán Mac Cárthaigh Niall Scully Dean Rock Shane B. Carthy Templeogue Synge Street Ballymun Kickhams St Vincent's (13) (14) (15) Ciaran Mac Giolla Choinnigh Eoghan Ó Gadhra Conchúr Mac Aodh Ciaran Kilkenny Eoghan O'Gara Conor McHugh Castleknock Templeogue Synge Street Na Fianna Cúil Cúilíní Seachaí 45m Saor Ciceanna FIR IONAD: (16) Evan Mac Cumascaigh Evan Comerford Ballymun Kickhams (17) Pádraig Mac Aindriú Paddy Andrews St. Brigids (18) Bernard Ó Brógáin Bernard Brogan St. Oliver Plunkett s/ Eoghan Ruadh (19) Pól Mac Floinn Paul Flynn Fingallians (20) Pól Ó Mainnín Paul Mannion Kilmacud Crokes (21) Seán Mac Gafraidh Jack McCaffrey Clontarf (22) Caoimhín Mac Meanman Kevin McManamon St. Jude's (23) Conchúr Ó Maolalaidh Conor Mullally Cuala (24) Eiméid Ó Conghaile Emmet Ó Conghaile Lucan Sarsfields (25) Cian Ó Súilleabháin Cian O'Sullivan Kilmacud Crokes (26) Ciarán Ó Rodáin Ciaran Reddin St Maur's IOMLÁN 17

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19 PLAYER PROFILE 6 DEFENDER NAME JOhN SMALL CLUB BALLYMUN KICKhAMS height 5 11 WEIGhT 87Kg DOB 10/01/1993 OCCUPATION SALES REP If you could merge three players into one to make the complete footballer who would they be and why: Ciaran Kilkenny His Intelligence Dean Rock His Calmness Diarmuid Connolly His Skill If your life was to be made into a movie what actor would you like to play the role: Leonardo Di Caprio Best day in blue: All Ireland Final 2015 and 2016 Favourite current player(s): Ciaran Kilkenny, Brian Fenton, Dean Rock, James McCarthy and Paddy Andrews. Favourite player(s) from the past: Alan Brogan If you had the power to change one rule in Gaelic Football what would it be and why: The Black card - inconsistency Favourite subject in school: English If you could have been a spectator at any sporting occasion of the past what occasion would you choose: Cheltenham Gold Cup 2009 to see Kauto Star retain it Least favourite subject in school: Irish Player for the future: Con O Callaghan Toughest opponent in Dublin camp and toughest opponent from rest of country: Ciaran Kilkenny and Paul Flynn Any superstitions: I get my hair cut the week of a game Who wants to be a millionaire it s phone a friend time, who do you call: James McCarthy and Paddy Andrews are very good at trivia so them If a transfer market existed in Gaelic Football who would you like to see signed for Dublin: There is plenty of good players out there its hard to know Tip for 2017 All-Ireland SFC: Too close to call Tip for 2017 Dublin SFC: Raheny Favourite other sports and sportsperson: Soccer and Horseracing, favourite sportsperson - Conor McGregor Sporting ambitions: Win as much as I can

