Square Ball - 2nd September 2009

Written by Staff Reporter

Wednesday, 02 September 2009

Kilkenny seeking four in a row

Much is being made of the four in a row and whether or not Kilkenny will equal Cork's record of the 1940's. However the simple facts clearly indicate that this Kilkenny side are simply outstanding whether or not they beat Tipperary on Sunday. In an era where much is spoken about coming in through the back door if the front door is closed, this doesn't matter to Kilkenny.

The reigning All-Ireland champions are going for an 18th successive win since they lost the 2005 semi-final to Galway. Kilkenny haven't needed the second-chance dispensation of the modern era and none of the county's six McCarthy Cups since 2000 have needed the second-chance route.

In the 1940s, Cork weren't even faced with the standard rigours of the era and three wins over Dublin and one against Antrim, doesn’t look to be the most demanding. Furthermore, Cork weren't even Munster champions in the first year of their record run, owing to foot and mouth outbreak, with Tipperary barred for entering the All-Ireland competition, but beating Cork in the Munster decider. Should Kilkenny win their fourth All-Ireland in a row next week they will have achieved that as provincial champions for each of the four years. However Tipperary now stand in their way of achieving ultimate glory.

Mayo minors in another final

It didn't look good for the Mayo minor football team in the opening half of the All-Ireland minor football semi-final against Down, but in the end it was the Mayo side that prevailed and reached the decider again. However there is a huge need for the young men in green and red to get over the hurdle and win an All-Ireland final in Croke Park. 1985 was the last time that a Mayo men's team won an All-Ireland on the hallowed turf on Jones' Road. Victory for Mayo would in essence be a huge boost to a struggling Connacht football and even if our own county is not involved we should get behind our neighbours. Let's face it their die hard men supporters have suffered enough in Croke Park on All-Ireland final day. They deserve a break.

Forgotten losers

Last week another of the forgotten Galway footballers was laid to rest. All-Ireland winners are always remembered and acknowledged, but far too often players who have given the same effort and commitment are forgotten. Galway had won All-Ireland's in 1934 and '38, but then contested three finals in the 40s without success as they also did in the 70s. Ending up on the losing side they are far too easily forgotten.

Last week Fred Culkin, grandfather of Caltra footballer Paul Gately, was buried in Ballygar. His claim to fame was marking Jack Lynch in an All-Ireland final, but when you lose that's easily forgotten.

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