HISTORY holds that there is no greater goal keeping name in Kerry than that of O'Keeffe. The illustrious "Danao" was a part of the tradition in the 1930s and 1940s.
On Sunday next the ritual will be left in the capable hands of Rathmore brothers Declan O'Keeffe, the senior goal keeper, and Kennet the Kingdoms minor custodian.
Declan happens to be the third goalkeeper the Kerry selectors have used in as many years. He follows on from Peter O'Leary and Peter O'Brien.
Kenneth will be following in the steps of Declan (24) when he operates between the stick for the Kerry minors against Mayo.
Declan stationed at the Garda recruiting centre in Templemore, made his last appearance in Croke Park six years ago. It was the 1990 All Ireland minor final against Meath and Conor Martin, the current Meath goalkeeper, frustrated his ambition of a medal by saving a late John Cronin penalty.
It will be Declan's fourth game in Croke Park but his first as a senior player. For Kenneth it will be a first time at Headquarters.
"I am looking forward to it and so is Kenneth," said Declan. "We are a young team supported by a new generation of Kerry supporters. It is an exciting time for us and we are very optimistic that it is the start of a bright future for this team.
"We owe it all to Paudi O Se and the present Kerry management who have instilled so much self belief in us. We don't worry about the opposition but concentrate on our own game and let them worry about us."
Further substance to the notion that Kerry football is basically one big family affair lies in the fact that Darn O Se is a nephew of team, manager Paudi as is Tomas O Se the centre back on the minor team.
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