1. Kieran Donaghy’s role
IN THE DRAWN final, Donaghy played a role not too dissimilar to the one Donegal used Michael Murphy for the majority of this season – alternating between the edge of the square and midfield. When Donaghy was positioned at full-forward, he engineered a goal with a high catch near the goalmouth and eventually turned the ball into the net. It wasn’t pretty but it was a moment we have become accustomed to with Donaghy.
He was almost unstoppable for the periods he was positioned inside, but a swirling breeze dictated that the high delivery required from out the field wasn’t always feasible. It’s likely the Stacks man will switch effectively between both roles once again on Sunday.
2. Kerry captaincy up for decision once again
Donaghy’s quest for a fairytale ending to 2014, after winning an All-Ireland medal, Player of the month for September and his third Allstar, is still on as Stacks seek their first Kerry SFC title since 1994.
Should they bridge that 20-year gap, Donaghy would likely take up the Kingdom captaincy, while Mid-Kerry’s Donnchadh Walsh, or possibly Darran O’Sullivan. are in line to lead the All-Ireland champions into battle next year. They won’t have given too much thought to the prospect ahead of the reply, but it’s surely an added incentive in the back all three players’ minds.
3. Ballincollig lie in wait of Stacks or Crokes
Ballincollig know they will face one of two teams in the Munster club SFC semi-finals, but unusually one of those won’t be on show tomorrow. Dr Crokes, winners of the Kerry club championship, were knocked out of the county championship (the one where divisional sides play) to a James O’Donoghue-inspired Legion.
A divisional side can’t represent Kerry in the provincial championship so if Mid Kerry win, then reigning Munster champions Dr Crokes will advance to face Ballincollig.
4. Switch to Fitzgerald Stadium
In the immediate aftermath of the drawn game, it was announced that the replay venue would be decided at a meeting the following day.
A switch to Killarney’s Fitzgerald Stadium was already anticipated, the venue where both of these sides last claimed the Bishop Moynihan Cup.
It’s tradition for The Rockies (Austin Stacks supporters) to march through the town on the way to the grounds on county final day, a ritual that they honoured last Sunday.
5. Who can close it out this time?
Stacks had the upper hand for long spells in the drawn game, especially in the early stages of the second-half where were four points in front after 35 minutes but failed to see the game out.
Mid Kerry pulled it back, largely thanks to a lucky Donnchadh Walsh goal, and let by one with 14 minutes left. With the game level in the dying minutes, Gavan O’Grady, who had a fine game, missed a couple of very scoreable frees in front of goals, to let Stacks off the hook.
Then Shane Carroll was presented with an opportunity to win the game for the Tralee side at the other end, which he also sent wide. Both sides missed golden opportunities to seal the win, ensuring tomorrow’s replay.
