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They say Christmas seems to start earlier each year so on that jolly note I would like to wish you and yours a very Happy Christmas in 2010 and a healthy, peaceful, and prosperous New Year in 2011.

See that has cheered ye all up on this miserable wet October night, ye miserable f**king showers of hoors, cheer up to f**k.

"Secrets of Kerry....A Captain's Story"
Celebrating Kerry All Ireland Triumphs
1903 - 2009

For the past two and a half years, one of Ireland's most knowledgeable GAA experts, Award Winning Radio Kerry Broadcaster Weeshie Fogarty, together with close friend Christy Riordan C/R Videos Caherciveen have been working on a major project, the biggest GAA project of its kind, documenting the triumphs and near misses of Kerry's journeys to Croke Park since 1903, when Kerry won it's very first All Ireland Championship.

The project, a DVD set called "Secrets of Kerry....A Captain's Story" is now completed and will be launched in Cáitíns Pub, Kells on Friday 22nd October at 9 pm and at The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney Tuesday 26th October at 8.30pm.

Each of the 36 Kerry wins and some of the near misses have been documented by the captains of the Kerry teams - in their own words - or in the words of their closest living relatives in a 4 hour documentary, that spans 2 DVD's of the highest quality production.  The project includes some amazing stories with over 100 interviews in total - tales never heard before, well known legends brought to life and behind the scene dramas of the various journeys to the All Ireland, the battle on the pitch and what happened to the various captains after the cup was lifted, including the desolation of the near misses since 1903.

Weeshie and Christy trace each of the 32 winning captains, 16 of whom are still alive.  Of the captains that have passed on, their relatives recount their story after each of their famous wins.

Oldest Living Winning Captain - Jas Murphy - 1953
All Ireland Winning Captain Included in the DVD is an interview with the oldest living winning Kerry Captain, Jas Murphy , now in his 80's who captained the winning team in 1953.  Jas is just one of the amazing stories which have been brought to life for the first time in this historic DVD.

Some say he got the captaincy by default as one of the selectors John Joe Sheehy excused himself from the selection, thinking that his own son Paudie, who was a wing-forward on the team, would automatically get the captaincy.  When John Joe came back into the selection room, he learned that his son was dropped in favour of Jas. You will hear historic archival interview footage with the great John Joe and the late legendary Kerryman GAA correspondent Paddy Foley is heard speaking on Kerry football.   Jas reluctantly took over as captain in 1953, but the following year he was dropped and never again played for Kerry. He tells of his bitter disappointment and the emotional effect this had on both himself and his late wife.

Oldest Living Captain - Gus Cremins - 1946
In 1946 Gus was captain when Kerry drew the All Ireland final with Roscommon, but was sensationally dropped for the replay.  Paddy Kennedy replaced him for the replay but Gus came on and went on to score the point that some people believe won the match for Kerry.  Gus did not join in the celebrations that night, nor did he return to Kerry with the team the next day. He speaks of his bitter disappointment and why he blames the legendary Kerry trainer Dr Eamonn O'Sullivan for his demotion to the subs.

Modern Day Greats
Liam Hassett who captained the winning team in 1997 is interviewed and speaks about his greatest regret as captain was not inviting his brother Mike, who was captain when Kerry won the Munster Championship, but lost his place to Liam, to accept the cup with him.

Youngest Winning Kerry Captain - Darren O'Sullivan - 2009 Darren was the very first captain to be interviewed by Weeshie and Christy and will be the first to tell his story on the 4 hour DVD set.

Near Misses
Many of the great captains will tell their own personal story of what it was like to be a legend, but not to win the coveted Sam Maguire, including the great Maurice Fitzgerald and of course Jack O'Shea who captained Kerry in 1983 and 1991 when Kerry failed to win the All Ireland.  Jack still calls himself the "unlucky captain".  Ned Fitzgerald speaks for the first time of his captaincy in 1957 and the most sensational defeat Kerry ever suffered that year to Waterford.  Mick Finucane relives that historic day of 1947 in the Polo Grounds in New York.

In all of the 100 or so encounters what is clear is the passion, the raw emotion and the enormous part "Sam" has played in the lives of the people connected to the various Kerry teams.  Memories and emotions for Gus and Jas and so many of the relatives are as vivid and alive as the near misses and wins of the Kerry teams of the 21st century.  As Weeshie describes his encounter with Gus Cremins, who still bears the hurt from all those years ago.  Weeshie stated "I had been aware that there was something there, but when you hear it coming from the man's own lips, it's a different kettle of fish.  His eyes light up and he nearly comes up off the chair as he brings his memories to life in front of the camera.  And all this happened in 1946, yet the passion and the hurt is as real for him today as it was nearly 60 years ago."

For further information on "Secrets of Kerry....A Captain's Story", visit www.terracetalk.com.

[Kerry V Cork]

Now that the frenzy of excitement and wankology that blew in from the North East with the release of Tyrone v Monaghan and Armagh v Down championship games last week has died down a bit, will the board be able to cope with the release of the full fixtures for next seasons football league.

Anyway here ye go.... and THE GAME of round one will be Kerry v Cork....  The 36 time All Ireland Champions against the woefully small 7 times champions, its Paul Galvin v Eoin Cardigan Mark III bring it on.

