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1. Crokes’ attacking efficiency the difference

It’s no secret that the Crokes have an abundance of talent in their forward division but Sunday’s exhibition in point-kicking was a joy to behold. Incredibly, they managed 17 scores from just 20 shots on goal, and one of those missed opportunities was Shane Murphy’s 45 that struck the post.

Captain Daithí Casey kicked some lovely points, including one exceptional strike off his left and a raking 45-metre effort with the outside of the right, and Kieran O’Leary and Micheál Burns also chipped in with some impressive scores of their own.

South Kerry, on the other hand, had ten wides in total and ultimately that profligacy cost them.

2. Star turns from Kerry hopefuls

In 2017, their success at club level actually worked against some of the Crokes players who would have been hoping to break into the Kerry set-up.

They were occupied with the All-Ireland series at the beginning of the year and it seemed as though Eamonn Fitzmaurice wasn’t too keen on introducing certain players to the fold when he wasn’t able to blood them first in the league.

Crokes will be favourites to win Munster again this time out and could well be busy throughout the spring but Fitzmaurice is unlikely to overlook Crokes’ young stars for another year.

Gavin White in particular has a lot of people talking. He was outstanding again on Sunday, breaking forward at will from defence and deservedly picking up the man-of-the-match award.

3. History makers

Following Sunday’s triumph, Crokes are now tied with Austin Stacks and Laune Rangers as the most successful team in the history of the County Championship (twelve titles).

For many players involved, it was their sixth final win in eight years and veterans Colm Cooper and Eoin Brosnan, who both made cameo appearances against South Kerry, lifted the Bishop Moynihan Cup for a record seventh time.

4. No rest for the winners

They’ve hardly had a break in the past 18 months and there’s no sign of any respite just yet for the reigning All-Ireland champions. On Sunday they travel to Tipperary to face Clonmel Commercials in the Munster quarter final and, should they win, the semi-final is scheduled for two weeks later against the Clare champions (Clondegad or Kilmurry-Ibrickane).

In between, they’ll take on Kilcummin in the O’Donoghue Cup. It has been a gruelling run but, at times like these, I’m sure the players don’t mind too much.

5. Gooch’s injury

Cooper was Crokes’ top scorer in the Championship heading into the final but a hamstring injury meant he was unable to start last weekend. He did manage the last 15 minutes, however, so he could feature in the big Munster Championship games over the next couple of weeks.

In truth, they realistically might not need him against Clonmel, who will be big underdogs on Sunday, and Kilcummin so it’s possible that he might be kept in cotton wool until the semi-final.
 

 
Above: Dr Crokes captain Daithi Casey and teammates celebrate with the Bishop Moynihan Cup after the Kerry Senior County Championship Football Final at Austin Stack Park, Tralee on Sunday. Picture: Eamonn Keogh (macmonagle.com)