Paul Geaney’s masterclass is the stuff of legend

Cometh the hour, cometh the man is a kind of truism, laden with hope, which was never more on display than at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday as the incredibly talented Daingean Uí Chúis footballers rose from the dead and defeated the favourites, Ballyboden St Endas, to win their place in the All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Final.

Of course, the ‘man’ who answered the needs of the hour was the great Paul Geaney who came on at the start of the second half and ignited the spectacular Dingle revival. From being 10 points adrift (1-15 to 0-08) early in the second half, Geaney marshalled the fightback and scored a two-pointer to equalise and bring the game to extra-time. It was an extraordinary performance – but he wasn’t quite finished yet.

In added time, Daingean Uí Chúis found themselves three points down, but there was no backing down now. One Geaney after another drew the sides level – the first from Dylan, the second from Mike and the third from – yes, you’ve guessed it – Paul. Still he wasn’t finished. After Ballyboden hit back with a point, Paul Geaney put Daingean Uí Chúis ahead with a two-point free, breaking the hearts of the Dublin players and finally smashing their resistance.

Mark O’Connor’s final point of the game, giving Dingle a two-point win, was the cherry on top – a stunning victory for the West Kerry men that will never be forgotten for its never-say-die approach, for its sheer brilliance.

This was the most remarkable performance of any Kerry team in living memory – it was astonishing the way these footballers found the courage, the resilience and the talent to fight back to the extent they did. And then to win.

Paul Geaney’s massive contribution to this victory is the stuff of legend; it will never be forgotten.

Now, after all that excitement, cool heads must be restored for the final against St Brigids of Roscommon which will be played on the holy ground, Croke Park, on Sunday week, January 18.

Dingle’s masterly semi-final performance will ensure a large number of football supporters from Daingean Uí Chúis and beyond will be ‘up for the match’.

We could hardly have anticipated that the Christmas/New Year period would provide such a boost for Kerry football, with Kerry teams sweeping the board in all the club championships.

An Ghaeltacht also won their way through to the All-Ireland Intermediate Club Championship Final against Glenullin of Derry and Ballymacelligott qualified to line out against Clogher Éire Óg of Tyrone in the Junior final, both finals taking place this Sunday, also at Croke Park.

What an extraordinary achievement all this has been. It’s a wonderful reflection of the state of Kerry football at the grassroots, and comes after Kerry’s magnificent All-Ireland victory (demolition) over Donegal last summer which returned Sam Maguire to his natural habitat.