20 ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE - ROINN 1 - BÁBHTA 5 KERRY v DUBLIN 1977 A Classic Encounter by Eugene McGee CIARRAÍ V ÁTH CLIATH hard to believe that it is 40 years this year since that classic All Ireland football semi-final between Kerry and Dublin in The following excerpts, taken from his book Classic Football Matches (1994 Gill &Macmillan) by author and journalist Eugene McGee, recall the occasion and will help us re-live a game that will live on in folk-lore. In the panegyric of great games in Gaelic football a handful of encounters stand apart as the definitive items worthy to be described as classic encounters. In the first half of the twentieth century this was a definition applied to the best of Kerry v Kildare games between 1926 and 1931 when they met in four All Ireland finals. Since 1950 there have been several contenders for the same distinction but the universally accepted choice is the All Ireland semi-final between Dublin and Kerry played in Croke Park on 21 August The Dublin-Kerry saga of the seventies, which consisted of meetings in four All Ireland finals ( 75, 76, 78 and 79), one All Ireland semi-final ( 77) one League final ( 77) and several ordinary League games, captured the imagination of the sporting public to such an extent that one has to be careful not to confuse the innate quality of the individual games with the excitement, media hype and general air of euphoria which surrounded the entire series of games between 1975 and In retrospect, however, while there is constant debate about the quality of many of the games, there is general agreement that the 1977 meeting was by far the best game played by Kerry and Dublin in the seventies. It is entitled to be regarded as a landmark game in the development of modern Gaelic football. The media coverage of the semi-final was very extensive beforehand and the game was made all-ticket. Conditions in Croke Park were perfect and 54,974 people turned up to watch what was commonly perceived as the rubber A spectacular catch late in the game by Sean Doherty (Áth Cliath) with Kevin Moran (Áth Cliath) between Kerry and Dublin. This time there would be no excuses. Each side was adequately forewarned about what to expect and both sides were at full strength. Every player spoken to about this game commented on the pace at which it was played. Ogie Moran who played at right half back put it this way: This game probably represented the peak of the handpass era of the seventies. It was the major factor in the incredible pace of the game. If a player went up to catch a ball around the middle of the field, he had it dispatched with his hand almost before he hit the ground. If he hadn t then the player was likely to be sent flying with a shouldercharge. Tony Hanahoe, in the triple role of selector, manager and player cites the handpass and the new levels of fitness achieved by Dublin and Kerry players of that time as the main reasons for the fantastic speed at which everything took place in the game. This was a highly competitive game of non-stop action he said, I always felt that since this was a semi-final rather than a final, and therefore there was less of a build-up, it was a truer test than any of 20

21 Kerry supporters in full voice on the Canal End during the 1977 All Ireland semi-final Sean Walsh (Ciarraí) in possession with Brian Mullins (Áth Cliath) in close attention during the 1977 All Ireland semi-final (Photos: Connolly Collection, Sportsfile) the other Kerry-Dublin finals. Very importantly, it was also a dry day. We had one All Ireland apiece, we had both matured and we had played each other several times so there were never going to be any excuses from the losers. Writing in the Irish Times the next day Paddy Downey perfectly summed up the immediate aftermath of the game; The giants of Gaelic football clashed in fierce combat and at the end of a spectacular All Ireland semifinal the huge attendance was left almost speechless with awe and admiration. It was a splendid match and memorable occasion. Kerry players, mentors and followers were totally shattered by the result, particularly as they had been leading two points with five minutes to play. There were some recriminations against individual players and Mick O Dwyer but they quickly evaporated. What followed 1977 was the most successful period in the history of Kerry Football. Seven out of the next All Irelands were won, so that the 1977 defeat was soon forgotten. Classic Football Matches The Game Kerry started brightly and went 3 points to 1 ahead early on but Dublin soon levelled before Sean Walsh collected a high ball and goaled for Kerry. Mikey Sheehy had the Kingdom five clear with ten minutes to go to the interval but Bernard Brogan s introduction to midfield steadied Dublin and points from Jimmy Keaveney and Anton O Toole saw the Dubs trail by just that Sean Walsh goal at the interval, 1-6 to 0-6. Dublin had the better start to the second half with John McCarthy getting an early goal to level the game but attack and counter attack became the dominant theme with scores being replied to by both sides. Kerry were two clear entering the final quarter but points from Anton O Toole, David Hickey and Tony Hanahoe had Dublin ahead for the first time in the game. Kerry responded with points from four different players to one in reply from Bobby Doyle and the Kingdom were two clear again entering the final five minutes. Then Hanahoe fed David Hickey for a decisive goal and before Kerry could recover Bernard Brogan broke through for their third major and Dublin prevailed on a score of 3-12 to by John O Leary DUBLIN: Paddy Cullen, Gay O Driscoll, Sean Doherty, Robbie Kelliher, Tommy Drumm, Kevin Moran, Pat O Neill, Brian Mullins, Fran Ryder, Anton O Toole (0-4), Tony Hanahoe (0-3, Capt), David Hickey (1-1), Bobby Doyle (0-1), Jimmy Keaveney (0-3), John McCarthy (1-0). Subs: Bernard Brogan (1-0) for Ryder, Pat Gogarty for McCarthy. KERRY: Paudie O Mahony, Jimmy Deenihan, John O Keeffe, Ger O Keeffe (0-1, Capt), Ogie Moran,Tim Kennelly, Ger Power, Jack O Shea, Paudie O Shea, John Egan (0-2), Paudie Lynch (0-1), Pat Spillane, Barry Walsh, Sean Walsh (1-2), Mikey Sheehy (0-7). Subs: Tommy Doyle for B. Walsh, Pat McCarthy for J. O Shea. 21

