Kerry 0-13

Down 1-9

IN an outstanding display of shooting, Stephen Kavanagh scored 10 points from frees and play to lead Kerry to the New York senior football title in a thrilling contest at Gaelic Park last Sunday.

The Magic Man put the icing on top of what was a gleaming year of football for him in New York this season. The likelihood of the New York player of the year award going across the pond to a summer player is very real this year.

While certainly it was not all just about Kavanagh, his teammates made it extremely hard for Down to advance the ball on occasions. Certainly the Killanin native and former Galway minor was the straw that stirred the Kerry drink this year.

When the chips were down for Kerry another far better known player stepped up to the plate. Bingo O'Driscoll chipped in with two excellent scores and did unbelievable work in the center of the field in the second half.

Where was Down when all this was happening? They certainly had their chances to take the title, but a couple of things hurt them in the contest.

One was the losing of Barry McElduff to a second yellow which allowed Kerry to double team Pat Downey with Ian Kellegher and Anthony Glacken. Secondly was the over indulgence in the short passing game when a long ball into Downey or Fergal Shannon might have been more effective. Downey, who has already played for Down at home in Ireland, is unstoppable when used correctly, and Shannon always seems to get a free or get loose.

At one point with five minutes left, the Mournemen ran a minute and a half off the clock by passing the ball back and over across the field before losing it to a defender. They did, however, contribute a large portion to a game that was without doubt a spectacle of all that can be good in New York football.

Both teams played football for the most part, with one skirmish more from adrenalin rushing than any malice from the teams on hand. If this type of football can be harnessed and all players that are invited come in for New York's game versus Galway, then perhaps a result to be proud of is attainable.

On the throw in Downey turned on the speed and appeared to be fouled three times, but finally fisted against the post on the run. It was easily cleared by Kerry and they worked it down the pitch into range where Driscoll was fouled and Kavanagh tapped over.

It was followed in quick succession with four more, with Kavanagh getting three while Driscoll, who was looking for his fourth county medal, had a towering effort. A brilliant start to the proceedings for the Kingdom.

Down began to attempt a comeback when they mounted three attacks, but two wides were their only reward and an aborted 50 that never left the ground. It did show, however, that they belonged in the contest.

The scores started to come shortly after. Downey created the first when he was fouled and Kevin Anderson chipped over the free, it was followed with a majestic score from Brendan McArdle when he slotted over from a short 50.

Downey had their third point and then they punctuated the resurgence. A free in the half back line was taken by McArdle. He lofted it to Downey ,who won it and headed for goal. He flicked at the opportune time to Michael Sloan, and the corner forward buried the ball in the net for a 1-3 to 0-5 lead.

They hadn't scored for the first 05 minutes and they were now in the lead by one after 22. Anderson added a free when Downey was again fouled by Glacken, but it was cancelled out by another Kavanagh free, his fifth of the first half. It left the game teetering on the balance as the half arrived.

Down added to their lead with a point from a twisting, turning McElduff after Downey did the spade work. It was followed almost immediately by a brace of frees at the other end by Kavanagh that tied the game up with 25 left on the clock.

His next free hit the post, and Down took the let off as they moved the ball to Downey again, but they had a wide at the end. A long ball early out of the defense found its way to Wee Man Shannon, but before he could reach it he was fouled and Anderson again slotted it over.

Kerry had two opportunities to comeback with Bingo involved in both as he showed form from his vintage years. It showed again when he picked up a loose ball after Gary Cornyn was dispossessed on the left wing and he fired over from an unbelievable angle over the shoulder.

When Vinnie Gavin followed it after a pass from Kevin Walsh the teams were level again. The game had a defining moment after when McElduff received his second yellow of the afternoon.

While the teams swapped scores on two occasions it was left to Kavanagh to get the winning score, a brilliant score from play when he drifted of his marker and slotted over from 35 yards out.

Kerry had a host of stars on the day. Shane Clifford's kick outs helped his team and he was powerless for the goal. Niall Corbett, Kieran Bergin off the bench and Ian Kellegher excelled at the back.

Declan Griffin helped the defense and harried when Down attempted to come out with the ball, Gearoid O'Sullivan did nothing wrong when introduced. Vinnie Gavin had an important point, Colm O'Connor and Kevin Walsh were others that did most of their best work in their pursuit of Down across the field. They made everything difficult.

Bingo O'Driscoll was outstanding in the second half when he moved out the field; Stephen Kavanagh clinical.

Down will regret their lost opportunity. The slow start when they allowed Kerry to score the first five points was a huge hole to claw out of, but it had its effect on them for the rest of the game.

They certainly can be proud of their first appearance in the big game. Mark Kelly should be an automatic for New York's county team now. Declan McGreevy was good in the first half. Gary Cornyn did a mountain of good work, winning a couple of critical frees in the second half. Brendan McArdle was carrying an injury throughout but was still the best of the midfielders; Kevin Anderson,

Mark Dobbins and Michael Sloan all had moments of prominence.

Pat Downey gave the two best full backs in New York the proverbial roastings in his last two games. He's a brilliant ball player. Fergal Shannon showed his talent throughout the year and stamped his name on this final despite not getting on the scoreboard.

Down: 1 Mark Kelly, 2 Brian Murray, 3 Eugene O'Hagan, 4 David McGreevy, 5 Barry Annette, 6 Michael Turley, 7 Gary Cornyn, 8 Shaun Munnelly, 9 Brendan McArdle (0-1), 10 Barry McElduff (0-1), 11 Michael Sloan (1-0), 12 Kevin Anderson (0-5), 13 Fergal Shannon, 14 Patrick Downey (0-1), 15 Mark Dobbins (0-1). Subs: Dermot Hayes, Seamus Kelly.

Kerry: 1 Shane Clifford, 2 Eoghan O'Mahoney, 3 Anthony Glacken, 4 Damien Walsh, 5 Niall Corbett, 6 Ian Kellegher, 7 Darren Walsh, 8 Declan Griffin, 9 Dave McSweeney, 10 Gearoid O'Sullivan, 11 Colm O'Connor, 12 Kevin Walsh, 13 Dermie Foley, 14 Stephen Kavanagh (0-2), 15 Eugene "Bingo" O'Driscoll (0-10). Subs: Vinnie Gavin (0-1), Shane Carty, Kieran Bergin.

Man of the match: Stephen Kavanagh (Kerry)

Referee: Tommy Fahey (Waterford).

We can be critical of the ref because it is easy. However, Fahey did not have a bearing on the result of the game which is all you can ask of any referee. A wide at each end possibly deserved far more review than what was given them, but luckily they cancelled each other out. The red card was a second yellow so no debate there.

I am a strong proponent that a New York final of any description should have a New York referee. If we are shipping from Ireland then perhaps we are not training our refs in town the proper way.