Allianz GAA Football National League Fixtures 2011

5 Feb (Sat)
AFL 1
Round 1
                                               Armagh V Dublin
                                               Mayo V Down

AFL 2
Round 1
                                               Laois V Meath
                                               Donegal V Sligo

6 Feb (Sun)
AFL 1
Round 1
                                               Kerry V Cork
                                               Monaghan V Galway

AFL 2
Round 1
                       Antrim V Kildare
                                               Derry V Tyrone

AFL 3
Round 1
                                               Offaly V Cavan
                       Wexford V Waterford
                                               Louth V Westmeath
                                               Tipperary V Limerick

AFL 4
Round 1
                                               London V Kilkenny
                                               Leitrim V Clare
                                               Longford V Roscommon
                                               Carlow V Wicklow
Fermanagh Bye




12 Feb (Sat)
AFL 4
Round 2
                                               London V Roscommon
                                               Clare V Kilkenny

13 Feb (Sun)
AFL 4
Round 2
                       Leitrim V Wicklow
                                               Carlow V Fermanagh
                                               Longford Bye

19/20 Feb (Sat/Sun)
AFL 1
Round 2
                                               Down V Galway

19 Feb (Sat)
AFL 1
Round 2
                                               Dublin V Cork

AFL 2
Round 2
                                               Tyrone V Donegal

AFL 4
Round 3
                                               Fermanagh V Longford

20 Feb (Sun)
AFL 1
Round 2
                                               Mayo V Kerry
                                               Armagh V Monaghan

AFL 2
Round 2
                       Kildare V Derry
                                               Meath V Sligo
                                               Laois V Antrim




AFL 3
Round 2
                                               Waterford V Limerick
                                               Westmeath V Cavan
                                               Offaly V Wexford
                                               Louth V Tipperary

AFL 4
Round 3
                                               Kilkenny V Leitrim
                                               Roscommon V Carlow
                                               Wicklow V London
                                               Clare Bye

26 Feb (Sat)
AFL 1
Round 3
                                               Down v Armagh
                                               Dublin V Kerry

AFL 2
Round 3
                                               Antrim V Meath

27 Feb (Sun)
AFL 1
Round 3
                                               Cork V Monaghan
                                               Galway V Mayo

AFL 2
Round 3
                                               Sligo V Tyrone
                                               Donegal V Kildare
                                               Derry V Laois

AFL 3
Round 3
                                               Wexford V Louth
                                               Cavan V Waterford
                       Tipperary V Westmeath
                       Limerick V Offaly




AFL 4
Round 4
                                               Fermanagh V Wicklow
                                               London V Leitrim
                                               Longford V Kilkenny
                                               Carlow V Clare
                       Roscommon Bye

5 March (Sat)
AFL 4
Round 6
                                               London V Longford

12/13 March (Sat/Sun)
AFL 1
Round 4
                       Cork V Down

12 March (Sat)
AFL 2
Round 4
                                               Tyrone V Antrim

AFL 3
Round 4
                                               Waterford V Tipperary

AFL 4
Round 5
                                               Clare V London

13 March (Sun)
AFL 1
Round 4
                                               Mayo V Armagh
                                               Monaghan V Dublin
                       Kerry V Galway

AFL 2
Round 4
                                               Meath V Donegal
                       Kildare V Laois
                                               Sligo v Derry


AFL 3
Round 4
                                               Louth V Offaly
                       Limerick V Cavan
                                               Westmeath V Wexford

AFL 4
Round 5
                                               Wicklow V Longford
                                               Roscommon V Fermanagh
                                               Kilkenny V Carlow
                                               Leitrim Bye

19 March (Sat)
AFL 1
Round 5
                                               Down V Monaghan

AFL 2
Round 5
                                               Derry V Donegal
                                               Laois V Tyrone

20 March (Sun)
AFL 1
Round 5
                                               Galway V Cork
                                               Armagh V Kerry
                                               Dublin V Mayo

AFL 2
Round 5
                       Kildare V Meath
                                               Antrim V Sligo

AFL 3
Round 5
                                               Louth V Limerick
                                               Westmeath V Waterford
                                               Offaly V Tipperary
                                               Wexford V Cavan

AFL 4
Round 6
                                               Clare V Roscommon
                       Leitrim V Fermanagh
                                               Kilkenny V Wicklow
                                               Carlow Bye







27 March (Sun)
AFL 4
Round 7
                                               Wicklow V Roscommon
                       Leitrim V Carlow
                                               Clare V Longford
                                               Kilkenny V Fermanagh
London Bye

2 April (Sat)
AFL 1
Round 6
                                               Dublin V Down

AFL 3
Round 6
                       Cavan V Louth


3 April (Sun)
AFL 1
Round 6
                                               Monaghan V Kerry
                                               Mayo V Cork
                                               Armagh V Galway

AFL 2
Round 6
                                               Donegal V Antrim
                                               Tyrone V Kildare
                                               Derry V Meath
                                               Sligo V Laois

AFL 3
Round 6
                                               Limerick V Westmeath
                                               Waterford V Offaly
                                               Tipperary V Wexford

AFL 4
Round 8
                                               Longford V Leitrim
                                               Roscommon V Kilkenny
                                               Carlow V London
                                               Fermanagh V Clare
                       Wicklow Bye



10 April (Sun)
AFL 1
Round 7
                                               Monaghan V Mayo
                                               Kerry V Down
                                               Galway V Dublin
                                               Cork V Armagh

AFL 2
Round 7
                                               Antrim V Derry
                                               Laois V Donegal
                       Kildare V Sligo
                                               Meath V Tyrone

AFL 3
Round 7
                                               Westmeath V Offaly
                                               Waterford V Louth
                       Limerick V Wexford
                       Cavan V Tipperary

AFL 4
Round 9
                                               Roscommon V Leitrim
                                               Wicklow V Clare
                                               Longford V Carlow
                                               Fermanagh V London
Kilkenny Bye