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23 ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE - ROINN 1 - BÁBHTA 5 Craóbh an Sraith Náisiúnta Peile 1987 CIARRAÍ V ÁTH CLIATH ÁTH CLIATH 1-11 CIARRAÍ 0-11 Eoin Liston (Ciarraí) weighing up his options with Jim Roynane and Declan Bolger (Áth Cliath) looking on during the 1987 League Final between the sides. (Photo: Kerry s Eye) Dublin won the 1987 Ford National League title with a one goal win over Kerry in the final. Imríodh an craóbh chluiche seo ar an Domhnach, 26ú Aibreán 1987 i bpáirc an Chrócaigh roimh thinrimh de 35,181. Kerry were the reigning All-Ireland champions [& incidentally Laois were the reigning League champions]. Both sides had played 9 games to reach the final. In their round 3 league game, played at Tralee on 30 November, Kerry won by 0-10 to 0-8. Dublin had the unusual case of being awarded their quarter final tie when Cork refused to play extra time before going on to defeat Galway in the semi-final. Kerry defeated Monaghan in their semi-final. Dublin had a blistering start to this Croke Park final. A Ciarán Duff goal in the first minute was to prove decisive and they led by 1-2 to nil before Kerry opened their account. Dublin were rampant in the early stages of this teak tough and thoroughly entertaining game. By half time Kerry were still 4 points in arrears, 1-6 to 5 points. Eoin Liston came on for the second half and he added impetus to the Kerry forward division, scoring 2 superb points. Yet despite much possession, Kerry s scoring touch deserted them on the day and excellent performances in particular from Duff, Barney Rock and Anto McCaul got Dublin over the line and gave them their 6th National League title. The respective managers were Mick O Dwyer and Gerry McCaul. D imir na fóirne seo leanas ar an lá: CIARRAí: Charlie Nelligan (Castleisland Desmond s), Páidí Ó Sé (An Ghaeltacht), Tom Spillane (Templenoe), Mick Spillane (Templenoe), Stephen Stack (Listowel Emmett s), Tommy Doyle (Annascaul, capt.), Ger Lynch (Valentia), Jack O Shea (St. Mary s Leixlip, 0-1), Timmy Dowd (John Mitchel s, 0-1), John Kennedy (Asdee, 0-1), Denis Ogie Moran (Beale), Pat Spillane (Templenoe, 0-2), Willie Maher (Milltown), Mikey Sheehy (Austin Stack s, 0-4),Ger Power (Austin Stack s). Fir Ionaid: John Higgins (John Mitchel s) for S. Stack; Eoin Liston (Beale, 0-2) for W. Maher. ÁTh CLIATh: John O Leary (O Dwyer s), David Carroll, Gerry Hargan (Ballymun Kickhams, capt.), Mick Kennedy (St. Margaret s, 0-1), Dave Synnott (O Toole s), Glenn O Neill (Parnell s), Noel McCaffrey (Clontarf), Jim Ronayne (Clontarf, 0-1), Declan Bolger (St. Mark s, 0-1), Barney Rock (Ballymun Kickhams, 0-3), Joe McNally (St. Anne s), Ciaran Duff (Fingallians, 1-3), David de Lappe (St. Anne s), Mick Galvin (Na Fianna, 0-1), Anto McCaul (Ballymun Kickhams). Fir Ionaid: Declan Sheehan (Ballymun Kickhams, 0-1) for D. De Lappe. Paul Caffrey (Na Fianna), Timmy O Driscoll, Vincent Conroy (St. Vincent s), Charlie Redmond (Erin s Isle), Leo Close. Réiteoir: Seamus Prior (Liatroim). 23

