All-Ireland SFC semi-final Kerry v MeathALTHOUGH THE expectations accompanying both teams vary considerably there is a similar air of the unexpected about tomorrow's semi-finalists.
Anyone who watched Kerry in Munster and in the qualifiers had no option but to conclude that they were in decline, struggling for motivation and the diamond edge that has complemented their talents at their most successful.
Equally those who endured the Dublin-Meath quarter-final in Leinster were filled with enough doubts about Dublin without feeling the need to assess the prospects of their defeated opponents.
Both have, however, revived beyond recognition. In Kerry’s case something like this has a tendency to happen when the team gets to Croke Park but Meath’s has been a classic qualifier run, slowly building momentum, sharpening skills and raising morale.
But have the doubts of early season been completely laid to rest? Kerry’s explosive win over Dublin has to be seen in the context of the Leinster champions’ latest collapse in the face of heavyweight opposition just as Meath’s quarter-final progress has to take into account Mayo’s curious disintegration (previous instances being, as in Dublin’s case, generally at the hands of Kerry or Tyrone).
Jack O’Connor may in retrospect be glad that his team slid out of contention in Munster, reconstituted in matches that were more demanding than they should have been, avoided Tyrone and left Cork to do the neighbourly thing with the champions in the other semi-final.
But what’s the true form? Are Kerry the side that couldn’t cope with Cork’s physical drive and appetite and struggled against Sligo and Antrim, or the outfit that found its Croke Park gears in the face of Dublin’s paralysis? Is the defence the ragged outfit that Cork shredded or the consummate technicians that defused Dublin’s previously decent-looking attack? Has Tom O’Sullivan actually reversed his career trajectory?
Has Michael McCarthy after two years in retirement debunked modern theories of preparation and fitness like Brian McGuigan four years ago? Will centrefield be as weary as it looked against Cork or as invigorated as Dublin allowed it to be?
There are fewer questions about the attack because the undoubted qualities of Colm Cooper, Declan O’Sullivan and a reborn Paul Galvin had suffered from deficiencies farther out the field and tactical disorientation in the absence of Kieran Donaghy and the lack of success in substituting Tommy Walsh in that role.
Against Dublin, Kerry used pace and slick combination play to open up a defence that admittedly they found ajar but the variety in the attacking approach reaped big rewards and has significantly expanded the favourites’ repertoire.
Ironically having desperately sought a Plan B with Donaghy injured, the former player of the year now returning to fitness may have become Plan B himself.
Meath’s least persuasive sector is the defence and with Declan O’Sullivan and Cooper prowling the inside line, they will be under pressure. Nigel Crawford’s form at centrefield and his dovetailing with Brian Meade will challenge Kerry but need to do so to the extent that the team’s strong suit – its range of scoring forwards with Stephen Bray restored after suspension and Cian Ward’s unerring dead-ball dispatch – is fully brought into play.
If that happens the rehabilitation of Kerry’s defence will be under the spotlight.
Venue: Croke Park Kick-off: Sunday, 3.30 On TV: RTÉ Two
KERRY: D Murphy; M Ó Sé, T Griffin, T O'Sullivan; T Ó Sé, M McCarthy, K Young; D Ó Sé, S Scanlon; P Galvin, T Kennelly, D Walsh; C Cooper, Declan O'Sullivan, Darran O'Sullivan.
MEATH: P O'Rourke; C O'Connor, A Moyles, E Harrington; S Kenny, C McGuinness, C King; N Crawford, B Meade; P Byrne, J Sheridan, S Bray; D Bray, B Farrell, C Ward.
Referee: Gearóid Ó Conámha(Galway).
In the last episode
: The counties last met eight years ago in one of the most extraordinary semi-finals of recent times.
Kerry were champions but ended up being devoured by a rampant Meath performance. The final score was 2-14 to 0-5.
You bet: Kerry are overwhelming favourites at 2/9 with Meath at 4/1. The draw is 11/1. The most balanced handicap is Kerry (-5) at 11/10 and Meath (+5) at 10/11.
On your marks:If Kerry are going to run a two-man inside line they need to learn from Limerick's experience in the qualifiers.
In attempting to do the same thing, the Munster finalists merely succeeded in giving Chris O’Connor the run of the field from corner back and he kicked two points.
Gaining ground:The 2001 trouncing of Kerry ended amidst the olés of Meath supporters greeting every completed pass.
This show of hubris was followed by three years without a win in Croke Park. Kerry for their part have in recent years saved their best performances for the venue.
Just the ticket: Stand €45 with concessionary refund available for students and senior citizens in the Cusack and Davin. Hill 16 terrace, €30. Accompanied juveniles, €5 in sections of the Cusack and Davin.
Crystal gazing: The reasonable conclusion is that whereas Meath won't go down as easily as Dublin, Kerry are still going to win.
