Derring do of blond ambition

FOR more than a few people in Meath, surprise at Graham Geraghty's display in the All Ireland semi final was confined to the fact that it had taken so long to convert him from the half back line to attack, rather than the blistering elan with which he discharged his duties that day.

Among those who had harboured suspicions that Geraghty, a star minor at centre back, might be better deployed up the field was Matt Kerrigan, whose underage work in Meath had acquainted him with the player from an early stage.

The difference between Kerrigan and other theorists was that in his capacity as Leinster coach, the former Meath All Ireland medallist was in a position to put the idea into practice and Geraghty was at wing forward when the province broke Ulster's stranglehold on the Railway Cup earlier this year.

Meath had tried the player in attack at various stages, but his championship deployment until this year was always at right wing back.

"It wasn't just me," says Kerrigan. "Sean Boylan was probably well aware and Paul Kenny (manager of Meath's successful minor and under 21 teams in 1990 and 93) was as aware as me that Graham would make a good forward. The difference he has made this year is that to win All Irelands you need forwards who can score. Meath are now the only team in Leinster who can score with all six forwards.

"Geraghty has added an extra dimension, like David Beggy in 87. He has speed and he's unpredictable. He also has the balance and class to play anywhere. It's a natural ability combined with great feet and great hands."

All the positives about his attacking potential combine with a few reservations about his defensive capacity. Even as a wing back, Geraghty's main contribution to the team was in going forward. From that position he nearly saved the 1994 Leinster final against Dublin, scoring 1-1 late in the match.

Defending, though, was more of a problem and if a forward pushed onto Geraghty, he had difficulty going backwards a fact Kerrigan, as manager of Westmeath, exploited in the 94 League semi final.

"He was a good defender," says Kerrigan, "but Meath could find a right half back who would do a better job defending. He hadn't the same freedom at the back, but playing up front gives him space, especially the way Meath play. I felt his ability was being wasted in the half backs.

"Graham Geraghty could get a ball in under age football and take it 70 yards and bury it. He has such balance and ball control that he can run faster with the ball than most people can without it. And he can turn off both feet which is very rare in football these times. And he's a superb kicker of the ball."

Reservations in the wake of his plundering performance against Tyrone cent red on the amount of space he was given. Having started slowly, he took his goal well, late in the first half. Once he hit his stride, Tyrone were in trouble.

Fergal Logan, a big midfielder, replaced Ronan McGarrity as Geraghty's marker in a move that only expanded the space available to the Meathman. In tighter situations, against Laois and Dublin - although he was suffering from a bug in the Leinster final - Geraghty hadn't sparkled as much.

"He doesn't like being tightly marked," says Kerrigan. "Even as a back. I noticed (in last year's Leinster final) the way Jim Gavin was marking him. He stood outside him, theoretically in the wrong place, and forced Graham infield where Bealin and Stynes ate him up. For Graham to be a match winner, he needs space.",

The other main reservation concerns his temperament. He can be quick tempered and is inclined to lose concentration. He also gives an impression of moody rebelliousness which, combined with his striking, blond looks, can get up the snout of more austere Gaels in authority.

His flirtation with soccer wouldn't have helped either in official circles. A two week trial with Arsenal ended in rejection tempered with the advice that if he became involved with a National League club and gained experience, their interest might revive.

Again, Kerrigan was on the scene and believes the episode might have affected his confidence.

"I was involved with Seneschalstown (Geraghtys club)," he says, "at the time and they won the county championship and were going well in the Leinster club. I said to him he'd a great future in Gaelic football and who knows what way the GAA will develop in the years to come.

"I also said if Arsenal had seen something, they'd have kept him. Telling him to play League of Ireland was only being polite. In fairness to Turlough O'Connor at Bohemians (where Geraghty had signed), he said he'd need 100 per cent commitment - otherwise he'd only be playing in the reserves, so Graham had to make a choice."

He chose wisely.