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25 ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE - ROINN 1 - BÁBHTA 5 KERRY v DUBLIN 85 Years of Rivalry in the Football League by TIM SLATTERY CIARRAÍ V ÁTH CLIATH Today s Allianz League game is the 46th meeting of Kerry and Dublin in the League since the sides first met in Kerry has notched up 22 wins, Dublin 20 and they have drawn 4 times. 30/01/16 Croke Park DUBLIN 2-14 KERRY /03/15 Fitzgerald Stadium KERRY 0-15 DUBLIN /02/14 Croke Park DUBLIN 2-08 KERRY /02/13 Fitzgerald Stadium DUBLIN 1-11 KERRY /02/12 Croke Park KERRY 1-14 DUBLIN /02/11 Croke Park DUBLIN 3-10 KERRY /02/10 Fitzgerald Stadium DUBLIN 1-12 KERRY /03/09 Parnell Park DUBLIN 1-15 KERRY 1-15 Draw 07/04/07 Parnell Park KERRY 1-12 DUBLIN /04/06 Fitzgerald Stadium KERRY 0-13 DUBLIN 0-13 Draw 05/03/05 Austin Stack Park KERRY 2-13 DUBLIN /02/04 Parnell Park KERRY 1-12 DUBLIN /03/03 Fitzgerald Stadium KERRY 2-11 DUBLIN /04/01 Fitzgerald Stadium KERRY 2-09 DUBLIN /11/99 Parnell Park DUBLIN 1-08 KERRY /03/98 Parnell Park DUBLIN 0-18 KERRY /10/94 Fitzgerald Stadium KERRY 1-12 DUBLIN /10/93 Croke Park DUBLIN 2-12 KERRY /04/93 Croke Park DUBLIN 1-10 KERRY 0-11 Semi Fl 24/02/91 Croke Park DUBLIN 3-11 KERRY /02/90 Croke Park DUBLIN 1-15 KERRY /02/89 Austin Stack Park KERRY 1-10 DUBLIN /12/87 Croke Park DUBLIN 1-09 KERRY /04/87 Croke Park DUBLIN 1-11 KERRY 0-11 Final 30/11/86 Austin Stack Park KERRY 0-10 DUBLIN /11/83 Austin Stack Park KERRY 2-09 DUBLIN 2-09 Draw 21/11/82 Austin Stack Park DUBLIN 0-08 KERRY /11/81 Croke Park KERRY 1-07 DUBLIN /11/80 Fitzgerald Stadium KERRY 2-11 DUBLIN /10/79 Austin Stack Park KERRY 1-16 DUBLIN /10/78 Croke Park KERRY 2-9 DUBLIN /10/77 Croke Park DUBLIN 2-11 KERRY /04/77 Croke Park KERRY 1-08 DUBLIN 1-06 Final 24/10/76 Austin Stack Park KERRY 0-12 DUBLIN /11/75 Croke Park DUBLIN 2-11 KERRY /11/74 Fitzgerald Stadium KERRY 0-08 DUBLIN 0-08 Draw 11/03/73 Austin Stack Park KERRY 1-10 DUBLIN /12/71 Croke Park DUBLIN 3-09 KERRY /05/71 Croke Park KERRY 0-15 DUBLIN 1-08 Playoff 18/10/70 Austin Stack Park KERRY 0-16 DUBLIN

