Talk in the Kingdom about the three-in-a-row but there is only one real story that has dominated this year’s GAA Football Championship. Paul Galvin. He has been this year’s GAA story. Full stop. From the minute he was sent off against Clare, right up to the throw-in of Sunday’s All-Ireland final, barely a week has gone by that an update story on the Kerry captain has not appeared in the media.
When made captain of the Kerry team this year, many an eye-brow was raised. While the Finuge-man’s commitment to the green and gold has never been questioned as well as the additional intensity he has brought to the team’s success over the past two years, the question of discipline has always been bubbling under the surface.
While Galvin played in the 2005 final when The Kingdom were beaten by Sunday’s opponents, Tyrone, the style of play undertaken by Kerry since, and Galvin in particular, has changed dramatically. Such was the dominance of Ulster football and the increasing dominance of the blanket defence so well used by Tyrone and Armagh, Jack O’Connor, the then Kerry manager, knew he had to adapt the game-plan.
As the Kerry game evolved, Galvin’s new role in the team was not roundly welcomed by critics of Kerry football and their beautiful game. Think Dunga playing for Brazil. Think Kevin Maggs playing for Ireland. There is nothing pretty about their style, but they are effective and fit into the overall game plan of the team.
Galvin is the Ulster-style footballer, playing for Kerry. He has become the enforcer. The hard nut. He wins the dirty ball, swims in waters where others feared to tread. And his increased responsibility within the Kerry game plan over the last two years has been pivotal to their success.
Last week Galvin’s ban ended and so the debate now centres on Pat O’Shea’s decision to start the Finuge man or not. Even without three month’s competitive football, his involvement at some stage on Sunday is not in doubt. However, can the Kerry captain get up to the speed of the game quickly enough to justify an inclusion from the start?
Inversely, when would he be introduced to the game? If Davy Harte and Philip Jordan can make hay against the Kerry defence as easily as they did in the quarter-final against Dublin, their dander will be up and a late introduction of Galvin could be a case of too little too late. But once again his ability to get up to the speed of the game may be a worry.
In three Championship games, as well as in the League final, Kerry has thrown away significant leads. Their struggle to put away teams is now a recurring and evident weakness. Having lost the upper-hand, their defenders have not been strong enough to stem the flow. Is Galvin the man who can firstly lead the Kingdom to victory once in a position to win, or if under the kosh, can he grasp the game by the scruff of the neck to wrest control back for the green and gold?
A lot will depend on his fitness. It is unlikely that he can last the 80 minutes. If he starts, can he have such an impact on the team that he can be substituted after 55 minutes and remain confident that his team-mates can finish off the deal? Or should he be brought on after 55 minutes to seal the deal?
The expectation of a three-in-a-row sits heavily on Pat O’Shea’s shoulders before he even selects his starting 15. If Kerry are to win on Sunday, O’Shea cannot afford to let Tyrone control the game. One selection could make that difference: Galvin. Galvin. Galvin.
Showing posts with label Ulster. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ulster. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
This boy ain't finished just yet!
Both firmly at the bottom of the Magners League, last month’s Ulster-Connacht game was do-or-die for all concerned. With only four points separating the teams beforehand, more than bragging rights were on offer here. Heineken European Cup entry was also on the line.
Holding sway for much of the match, Connacht could not turn the pressure into points. Outhalf Andy Dunne missed three kickable penalties. The last, early in the second half, forced coach Michael Bradley's hand and Dunne was substituted. "It was probably one of my worst games I've had in professional rugby," said Dunne during the week.
The road out to the west has not been a direct one for the Dubliner who will be entering his ninth year as a professional rugby player next season. A couple of stints with Leinster as well as three years in the English Premiership in between before the move to Galway at the start of this season.
Dunne won the European Challenge Cup in his first year with NEC Harlequins and kicked the winning points: "It was tense kicking the final conversion in front of 20,000 people but the best was being part of the winning team. That was the highlight."
A second year with 'Quins and a difficult year with Bath followed before Dunne returned to Dublin for a season with Leinster. Having only played a handful of games at the Recreation Ground, the young out-half was delighted to be playing rugby again: "It renewed my enthusiasm for the game. It was frustrating in Bath because I was basically a professional trainer. I don't think anyone plays professional sport to just train. You train for the matches and the enjoyment that brings."
He is enjoying his rugby at Connacht and more importantly he is playing consistently, making the number 10 shirt his own. But he is not only receiving from the team, he is also giving back.
"The way Connacht play is changing. Dunner has played a big part in that. He's brought a 'let's go out and have a crack' attitude," according to last year's captain John Fogarty.
He is clearly having an effect on his team-mates: "He has a lot of experience. He says the right things at the right time. When things are going bad in a game some players might go quiet. Dunner gets louder," said Fogarty.
This effect has not gone unnoticed. Dunne has been nominated for an award at the Irish Rugby Union Player's Awards (IRUPA) for 'Unsung Hero of the Year'. Why? "He's a great team player. He has helped lift the spirits of the team over the year. He loves what he's doing and he's very passionate about what he does. And it's very obvious. He always has a big smile on his face," said Fogarty
Dunne is chuffed with the nomination: "It's a lovely honour because it's by my own peers and that's as good an honour as I can get."
