The Kingdom versus the Red Hand County — a recent history but it has led to some huge clashes. Go to OrgaRetro.com to buy these jerseys, and use promo code ‘OurGame’ for 15% off.
When you consider the intensity of the recent clashes between Kerry and Tyrone, it’s incredible to think that they have played just seven times in the championship.
The first bout came in 1986 when the Red Hands put themselves in pole position before Pat Spillane’s palmed goal allowed the Kingdom to fight back.
Tyrone had their chances to win a first All-Ireland title during the nineties but didn’t quite make the grade, but then did so in the noughties.
Kingdom legend Seamus Moynihan recalled this year the growth of the Ulster county, explaining how the latter went on to win the three defining clashes of 2003, 2005 and 2008.
“Tyrone had an exceptional team,” said Moynihan. “We came out the wrong side all of the times we played them.
“Players like myself, Dara O Cinneide, Liam Hassett, we were kinda going over the hill. In 2001, I was in a room over in Australia at the International Rules.
“This fella Cormac McAnallen came into the room, he was after just winning an All-Ireland under-21.
“He was after getting a flight over but he didn’t bother going out, while myself and Dara went out and had a couple of pints downtown.
“We knew this fella was training himself. (Sean) Cavanagh, Brian McGuigan, all these boys were after winning an All-Ireland – Cormac was flying it in training, a fantastic guy.
“We knew it was coming. It just showed the age gap, there was a difference. And ultimately it did come, they did make hay. 2005 was one that could have gone either way. 2003 was terrible.
“I wasn’t involved in ’08 – I thought they (Kerry) set themselves up poorly, considering the team, it was all about the two towers, kicking bad ball in. Look, Tyrone deserved to win the three days.”
Click play on the video at the top of the page to watch the discussion.
Go to OrgaRetro.com to buy these jerseys, and use promo code ‘OurGame’ for 15% off.