26 CHANGING GAA TIMES - FOR BETTER OR WORSE? By Eugene McGee R EGARDLESS of the result of this evening s big game between Kerry and Dublin in Austin Stack Park we can rest assured that the respective managers, Eamon Fitzmaurice and Jim Gavin will have a lot to look forward to in a year s time arising from the recent GAA Congress motion regarding the revamping of the All-Ireland football championship. This introduction of a new format for playing off a small section of the championship is in itself welcome if it helps to break the monotony of near 100 years of the old way of staging the All-Ireland series. In 2001 there was a sensation when the GAA pulled out of a hat the arrival of the All-Ireland Qualifiers giving every team a second chance to take part. Some traditionalists then were adamant that this was the ruination of Gaelic football and the decision was a sort of GAA desecration. In fact the change was quite successful and of course several counties were beneficiaries, including Kerry, as they won the All-Ireland through the Back Door and nobody in The Kingdom was complaining! Now we will get the horribly named Super Eight where allegedly the best eight teams, four each from as provincial champions and the Qualifiers, will contest Sam Maguire. There are strongly divided views on this change with the vast majority of so-called weaker counties, of which I would number at least 24 nowadays, are against the proposal. The word elite springs to mind, a word that never used to apply to the GAA until modern times. This is a change of dubious merit but it is only fair to give ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE - ROINN 1 - BÁBHTA 5 it the three-year test period. Sadly the new system practically guarantees that what Tipperary, Wexford and Fermanagh did in recent times, reach All-Ireland semi-finals, is unlikely to happen again. That s a great pity. And at a time when the GAA had been trying to lessen the number of intercounty games so as to help club fixtures the Super 8 will actually substantially INCREASE the number of games in summertime. Eugene McGee pictured with Mick O'Dwyer in 2014 Bye bye September Changing the All-Ireland finals back to August is a huge culture shock for GAA followers all over the world because the third Sunday in September has been ingrained in the DNA of Irish people s minds for over a hundred years like St. Patrick s Day. Personally I do not agree with the decision if only because there will be no big football games, and therefore no television or other major media coverage, from August on. Can the GAA really be helping the role of the organisation by cutting off September CIARRAÍ V ÁTH CLIATH at county level and leaving us with no big games until, next February? I know a lot of people from all over Ireland and abroad for whom the highlight of their year is the month of September and the excitement of the two All-Ireland finals in that month. In particular a great number of emigrants especially older people who have lived in America all their lives plan their year so as to be in Ireland for the All-Irelands and that especially applied to Kerry people living in the United States because they so often get the chance of being involved with Kerry in the All-Ireland finals. But even if you could not get tickets for the All-Ireland many GAA followers visited Dublin just to be part of the occasion and enjoy the atmosphere and meet old friends. For the rest of us the All-Ireland football final always marked the end of summer and the beginning of the winter months around the corner. It will be hard to imagine that scenario in the month of August, wont it? Change is inevitable in any organisation like the GAA but we should always be careful not to destroy aspects that have been ingrained in the GAA psyche for decades unless there are good reasons for the changes. In fairness to Paraic Duffy and the GAA they have allowed three years for these things to be tried out and if the public decide to reject any of the changes the option will be there to have another look. Nothing could be fairer than that! (Photos: Sportsfile 26

27 CONGRESS CHANGES All Ireland Quarter Finals ALL-IRELAND QUARTER-FINAL GROUP STAGE The All Ireland Quarter-Final Group Stage shall be on a League basis of two Groups of four teams, with each team in a Group playing the other teams once. In 2018, the first year of a three-year trial period for the new format, the two groups, each comprised of four teams, will look as follows: GROUP 1: Munster champions, Connacht champions, Ulster runner-up (or qualifier team that beats them in Round 4), Leinster runner-up (or qualifier team that beats them in round 4). GROUP 2: Ulster champions, Leinster champions, Munster runner-up (or qualifier team that beats them in Round 4), Connacht runner-up (or qualifier team that beats them in round 4). In the new format, each team will have a home game, an away game and a game at Croke Park. The semi-finals will be comprised of the top two teams from each group. If we applied that format to the 2016 All Ireland senior football championship then the Quarter Final Groups would have looked like this: GROUP 1: Kerry, Galway, Donegal, Mayo GROUP 2: Tyrone, Dublin, Tipperary, Clare The Draw could then look like this and Group 1 would certainly be called the Wild Atlantic Way group! GROUP 1 Round 1: Kerry v Galway Croke Park Donegal v Mayo Croke Park Round 2: Kerry v Donegal Fitz. Stadium Galway v Mayo Pearse Stadium Round 3: Kerry v Mayo McHale Park Galway v Donegal Ballybofey GROUP 2 Round 1: Tyrone v Dublin Croke Park; Tipperary v Clare Croke Park. Round 2: Tyrone v Tipperary Omagh; Dublin v Clare Croke Park. Round 3: Tyrone v Clare Cusack Park Dublin v Tipperary Semple Stadium. The concept is very much based on providing a series of top class and entertaining games in the height of the summer and while not everyone agrees with the proposals if you study the fixtures above the new format is sure to be a hit with GAA supporters around the country. A SIGN OF ThINGS TO COME? Kerry and Tyrone in Championship action in Fitzgerald Stadium in 2012 (Photo: Kerry s Eye) By Sylvester hennessy, Kerry s Eye 27