But the award is only a side line. The Dubliner is not hanging up his boots just yet: "I've been involved at all levels to 'A', so one more step to go. There are chances. There will be chances."
As a 17 year old, Dunne held off Paddy Wallace and Jeremy Staunton for the out-half position on the Irish school's team. When all three played together at Under 21 level, the Dubliner was once again handed the number 10 jersey. And yet, Dunne is the only one not to have represented Ireland at the highest level: "The two guys have gone on and played for Ireland. It makes it a very possible thing to happen. But sometimes when I wasn't selected I thought it was impossible or I was fooling myself."
But he is well aware of what it takes: "All you need is to be playing well and take your chances when they come. Right place. Right time. It can happen. Guys like Bernard Jackman and Shane Byrne are good inspiration. I think they got capped at 31 or 32, so there's no reason why not."
And Dunne does not have to look too far for further inspiration. Connacht's back coach, Eric Elwood, only retired from the Connacht team at the age of 37. "I think I've plenty of mileage. I have more time left in me to play and I have the opportunity to keep doing it for a good while yet," said the 28-year-old.
For the next match, Connacht travelled to play the Newport Gwent Dragons. Dunne started on the bench but entered the fray with 20 minutes left on the clock. Trailing 11-6, Connacht scored a try deep into injury time to draw level. There was never any question about the conversion. Dunne's kick gave his team an unlikely 11-13 win.
Dunne's excellent season with Connacht, Ulster match apart, was duly rewarded when he picked up the IRUPA 'Unsung Hero of the Year' award in Dublin. But he won't be resting on his laurels for too long: "I don't think I've had the perfect performance or anything close to it yet but it is something I continually strive for."
Holding sway for much of the match, Connacht could not turn the pressure into points. Outhalf Andy Dunne missed three kickable penalties. The last, early in the second half, forced coach Michael Bradley's hand and Dunne was substituted. "It was probably one of my worst games I've had in professional rugby," said Dunne during the week.
The road out to the west has not been a direct one for the Dubliner who will be entering his ninth year as a professional rugby player next season. A couple of stints with Leinster as well as three years in the English Premiership in between before the move to Galway at the start of this season.
Dunne won the European Challenge Cup in his first year with NEC Harlequins and kicked the winning points: "It was tense kicking the final conversion in front of 20,000 people but the best was being part of the winning team. That was the highlight."
A second year with 'Quins and a difficult year with Bath followed before Dunne returned to Dublin for a season with Leinster. Having only played a handful of games at the Recreation Ground, the young out-half was delighted to be playing rugby again: "It renewed my enthusiasm for the game. It was frustrating in Bath because I was basically a professional trainer. I don't think anyone plays professional sport to just train. You train for the matches and the enjoyment that brings."
He is enjoying his rugby at Connacht and more importantly he is playing consistently, making the number 10 shirt his own. But he is not only receiving from the team, he is also giving back.
"The way Connacht play is changing. Dunner has played a big part in that. He's brought a 'let's go out and have a crack' attitude," according to last year's captain John Fogarty.
He is clearly having an effect on his team-mates: "He has a lot of experience. He says the right things at the right time. When things are going bad in a game some players might go quiet. Dunner gets louder," said Fogarty.
This effect has not gone unnoticed. Dunne has been nominated for an award at the Irish Rugby Union Player's Awards (IRUPA) for 'Unsung Hero of the Year'. Why? "He's a great team player. He has helped lift the spirits of the team over the year. He loves what he's doing and he's very passionate about what he does. And it's very obvious. He always has a big smile on his face," said Fogarty
Dunne is chuffed with the nomination: "It's a lovely honour because it's by my own peers and that's as good an honour as I can get."
But the award is only a side line. The Dubliner is not hanging up his boots just yet: "I've been involved at all levels to 'A', so one more step to go. There are chances. There will be chances."
As a 17 year old, Dunne held off Paddy Wallace and Jeremy Staunton for the out-half position on the Irish school's team. When all three played together at Under 21 level, the Dubliner was once again handed the number 10 jersey. And yet, Dunne is the only one not to have represented Ireland at the highest level: "The two guys have gone on and played for Ireland. It makes it a very possible thing to happen. But sometimes when I wasn't selected I thought it was impossible or I was fooling myself."
But he is well aware of what it takes: "All you need is to be playing well and take your chances when they come. Right place. Right time. It can happen. Guys like Bernard Jackman and Shane Byrne are good inspiration. I think they got capped at 31 or 32, so there's no reason why not."
And Dunne does not have to look too far for further inspiration. Connacht's back coach, Eric Elwood, only retired from the Connacht team at the age of 37. "I think I've plenty of mileage. I have more time left in me to play and I have the opportunity to keep doing it for a good while yet," said the 28-year-old.
For the next match, Connacht travelled to play the Newport Gwent Dragons. Dunne started on the bench but entered the fray with 20 minutes left on the clock. Trailing 11-6, Connacht scored a try deep into injury time to draw level. There was never any question about the conversion. Dunne's kick gave his team an unlikely 11-13 win.
Dunne's excellent season with Connacht, Ulster match apart, was duly rewarded when he picked up the IRUPA 'Unsung Hero of the Year' award in Dublin. But he won't be resting on his laurels for too long: "I don't think I've had the perfect performance or anything close to it yet but it is something I continually strive for."
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