[Cork - 6 ( Stop laughing its true)1890, 1911, 1945, 1973, 1989, 1990 Down - 5 1960, 1961, 1968, 1991, 1994]

Looks like tomorrows result wont change much

Kerry - 36
1903, 1904, 1909, 1913, 1914, 1924, 1926, 1929, 1930, 1931,
1932, 1937, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1946, 1953, 1955, 1959, 1962,
1969, 1970, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1986,
1997, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009

Dublin - 22
1891, 1892, 1894, 1897, 1898, 1899, 1901, 1902, 1906, 1907,
1908, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1942, 1958, 1963, 1974, 1976, 1977,
1983, 1995

Galway - 9
1925, 1934, 1938, 1956, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1998, 2001

Meath - 7
1949, 1954, 1967, 1987, 1988, 1996, 1999

Cork - 6  ( Stop laughing its true)
1890, 1911, 1945, 1973, 1989, 1990

Down - 5
1960, 1961, 1968, 1991, 1994

Cavan - 5
1933, 1935, 1947, 1948, 1952

Wexford - 5
1893, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918

Kildare - 4
1905, 1919, 1927, 1928

Tipperary - 4
1889, 1895, 1900, 1920

Tyrone - 3
2003, 2005, 2008

Offaly - 3
1971, 1972, 1982

Louth - 3
1910, 1912, 1957

Mayo - 3
1936, 1950, 1951

Roscommon - 2
1943, 1944

Limerick - 2
1887, 1896

Armagh - 1
2002

Derry - 1
1993

Donegal - 1
1992

On TG4 tonight at 9pm.

At 7.15 Tg4 the Munster U21 Hurling final betwenn Tipp & Clare.

Kerry lead the way off the field as well, with 3 winners this years from the Kingdom.

The CCCC were robbed in a last minute hitch in the Catagory "Best Modern Technology Innovation Award" when their innovative use of a remote control failed when someone noticed there were no batteries in it, but the remote control is in great working order in 2010 with new Duracell Ultras being used, now all that is needed is to get some lessons for the CCCC boys from George Hook on the Sky+ box and to pay for the TV licence.

Well done to all the McNamee winners from around the country, well deserved all and keep up the great work in all the media types.

The winners of the 2009 McNamee Awards have been confirmed by the GAA. These Awards, the GAA National Communication and Media Awards named after the late Pádraig McNamee, former President of the GAA, Chairman of the GAA Commission (1969-1971) and member of RTÉ authority. They are presented annually in recognition of outstanding contributions made by individuals and Association units in the area of media and communications.

The awards will be presented by Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, Criostóir Ó Cuana, at a function in Croke Park on Saturday next, July 24.

Best GAA History Publication

'Memory and Achievements: 124 Years of the GAA in Cahir'


The winner of the 2010 McNamee Award is 'Memory and Achievements: 124 Years of the GAA in Cahir' which was compiled by Colm O'Flaherty and Mattie Hussey. This outstanding publication is no mere history of a GAA Club. It is much more than that. Perhaps the greatest strength of the book is the diversity of its contributors. As well as the men who wrote the background of the story of the presence of the GAA in Cahir, most recent decades were illuminated by the contributions of successive generations of players and officials. From the lovely piece written by John O'Meara (who was born in 1936), to the brilliant, funny, gossipy contribution on the 2003 Tipperary senior football winning team, there is a wonderful chorus of opinions.

Best Website

Ballyhea GAA Club Co. Cork

This site was chosen for its integration of Google calendars which is a major part of the current GAA IT and Communications strategy. The site also makes good use of information on the homepages with a clear result, fixtures and league table displayed. The use of You Tube and Facebook on the homepage shows an impressive acknowledgement of current web trends and provides the site with a great sense of activity, which is paramount to the promotion of the GAA. Integration of Club merchandise on the site is also a welcome feature and another aid for the user.

Best Photograph – best GAA themed image from 2009


Oliver McVeigh, Sportsfile

This photograph graphically portrays the commitment and pain suffered in sport at this level (inter-county) and also shows how a photographer's timing and vision is such a critical element where 100ths of a second can transform a picture from the ordinary to something special.

Best County Programme


Cavan SFC Final Programme


An outstanding production that did fitting justice to the GAA's 125 celebrations and also to the county final occasion.

The articles and photographs were of the highest quality and beautifully presented in a programme that was a treasure trove of memories as well as a great preview of the big day and a real memento for supporters. Credit is also due that for such a major publication it was also very reasonably priced.

Best Local Radio Programme

Radio Kerry - "The Greatest Day" A series documenting Kerry's 36 All Ireland Senior Football Championship victories (up to August 2009)


A superb presentation of one of the greatest achievement lists in Irish Sport. Very well researched, edited and presented, the programmes were enhanced by interviews and facts that gave an insight into the triumphs of the early, troubled part of the 20th century, as well as documenting the glory days of more modern times.

Provincial Media Award – best GAA article/feature in a provincial publication

Andersonstown News – Ulster Final Coverage


In a year (2009) where Antrim senior footballers reached the Ulster final for the first time in 30 years, the Andersonstown News rose superbly to the challenge of reflecting the interest, drama and excitement experienced by the county's GAA supporters.

It struck the ideal balance between conveying the immediate joy of the occasion while also accurately representing the deep sense of pride the Antrim GAA community has in its history and heritage.

National Media Award – best GAA article/feature in a national publication

Seán McGoldrick, Sunday World – Brian Cody article


Brian Cody seems to have been with us forever and Seán McGoldrick's research into the circumstances of his appointment as Kilkenny manager, as well as the other ingredients that make up Kilkenny's incredible success, provides a fascinating insight into what has made this team to be what many believe is the greatest hurling team of all time.