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29 KERRY GAA CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE Update CURRANS DEVELOPMENT Current Status 4 Sand based pitches and drills area fully installed & completed. The completed facility will ultimately incorporate six pitches. Clubhouse consists of 8nr changing rooms, gym, dedicated medical /physio and rehab area, canteen, kitchen, offices & cafe due for completion in May 2017 The first Phase of the Development (Clubhouse and four pitches) will be available for use from June 2017 onwards Pitch Lighting to be installed in July / August 2017 The current fund-raising that is taking place will determine when the remaining items come on stream International fundraising initiatives will continue this year Overall Cost of Phase 1 is just over 6m I.T. TRALEE The project involves a strategic alliance between Kerry CLG and IT Tralee. The works consist of the Development of a Sports Academy representing a Global Best Practice model of social inclusion through Sport, physical activity and inclusive physical education. Facilities will be wholly owned by Kerry CLG. Other Features which will be available to Kerry CLG on an agreed shared basis include an international sized indoor sports arena, High performance Gym, teaching gym, hydrotherapy suite, fully equipped teaching spaces, suite of auditoria, an existing outdoor synthetic pitch and an existing full size sand based pitch. Work is envisaged to commence in April The facility would then be available to use in early to mid KERRY GAA CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE UNDER CONSTRUCTION THIS WEEK

30 ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE - ROINN 1 - BÁBHTA 5 CIARRAÍ V ÁTH CLIATH GROUND RULES & REGULATIONS 1. All persons entering this ground are admitted only subject to the following Ground Regulations and to the Rules and Regulations of the Gaelic Athletic Association. Entry to the ground shall be deemed to constitute unqualified acceptance of all these Rules and Regulations. 2. Fireworks, smoke canisters, bottles, glass, cans, flags, banners, poles and other similar articles or canisters including which could or might be used as a weapon, are not permitted within the ground and any person in possession of such an article or container may be refused entry or ejected from the ground. 3. The climbing of pylons, stands or other buildings is not permitted. 4. Unnecessary noise such as that from the use of radio sets, air horns and behaviour likely to cause confusion or nuisance of any kind including foul or abusive language is not permitted in any part of the ground. 5. Under no circumstances is it permitted to throw any object on to the pitch. 6. Any person who fails to comply with instructions from a Steward may be ejected from the ground. 7. In general, the Ground Management reserves the right of admission. 8. The Ground Management reserves the right to refuse admission or to eject any person who refuses to be searched by a member of An Garda Siochana. 9. Any person who remains in a gangway may be ejected. 10. The GAA, event promoters reserve the right for its servants or agents to remove from the ground any person who does not comply with the Ground Regulations or whose presence on the ground could reasonably be construed as constituting a source of danger, nuisance or annoyance to other spectators. 11. All persons in the ground are reminded of their obligations under Section 18 (3) of the Fire Services Act, 1981, to ensure that behaviour does not present a danger from fire to anyone. SAFETY NOTICE In the interests of safety patrons are not be allowed enter the playing area before during or after games. Persons are not allowed sit on boundary wall surrounding the playing pitch. The climbing on or over the outside boundary walls is strictly forbidden. It is strictly forbidden to sit on Floodlighting control boxes., Persons failing to comply with instructions from Stewards may be ejected from the grounds SMOKING POLICY Austin Stack Park operates a no smoking policy except in designated areas which are located as follows: Area behind Stand. Area behind Northern Terrace (Railway), Area in front of Western Terrace (Town End) Area in front of Eastern End (Horans) ALCOHOL POLICY The consumption of intoxicating liquor is not permitted in the Austin Stack Park. Spectators are not permitted to bring alcohol into the grounds. NOTICES Patrons are requested to take note and obey policy signs around the grounds MEDICAL ASSISTANCE First Aid centre is situated at the Western Terrace (Town End). Should you require assistance please enquire from nearest Steward or Garda. LOST CHILDREN Lost children should be brought to specific stewards at either front of Stand or behind dugout at Northern Terrace (Railway) 30

31 See the big match action and analysis in this week s Kerry s Eye. IT S ALL ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY - ON SALE THURSDAY 31

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