Tally’s off to Kerry

So the rumours are true – Paddy Tally is off to Kerry. I’m not sure what to make of it – part of me is surprised a Tyrone man would even want to help the cute hoors, but Paddy’s a sound fella and I’m sure he’ll add something to the set-up. I never really took to Jack O’Connor – seems like a bit of a moaner – and the circumstances of his appointment will rankle with some for some time, but the real question is, does he still have what it takes? He won three All-Irelands with Kerry in the noughties, but it seems to be a big ask for managers to remain relevant for decades on end. Did Mickey Harte manage it? Arguably. Arguably not. Brian Cody could do with moving on as well. Anyway if he doesn’t win an All-Ireland next year he’ll soon know about it.

NIALL GARTLAND

Kilpatrick’s brave step

CONN Kilpatrick deserves immense praise for going on Claire Byrne Live and speaking so openly and honestly about his gambling addiction. It’s never an easy thing to do regardless of the circumstances but Kilpatrick is still a very young man and it took a lot of bravery. If his message got through to even one person then it would have been more than worth it. Kilpatrick is thankfully in a good place now and it’s great to see him achieving success on and off the pitch. It was also great to hear that Oisin McConville helped him out. The Cross man had his own gambling demons, but he is doing so much to guide those that need help.
NIALL MCCOY

Taking risks with your club

CHECK out the St Patrick’s Cullyhanna story in this week’s issue of Gaelic Life to see how management can make ballsy decisions that pay off. Earlier this year, they decided to ease up in the league, not play their strongest players, with the result being that they lost some games that they could have won. It was a huge gamble. In a normal season for most clubs, league standing is crucial as relegation is a danger. Yet Cullyhanna played a clever game. They made sure they got as many wins as they needed and protected their more senior players. They even told players not to rush back after injury. The upshot, they have a strong, fit team for championship. Very clever.
RONAN SCOTT