Irish Language Award – best piece of journalistic work 'as Gaeilge'


Foinse


'Mar aitheantas don seirbhís iontach do léitheoirí na Gaeilge le suim sna cluichí Gaelacha. Moltar ard-chaighdeán na hiriseoireachta sna colúin éagsúla a bhíonn fíor-shuimiúil gach seachtain.'

In recognition of the excellent service provided to readers of Irish who are interested in Gaelic Games. The excellent standard of journalism, which makes for very interesting weekly columns is also lauded.

Best Modern Technology Innovation Award – for the use of modern technology to help promote GAA activity

Dr. Crokes GAA Club, Kerry


For technological innovation at club level it would be hard to surpass this project. In terms of the technology, it is leading edge and while all the elements are 'off the shelf' so to speak, the resourcefulness to put them all together has to be admired. In addition, the professionalism with which the broadcast was delivered can only be commended.

The broadcast was also watched and enjoyed as far away as New Zealand. What better example can you find of extending the reach of the GAA with Dr. Crokes putting itself at the heart of what is its world wide community.

Hall of Fame Award – in recognition of outstanding service and long standing contribution to GAA media coverage

Micheál Ó Sé (formerly of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta)

Tá Mícheál Ó Sé ar dhuine de ard-thráchtairí ár linne. Tháinig sé chun suntais nuair a chuaigh sé ag obair le Raidió na Gaeltachta i mbliain a bhunaithe 1972 agus ó shin le leith tá cruthaithe aige nach bhfuil a shárú ar fáil agus é ag déanamh cur síos do phobal na Gaeltachta agus na Gaeilge ar na mór-chluichí peile agus iomána. Déanann sé tráchtaireacht freisin do theilifís RTÉ .

In Ard na Caithne in Iarthar Chiarraí a saolaíodh Mícheál agus nuair a bhí a chuid bunscolaíochta faighte aige i Scoil Náisiúnta Bhaile an Fheirtéaraigh chuaigh sé chuig Coláiste Bhréanainn i gCill Áirne, mar ar bhain sé áit ar fhoireann shinsir peile an Choláiste agus gan é ach sa dara bliain. Ina dhiaidh sin d'imir sé ar fhoireann mionúir Chiarraí agus bhí ar fhoirne Choláiste Phádraig Maigh Nuad agus Choláiste na hOllscoile Baile Átha Cliath agus é ina mhaclínn iontu siúd.

Agus é ag imirt le foireann shinsir Chiarraí bhuaigh sé Craobh Shinsir Peile na hÉireann faoi dhó – 1969 & 1970. Tá trí bhonn de chuid na Sraithe Náisiúnta ina sheilbh freisin – 1969, 1972 agus 1973. Le linn an ama sin d'imir sé le Corca Dhuibhne agus le Iarthar Chiarraí agus bhí sé ina oiliúnaí ar fhoireann peile na Gaeltachta a shroich Cluiche Ceannais na gClubanna i 2004. Bhí sé ar dhuine de bhunaitheoirí Chomórtais Peile na Gaeltachta i 1969

Ceapadh ina cheannaire ar Raidió na Gaeltachta é i 1980 agus chuir sé go mór le craoladh spórt an stáisiúin. Nuair a d'fhill sé ar a cheantar dúchais, chaith sé na blianta ag cur an chláir "An Saol ó Dheas" i láthaír. Is saineolaí é ar chúrsaí logainmneacha agus seanachais agus go deimhin ar an uile ghné a bhaineann le teanga ársa na nGael agus leis an gcultúr Gaelach.

Ach, is iad a chuid tráchtaireachtaí breátha ar na mór-chluichí peile agus iomána is faide a mhairfidh i gcuimhne na nduine.

Maireann sé fhéin, a bhean Jacqueline agus a gclann i gCeann Trá.

Mícheál Ó Sé is one of Ireland's premier sports commentators. He came to prominence with the founding of Raidió na Gaeltachta in 1972 and in the intervening years his commentaries on that station and on RTÉ TV have become legendary, especially to Gaeilgeoirí, within and outside the Gaeltacht.

Mícheál was born in Ard na Caithne in West Kerry and after attending Scoil Náisiúnta Bhaile an Fheirtéaraigh went as a boarder to St. Brendan's College Killarney, where he was a classmate of another Kerry and Irish legend, Moss Keane. His footballing prowess was evident at an early stage and he made the college senior team in his second year. Subsequently he played with the Kerry Minors and made his senior debut in 1968, winning a National League Medal. He was also on the Kerry teams that won the League in 1972 and 1973.

He played left half back on the Kerry teams that won the Sam Maguire in 1969 and again in 1970. He played Sigerson Cup football with UCD and also played for Maynooth College.

From the time he first kicked a football , Mícheál Ó Sé was involved in Corca Dhuibhne teams and with West Kerry. He has coached many underage teams for his club An Ghaeltacht and was involved in the senior team that reached the All Ireland Club Final in 2004. Among those who have benefited from his tutelage are Darragh, Tomás and Marc Ó Sé, Dara Ó Cinnéide and Aodán Mac Gearailt.

He was appointed Ceannaire of Raidió na Gaeltachta in 1980 and was instrumental in increasing the stations sports coverage. On returning home to Kerry he presented the magazine programme "An Saol ó Dheas". He is a scholar of Irish folklore and all things pertaining to our native language and culture.

But he will likely be best remembered for his superlative commentaries and command of his native tongue.

He lives in Ceann Trá with his wife Jacqueline and family.

