Kevin Kehily, a notable figure in the modern Cork GAA, was recently laid to rest at the age of 74. With a remarkable career spanning over a decade as a top-class full back on county teams, Kevin was recognised for his outstanding prowess with two All Star awards. He also had a noteworthy stint as the trainer of the three consecutive county victorious hurling team in the 70’s. He was a distinguished member of the Newcestown club.
In addition to his GAA accolades, Kevin qualified as a PE teacher at St Mary’s, Strawberry Hill in London before the establishment of Thomond College in the 1970s. He further developed his teaching career as a lecturer on the subject at the former Cork RTC, currently known as MTU. He also held a position as the director of physical education at Mayfield Community school in Cork city during his early teaching years.
Unfortunately, his time studying abroad led him to miss the memorable Cork football year of 1973, where the county secured the All-Ireland championship for the first time in 28 years. Nevertheless, his absence from this victorious squad made him eligible for the Team of the Eighties selection in 2013. He was duly chosen as the full back, despite not being a recipient of the senior medal.
As a young player, Kevin had previously bagged All-Ireland titles at both minor and under-21 levels, playing in the half backs position, before eventually shifting to the edge of the square. His clashes with Eoin Liston, the era’s most formidable full forward, were unforgettable, with both his All Stars being awarded in years where his performance against the Kerryman was particularly commendable.
Kevin demonstrated notable performances against Kerry in the years 1980 and 1982, both times Cork contested Kerry in league finals and Munster deciders. He held his ground remarkably against his Kerry adversary in the 1982 final, which required a replay, keeping him on 0-1 over the two games and effectively managing his rival’s deeper role in the replay. This feat was repeated in the provincial finals the same year, ending in a draw before Kerry clinched the replay victory.
In the Munster final of 1979, even though Cork was significantly defeated by Kerry, it was noted that they still managed to keep Liston from scoring. Paddy Downey highly praised Kevin Kehily for his exemplary performance as full back during the match. Kehily was later put forward for an All Star in the same year.
It might seem peculiar today to pay such particular attention to Eoin Liston but one must recall that the historic knock-out system saw Cork mostly squaring off against Kerry in crucial championship matches. This was the case for virtually every year during the period 1975 to 1982 with all Cork’s championship fixtures being held within Munster’s boundaries.
Despite such system limitations, it’s indicative of Kevin Kehily’s impressive level of play that he was able to gain the individual distinction he did.
Adding to his list of achievements, Kehily incredibly balanced playing for county football with training Cork’s celebrated trio of consecutive hurling champions. In a decision made in October 1975, Fr Bertie Troy took up coaching the hurlers while Kehily performed the role of physical trainer. Some even proposed that the Cork football and hurling teams share training sessions to accommodate his dual responsibilities.