In the All-Ireland SFC quarter-final, Kerry defeated Derry with a score of 0-15 to 0-10. The drudgery of the game was not lost on those present at Croke Park, offering a stark contrast to the jovial concert at Aviva, where the Swifties were busy crooning to Cruel Summer. Determination and speed from Jack O’Connor’s replacements sealed Kerry’s victory in a match that was pitifully devoid of the vibrancy typically associated with the sport.
Derry’s exit was anything but dignified. Their much-heralded league title did nothing to cushion their fall from grace as they made their championship exit with barely a whimper. The thrilling sense of daring that defined this fixture just a year ago has now faded into oblivion. Except for Shane McGuigan, only one forward managed to score throughout the match. They came with the intention of making solid progress but ended the day considerably short of their target.
Jack O’Connor provided his own assessment of the match, describing it as a “tough fight”. The game, as expected, was not alluring in the traditional sense due to its defensive nature. He highlighted that Derry set the pace initially, often crowding their defensive half and making it challenging for Kerry to find openings.
He further expressed dissatisfaction with the passive approach adopted by his team during the initial half, vowing to play more aggressively as the game progressed. This tactic paid off as they found their rhythm in the second half, demonstrating more vigour and intensity.
The match will be remembered for long periods where there was little action, with both teams choosing a stationary approach and waiting for the adversary to make the first move. Such a deadlock would challenge even the astute Football Rules Committee led by Jim Gavin, needing a deluge of experimental matches to find a resolution.
Is there anything notable to mention from the first half? No real happenings truly merit any attention. It probably says everything that the two standout forwards extraordinarily deflected goals within their smaller square, a couple of minutes apart. Initially, McGuigan made a full-scale effort diving to thwart Gavin White in the 13th minute, followed shortly by David Clifford, who discreetly slipped past Chrissy McKaigue to deftly knock a threatening ball across the square, resulting in a 45.
Credit due, both of them showed they can find their stride on the other end when required. Clifford’s performance began impressively with him bypassing McKaigue for the initial score and superbly soaring over two Derry defenders for a remarkable mark, while McGuigan retorted with smooth endeavours of his own, landing one with each foot.
The two teams industriously plodded on, eventually arriving at a half-time tally of 0-6 each. It was evident that this was a mere placeholder action, a way to spend the afternoon until shortly before everyone considered their journey home.
The action twenty minutes past the half-time break mirrored the first half – leading into the final quarter, the score stood at 0-8 each. Clifford and McGuigan exchanged free kicks, with Diarmuid O’Connor and Paul Cassidy each contributing a score from play. It was still a grind, a challenge awaiting whoever could elevate their game above the languor.
Ultimately, it was Kerry who triumphed. O’Connor tapped into his reserves and in return, they secured him the victory. A dynamic and energetic Cillian Burke joined the field, breaching defences with his unique running prowess and providing dangerous possession. Killian Spillane scored a commendable point upon his first interaction, Dylan Geaney followed suit with his second.
In contrast, Derry’s substitutes brought zero contributions. Nor did their other forwards provide much assistance apart from McGuigan. The game ended with their final two scores – a robust strike from Brendan Rodgers and an audacious attempt from Odhrán Lynch, whose freedom to roam Croke Park was gladly granted by Kerry throughout the game.
Despite a strong effort, it was not sufficient. Tony Brosnan scored his second goal of the day and left the pitch with eight minutes remaining. As the match concluded, Clifford was fouled resulting in a few easy free kicks. Unfortunately, Derry couldn’t keep up, although manager Mickey Harte did not blame the team’s fatigue on the fast-paced game in Castlebar the previous weekend.
Harte expressed that it’s convenient to attribute losses to such external factors, and though the team was fine before the match, injuries and other challenges can make it appear otherwise. Harte pointed out if they were more careful with ball possession, the points deficit wouldn’t have grown and the game could’ve been closer until the end. Being no more than a point behind at any stage would’ve boosted their morale for the final minutes.
Sadly, the team was unable to do so and now reflect on the season at home. Kerry, on the other hand, now face Armagh in a open championship, a scenario they typically handle quite well.
Kerry’s team comprised of Shane Ryan, Paul Murphy, Jason Foley, Tom O’Sullivan, Briain Ó Beaglaoich, Tadhg Morley, Gavin White, Diarmuid O’Connor, Joe O’Connor, Tony Brosnan, Paudie Clifford, Dara Moynihan, David Clifford, Seán O’Shea, and Paul Geaney. Substitutions included Cillian Burke, Killian Spillane, Dylan Geaney, Adrian Spillane, and Mike Breen.
In a football match, the Derry squad featured Odhrán Lynch who scored 0-1, Conor McCluskey, Chrissy McKaigue, Diarmuid Baker, Conor Doherty, Gareth McKinless, Eoin McEvoy, Conor Glass who scored 0-1, Brendan Rodgers achieving 0-2, Ethan Doherty, Ciarán McFaul, Paul Cassidy with a score of 0-1, and Eunan Mulholland. Shane McGuigan stood out with a score of 0-5, including two from frees and Lachlan Murray also took part.
As the game progressed, there were some substitutions made. At 39 minutes, Niall Toner came in for Mulholland. Around 59 minutes, Murray made way for Niall Loughlin. Later at 65 minutes, McFaul was swapped with Emmett Bradley and Cormac Murphy replaced Cassidy.
David Coldrick from Meath had been entrusted with the role of referee for the match.