The CCCC should be busy again this week (but we know fecking well they wont be) with all the reviewing to be done with more throat grabbing, head butting and attempted head butts to be sorted out, but as it was not mentioned on the Sunday Game yerra there will be little interest in the CCCC sitting down to trawl through a review of any of the games, sure we all know they dont review games fully anyway, things have to be pointed out to them.

As the penalty for grabbing someone by the throat with 2 hands is feck all anyway, Dooher and Walshe will be safe enough and will escape with a half of feck all censure and sure McMemimen hardly touched skin with the Monaghan lad, though it looked like they were 2 mountian puck goats rutting away at each other and he didnt mean to poke his finger into the chest of the lineman and was probably provoked into it anyway, and yerra Aisaki's butting wasn't a head butt techically either as they were wearing helmuts wernt they ?

But anyway thats off my chest.

You can now add Louth to the counties where Liam Hayes has stuck the knife in, after his The Last Word performance this evening, and people wonder why he has no respect in Kerry amounst other places.

If he was from Cork he'd be a langer. Maybe a Nobber is the right term for him.

From a very good source this evening:

The GAA and in particular the CCCC have put pressure on the Leinster Champions and they have decided in the best interests of fair play and the image of the GAA to offer a replay of the hotly disputed and controversial final.

This will take place next Saturday at 2pm in Croke Park. Free Entry to anyone who produces a ticket stub from the previous game, the trophy is to be handed back tonight and played for again next weekend.

The Kerry County Board in a statement said they are delighted with the offer from Offaly and the GAA in general to finally replay the 1982 All Ireland final. 5-in-a-row here we come......

We are waiting. Anyone else coming out to play this Summer. This championship is so fecking boring.

At least we will get some decent training under our belts over the next few weeks, Time for a biteen of skelping me thinks.

I want to congratulate Stephen Cluxton on another great All Star award, well deserved.

The long road to trying to keep Sam in Kerry for another winter starts this weekend in Thurles and this is the team to get us on the road, stong team for our opening game. Good to see the two O'Se's and Gooch overcome recent injuries, Kieran Donaghy returns to championship actions after missing most of last year and Mike McCarthy is back for another tilt at the summer.

First championship game without Darragh for many a moon but thats part of the challange, the man is gone but the jersey remains and a new man take his chance.


The Kerry Senior Football Team to play Tipperary on Sunday 16th May is as follows: 
1. Brendan Kealy Kilcummin
2. Marc Ó Sé An Ghaeltacht ,
3. Tommy Griffin Dingle
4. Tom O' Sullivan Rathmore
5. Tomás Ó Sé An Ghaeltacht ,
6. Mike McCarthy Kilcummin ,
7. Killan Young Renard
8. Seamus Scanlon Currow ,
9. Micheál Quirke Kerins O'Rahillys
10. Paul Galvin Finuge ,
11. Declan O' Sullivan Piarsaigh Na Dromada ,
12. Donnacha Walsh Cromane
13. Colm Cooper Dr Crokes,
14. Kieran Donaghy Austin Stacks 
15. Bryan Sheehan St. Mary's

Substitutes:
16 David Hennessey Kerins O'Rahillys,
17. Darran O' Sullivan Glenbeigh /Glencar
18 Padraig Reidy Scartaglin ,
19. Anthony Maher Duagh 
20. Adrian O'Connell St Michael's Foilmore
21. Kieran O'Leary Dr. Crokes
22. Barry John Keane Kerins O'Rahillys 
23. Niall O'Mahony Spa
24. Pat Corridan Finuge,
25. Brendan Guiney Listowel Emmett's
26. David Moran Kerins O'Rahillys

Colm was to undergo an operation today in Dublin for a very serious eye injury sustained early in the Monaghan game on Sunday.  Its hard to make it out fully in the attached youtube clip in his clash with Darren Hughes which caused the injury. I will give Hughes the benefit of the doubt that it was a accident, though it looks like a secondary hand movement once he tapped the ball away.

Initial rumours are that he may be out from a few weeks to a worse case situation of missing the whole season.

http://www.youtube.com/user/jcoshea#p/a/u/1/QBeIiHiBePQ

I hope he makes a full recovery and we see him back on the field of play before long doing what he does best.

[That was job done really for Kerry who look in good fettle ahead of their National League opener against Dublin next weekend]

No need for 163 pages of shite talk, when the final result is all that matters, a handy wee start to the year for the Kingdom.

Kerry 1-11 UCC 0-9

The Kerry footballers lifted the McGrath Cup for only the second time in their history, following a 1-11 to 0-9 final win over UCC at Austin Stack Park this afternoon. Not since 1996 have Kerry won this early season Munster competition and Jack O'Connor's men were full value for today's success, with defender Killian Young receiving the trophy afterwards. The All-Ireland champions prevailed despite finishing the match down to 13 players. Aidan O'Mahony was dismissed for a second bookable offence and goal scorer James O'Donoghue had to be helped off with an ankle injury late on, after O'Connor had cleared his bench.
UCC started with five Kerrymen in their team and one of them, Dr. Crokes clubman Daithi Casey, almost broke through for a first minute goal. His shot was pushed over the crossbar by Kingdom goalkeeper Ger Reidy. O'Connor's men settled soon after with Kieran Donaghy pointing from wide out and then the big Tralee men was part of a give-and-go movement that ended with corner forward O'Donoghue slinging a low shot to the UCC net.

