Brogan, Dublin Top Kerry by Smallest of Margins

Bernard Brogan's only point from play proved the decider as Dublin defeated Kerry 3-10 to 1-15 as two Gaelic Football powers clashed last night in Croke Park. Similar to the match against Cork last week, Dublin's ability to find goals proved the difference. You can read a match report here.

This was the first match of 2011 I was able to attend in Croke Park. Considering this was a National League match and a cold evening, the atmosphere was good. There were a large number of families with children in attendance - not surprising when such value for money is on offer. The GAA should be commended for their creation of the 'Spring Series' and for their ticket prices.

Bernard Brogan Can't be Stopped
Mark O'Se put in another solid effort at corner back marking Bernard Brogan. Brogan's only point from play was the match decider - an icy-cool strike at the Davin Stand end in the closing moments. Beyond that O'Se harassed Brogan all over the pitch and repeatedly forced him to the corners and sidelines to gain possession. Brogan however responded to the pressure by setting up his teammates for easy scores as in the Cork match. Brogan's offensive prowess and creativity reminds me of the slogan reserved for great scorers in basketball - 'you can't stop him, you can only hope to contain him'.

One unselfish play in particular stood out in my mind. With perhaps 5 minutes remaining, Bernard was chasing a ball near the 45 metre line with his back to the goal. Before he gathered the ball he signalled to brother Alan to continue his run through the Kerry defense. Bernard gathered the ball and without looking turned and hand-passed the ball to Alan who was left with only the keeper to beat. Alan elected to fist the ball over the bar for an easy score. This kind of creative, seamless play is going to make Bernard and the Dubs a tough outfit this summer.

Kerry need to add Galvin as an Accessory
Whether or not Kerry will be a similarly tough outfit remains to be seen though they made a convincing argument last night. Once he puts down the sewing machine, the addition of Paul Galvin will strengthen their chances. Colm Cooper remains a smooth operator as he scored 5 points from play.

Bryan Sheehan performed surprisingly well in his debut at midfield beside Seamus Scanlon. Despite this Sheehan will be upset his free at the end of the match went wide to deny Kerry a draw. Also, David Moran again showed his ability to dominate matches in flurries of effort for 5 minutes only to disappear for the following 10 minutes.

Kieran Donaghy had a frustrating night. He was well marked by promising centre back Sean Murray - aka 'My Little Pony' - for his shocking mane of hair. In the first half Kerry constantly forced the ball to Donaghy with little result. Kerry have too many weapons in the forward line to leave their fortunes hanging on Donaghy's ability to out-leap his defender for the high ball. Jack O'Connor needs to realise this strategy isn't necessary and it hasn't worked since 2008.

Overall the match was a great preview of things to come this summer. I wouldn't be surprised to see both of these sides in an All Ireland semi-final.

Dublin: S Cluxton; A Hubbard, S Murray, M Fitzsimons; D Lally (0-1), J McCarthy, P Casey; D Bastick, B Cahill; P Flynn (0-1), K McManamon (1-1), D Connolly; T Quinn (1-0), E O'Gara (0-1), B Brogan (0-4, 3 frees). Subs used: MD Macauley (1-1) for Bastick (half-time), A Brogan (0-1) for Quinn, B Cullen for Connolly (both 49), G Brennan for McCarthy (52), P Andrews for Flynn (64).

Kerry: B Kealy; P Reidy, M O Se, K Young; T O Se, E Brosnan, A O'Mahony; S Scanlon, B Sheehan (1-5, 1 penalty, 4 frees); D Moran (0-1), Darran O'Sullivan (0-2), D Walsh (0-1); C Cooper (0-6, 1 free), K Donaghy, D Geaney. Subs used: K O'Leary for D Geaney (21 mins), J Lyne for T O Se (54), A Maher for Brosnan (58), A O'Connell for O'Mahony (66).

Referee: Marty Duffy (Sligo)