Declan O'Sullivan and O'Donoghue added points for Kerry as the latter's marker, Shane McEnright, was replaced.UCC did have their moments in attack in what was a scrappy first half, and frees from David O'Callaghan, Mike Griffin and Corkman David Goold saw them polish off some decent attacks. Alan O'Sullivan, who impressed alongside the high-fielding Micheal Quirke in midfield, kicked the first of his three points and Paul O'Connor added his name to the scoresheet as Kerry took a 1-6 to 0-4 lead into half-time. Scores from O'Sullivan and Donaghy saw Kerry click on the resumption, while UCC lived off frees at the other end. O'Sullivan pointed ahead before Donncha Walsh found the target after linking with O'Donoghue and Donaghy. That was job done really for Kerry who look in good fettle ahead of their National League opener against Dublin next weekend, although the injury to O'Donoghue, a player who was pressing his claims to start the game, did put a damper on the celebrations.

Kerry's team was:
Ger Reidy
Padraig Reidy (Paudge O Connor h/t)
Tommy Griffin
Pat Corridan
Aidan Shine O Sullivan
Aidan Mahoney
Killian Young
Mike Quirke (Seamus Scalnon 2nd half)
Alan Sullivan
Paul Galvin
Declan Sullivan (Kieran O Leary 2nd half)
Donnacha Walsh (Brian Looney 2nd half)
James O Donoghue
Kieran Donoghy
Paul O Connor (BJ Keane 2nd half)

Diarmuid has packed in the Kerry No 1 spot that he has held with great honour for the last 6 years at the age of 34, he has had a consistant back problem for a good few years and goes out on a high with an All Ireland medal and an All Star and after having his best season.

He played 41 Championship games for the Kingdom since making his first appearance against Clare in 2004 and has been the Number 1 choice Goalie since.

He conceded 33 goals in those 41 games with 15 clean sheets (including 5 games in a row in 2005 and was a mere finger tip away from 6 games).

He has been a vital cog in the Kerry machine bringing off vital saves in games and none more so than last year, saving our bacon with a last minute penalty save against Sligo and also vital saves from Alan Brogan and Daniel Goulding in later matches.

He has only played in losing Championship games 5 times, Cork (3) and Tyrone (2), and with his 4 All Irelands, 2 U21 Medals, 3 National leagues and 3 All Stars (Stephen Cluxton has a few of his other ones  ) the Dingle man can retire happy in the Knowledge of a great career in the Kerry goal and his name is up there with the great Kerry Goalies like Danno Keeffe, Johnny Culloty, Charlie Nelligan and Declan O'Keeffe.

The Jersey will be up for grabs now between Ger Reidy and Tomas Mac an Saoir

Thanks Diarmuid

Following St Mary's winning the South Kerry Championshp this weekend and the earlier winning of the County Championship by South Kerry , Bryan Sheehan of St Mary's should be the new Kerry captain in 2010 with possibly Killian Young as vice captain.

The Legend that is Maurice Fitzgerald played possible his last ever game for Mary's in the final just a few weeks past his 40th birthday, he scored 1-01 in the final. What a player What a man. If this is the end of him he goes out in style with another Jack Murphy medal under his belt.

I don't start many Kerry hurling threads but this deserves one.

The Kerry Minor Hurling team have won the ESB GAA Hurling All Ireland Minor 'B' Championship Final with a score of Kerry 0-21 to Westmeath 1-13 over the weekend. 

The Minor Hurlers have prepared exceptionally well all year taking part in competitions in Cork through the winter and the non exam minor league in mid summer. Causeway winning a senior schools title this year is a big boast too.

And the U21 won their B Semi final too over the weekend beating Kildare in Cloughjordan with a score of 2-10  to 0-15.

I know its of little relevance in the greater hurling world, but well done to all involved and a great achievement by both teams, hopefully the work that is going on underage in development of hurling in the county will pay dividends in future years and see a strengthening of our senior panel who have to start making the winning of the Christy Ring a priority and then getting into the top level in the National League and back playing in the top level of the Munster championship.

Well done again and hopefully the U21 can add another hurling title to finish off a great year.

Mike Frank Russell has finally called time on his Kerry career, a gent on and off the field and a true footballer in his prime, unfortunately was never able to break in with Jack or Pat and Jack again and his perceived lack of strength did not help him in recent years with cluttered full back lines and was never going to make it on the team when the Big men are about like Donaghy or Walsh, even though he was well able to win his own ball at times.

Won it all and with 5 Senior All Ireland medals is a legend in Kerry and beyond, also has AI colleges, Minor, U21, Sigerson and Club AI medas and a few All Stars in his collection.

A class act in his day and some great scores off either foot will live long in the memory. Kerry's loss is Laune Rangers gain and I hope he  continues to play on for the club for a good few more years. Still young at only 32.

Go raibh maith agut MFR.

GAA SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009

Connacht
May 10: Quarter-final: Mayo 2-19 New York 0-10, Gaelic Park.
May 24: Quarter-final: Galway 1-18 London 1-7, Ruislip.
Next Sunday: Quarter-final: Leitrim v Roscommon, Carrick-on-Shannon.
June 20: Semi-final: Mayo v Roscommon or Leitrim, Castlebar.
June 28: Semi-final: Sligo v Galway, Markievicz Park.
July 19: Final

Leinster
May 17: First round: Louth 1-13 Carlow 1-11, Parnell Park.
May 24: First round: Wicklow 2-12 Longford 1-13; Kildare 1-16 Offaly
1-10 (Both in Portlaoise).
June 7: Quarter-final: Dublin v Meath, Croke Park.
June 13: Quarter-final: Kildare v Wexford, Dr.Cullen Park.
June 14: Quarter-finals: Westmeath v Wicklow, Tullamore; Laois v Louth,
Parnell Park.
June 28: Semi-finals: Kildare/Wexford v Louth/Laois; Dublin/Meath v
Westmeath/Wicklow (Both in Croke Park).
July 20: Final, Croke Park.

Munster
May 24: Quarter-finals: Limerick 1-11 Tipperary 1-9, Thurles; Cork 2-18
Waterford 1-7, Dungarvan.
June 7: Semi-finals: Clare v Limerick, Ennis; Kerry v Cork, Killarney.
July 5: Final.

Ulster
May 17: Preliminary round: Fermanagh 0-13 Down 0-10, Enniskillen.
May 24: Quarter-final: Derry 1-10 Monaghan 0-10, Celtic Park.
Next Sunday: Quarter-final: Armagh v Tyrone, Clones.
June 6: Quarter-final: Cavan v Fermanagh, Kingspan Breffni Park.
June 14: Quarter-final: Donegal v Antrim, Ballybofey.
June 21: Semi-final: Derry v Tyrone/Armagh.
June 27: Semi-final: Donegal/Antrim v Cavan/Fermanagh.
July 19: Final.

All-Ireland qualifiers
July 4: First round: Comprised of the 16 teams who didn't qualify for
provincial semi-finals. Those currently entered are: Carlow, Longford,
Offaly, Down, Monaghan, Tipperary, Waterford, London.
July 11: Second Round: Eight first round winners play eight beaten
provincial semi-finalists.
July 18: Third Round: Eight second round winners play off in four games.
July 25/26: Round Four: Third round winners play beaten provincial
finalists.

All-Ireland Championships
August 1/2/3: Quarter-finals: Provincial winners v 4th round qualifier
winners.
August 23: Semi-final: Munster champions or quarter-final winner v
Ulster champions or quarter-final winner, Croke Park.
August 30: Semi-final: Connacht champions or quarter-final winner v
Leinster champions or quarter-final winner, Croke Park.
September 20: Final, Croke Park.

Munster GAA News
Visit the Munster Council GAA Web site at http://munster.gaa.ie

FIRST BIG WEEKEND IN RACE FOR MAC CARTHY CUP

Next weekend provides the first action in the 12-county race for the GAA All-Ireland senior hurling title with two games scheduled in the Leinster championship and one in Munster.

The honour of launching the 2009 campaign will fall to Wexford and Offaly who meet in the Leinster first round in Wexford Park on Saturday evening, followed on Sunday by Galway's history-making entry into the Leinster championship where they play Laois in Portlaoise.  Sunday will also feature the eagerly-awaited launch of the Munster championship when Tipperary host Cork in Semple Stadium, Thurles.

                        REBELS HEAD FOR BIG THURLES TEST
Sunday (4.0pm): Munster SHC first round: Tipperary v Cork, Semple Stadium, Thurles.
Ref: B Kelly (Westmeath)
Live on RTÉ 2
One of hurling's most historic rivalries resumes for the 78th time in the championship in what promises to be another wonderful occasion. It's fitting that Thurles, birthplace of the GAA, should host this clash between Munster's most successful hurling counties in the 125th anniversary year of the Association.

Cork v Tipperary is a rivalry which stretches back to 1888, one which has remained remarkably close in terms of head-to-head clashes. Cork lead 36-34 while there have been seven draws. It will be the seventh championship meeting between them this decade with Cork having won four to Tipperary's two of the previous six. Cork reeled off four wins over Tipperary in 2000-2004-2005-2006 before Tipperary turned the tables in the 2007 All-Ireland qualifiers. They won again last year, beating Cork in the Munster semi-final in Páirc Uí Chaoimh en route to winning the provincial title.

Cork are chasing their fifth Munster title this decade, having previously won in 2000-2003-2005-2006 while Tipperary are pursuing their third having triumphed in 2001 and 2008. The last time Tipperary won successive Munster titles was in 1987-88-89.

Tipperary easily won this year's National League clash with Cork (2-15 to 0-9) in February at a time when Cork were fielding a weakened side due to the players' strike.

The winners of Sunday's game will play Clare in the Munster semi-final on June 21.

Last Five Championship Clashes
2008 - Tipperary 1-19 Cork 1-13 (Munster semi-final)
2007 - Tipperary 2-16 Cork 1-18 (All-Ireland qualifier)
2006 - Cork 2-14 Tipperary 1-14 (Munster final)
2005 - Cork 1-21 Tipperary 1-16 (Munster final)
2004 - Cork 2-19 Tipperary 1-16 (All-Ireland qualifier)
Cork 3, Tipperary 2

Last Championship Clash: Tipperary 1-19 Cork 1-13, Munster semi-final, Páirc Uí Chaoimh (8 June 2008)
Cork led by 1-5 to 0-2 after 16 minutes but Tipperary rallied and won the remainder of the game by 1-17 to 0-8. Eoin Kelly scored 1-7 for Tipperary while Ben O'Connor was Cork's top scorer with 1-3.

               LEINSTER LAUNCHES WITH 'LIVE' TV CLASH
Saturday (7.0pm); Leinster SHC first round: Wexford v Offaly, Wexford Park.
Referee:  J Ryan (Tipperary)
Live on RTÉ 2
Wexford have won their last three championship clashes against Offaly in 2003-2004-2006, leaving Offaly seeking their first win over the purple-and-gold since 2000 when they easily won a semi-final, 3-15 to 1-8. Offaly had an excellent run against Wexford between 1979 and 1995, winning all six Leinster championship games. Wexford fought back, winning in 1996 and 1997 before Offaly reeled off three wins in 1998-99-2000.
Wexford are setting out in pursuit of their first Leinster title since 2004 while Offaly last won the Bob O'Keeffe Cup in 1995.
This will be the third meeting between the teams this year, having already clashed twice in the National League (Division 2). Wexford won by 5-14 to 0-17 in Wexford Park on April 5 but Offaly turned the tables four weeks later when they beat Wexford by 1-13 to 0-13 in the final to earn promotion to Division One.
It was quite a turnaround for Joe Dooley's men who had been hit by a goal rush in the first game. However, they were far more defensively secure next time, restricting Wexford to 13 points.
The winners will play Laois/Galway, Dublin/Antrim or Kilkenny in Leinster semi-final on June 20 or 21.

Last Five Championship Clashes
2006 - Wexford 0-9 Offaly 0-8
2004 - Wexford 2-12 Offaly 1-11
2003 - Wexford 0-16 Offaly 1-12
2000 - Offaly 3-15 Wexford 1-8
1999 - Offaly 3-17 Wexford 0-15
Wexford 3, Offaly 2.


Last Championship Clash: Wexford 0-9 Offaly 0-8, Leinster semi-final, Nowlan Park (11 June 2006).
Wexford edged home by a single point in a remarkably low-scoring game. It was the second time in three years that Wexford beat Offaly by a point in the championship,


               GALWAY'S HISTORIC VOYAGE BEGINS

Leinster SHC first round: Laois v Galway, Portlaoise, Sunday, 3.30pm
Ref: B Gavin (Offaly)
A historic occasion in O'Moore Park as Galway enter the Leinster championship for the first time as part of the revised system. They played in Munster throughout the 1960s before reverting to their role as Connacht's representatives in the All-Ireland championships.

Despite being in the Leinster championship for the first time, Galway are quite familiar with playing Laois, having met in the All-Ireland qualifiers over each of the last four years. Galway won easily on all four occasions.

Laois are seeking their first win in the Leinster championship since 2005 when they beat Dublin in a first round tie. Galway finished third in this year's Division One campaign after winning four and losing three games while Laois finished fifth in Division Two after winning three and losing four of seven games.

Last Five Championship Clashes
2008 - Galway 1-26 Laois 0-9 (All-Ireland qualifiers)
2007 - Galway 3-20 Laois 1-14 (All-Ireland qualifier)
2006 - Galway 7-18 Laois 2-13 (All-Ireland qualifiers)
2005 - Galway 2-22 Laois 2-11 (All-Ireland qualifiers)
1979 - Galway 1-23 Laois 3-10 (All-Ireland quarter-final)

Last Championship Clash: Galway 1-26 Laois 0-9, All-Ireland Qualifiers, Pearse Stadium (5 July 2008).
Joe Canning scored 0-9 as Galway easily beat Laois for the fourth successive year. Galway have won those four games by an average of almost 16 points,

                       QUARTER-FINALS DAY IN ULSTER
Saturday: Ulster quarter-finals: Derry v London, 5.15pm; Referee: T McIntyre (Antrim); Armagh v Down, Casement Park, 7.0pm: Referee: R Matthews (Antrim).

With defending Ulster champions, Antrim having a bye to the final, the race to line up against the only team from the province who will compete for the Liam MacCarthy Cup continues on Saturday evening when two quarter-finals will be played in Casement Park.

London, who easily beat Fermanagh (1-23 to 0-7) last weekend, take on Derry while Down and Armagh also clash.  Armagh have already had impressive wins over Monaghan and Donegal.



                       2009 GAA SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONHIPS
Leinster
Next Saturday: First round: Wexford v Offaly, Wexford Park, 7.0pm.
Next Sunday: First Round: Laois v Galway, Portlaoise, 3.30pm.
June 7: First Round: Dublin v Antrim, Croke Park.
June 20/21: Semi-finals: Winners of first round games plus Kilkenny play each other. The draw will be made on Sunday week, June 7.
July 5: Final, Croke Park.

Munster
Next Sunday: First round: Tipperary v Cork, Thurles, 4.0pm
June 14: Semi-final: Limerick v Waterford, Semple Stadium.
June 21: Semi-final: Clare v Tipperary/Cork, Limerick or Thurles.
July 12: Final.

Ulster
May 9: First round: Fermanagh 0-13 Cavan 1-9, Enniskillen; Armagh 1-22 Monaghan 1-8, Armagh; Donegal 1-21 Tyrone 0-6, Letterkenny.
May 17: Second Round: Armagh 3-24 Donegal 2-12.
May 23: London 1-23 Fermanagh 0-7, Ruislip.
Next Sunday: Quarter-finals: Derry v London, 5.15pm; Down v Armagh 7.0; (Both in Casement Park).
June 14: Semi-final: Down/Armagh v Derry/London, Casement Park.
June 28: Final: Antrim v semi-final winners, Casement Park.

All-Ireland Qualifiers
July 4: Phase One: The losers of Cork v Tipperary and the losers of Wexford/Offaly, Galway/Laois, Antrim/Dublin will play off to provide two winners to advance to Phase Three.
July 11: Phase Two: The beaten provincial semi-finalists in Leinster and Munster play off to provide two winners to advance to Phase Three. Teams from the same province will not be paired against each other in Phase Two.
July 18: Phase Three: The two winners from Phase One will play the two winners from Phase Two.

All-Ireland Quarter-finals
July 25/26: Beaten Leinster finalists v Winner from Phase Three;  Beaten Munster finalists v Winners from Phase Three.


All-Ireland semi-finals
August 9: Leinster champions v Quarter final winners, Croke Park.
August 16: Munster champions v Quarter-final winners, Croke Park.

September 6: All-Ireland final, Croke Park.