The Gooch keeps locals enthralled in the Páirc

GAELIC GAMES ALL STARS TOUR:COLM COOPER, like the other 28 outfield players who featured in the All Star exhibition match in Páirc na nGael, San Francisco, hardly broke a serious sweat on Saturday but the Gooch still produced enough glimpses of magic, rolling some exquisite balls into the likes of Derry's Paddy Bradley, to keep the locals enthralled.

But it was the heroics of Meath goalkeeper Brendan Murphy and Gary Connaughton from Westmeath that really kept the focus away from the outdoor bar. Nonetheless, 25 barrels were drank before nightfall.

Fairly quickly, matters descended into a turkey shoot, meaning the goalkeepers had to work damn hard behind disintegrating defences.

The 2007 team were out the gate by the time Cooper fired their third goal on 15 minutes after a clever kick pass from Darragh Ó Sé.

It eventually finished up 8-13 to 4-10 before the whole posse retreated to the United Irish Cultural Centre out near the Sunset district - basically the epicentre of the Irish-American community here - for a dinner dance.

"Ah, it was enjoyable," said Cooper. "It's good for the people out here who want to meet the players they would be watching on TV. I suppose that's the best thing - I hope they enjoyed it."

The San Francisco GAA put on a grand show, officially opening Páirc na nGael out on Treasure Island (just five minutes over the Bay bridge) despite the venture only beginning last March.

With Micheál Ó Muireachtaigh absent, it was left to Paul Collins of Today FM fame to keep everyone around the ground informed on what was happening.

"Yeah, it was great," the Gooch continued. "I'm rooming with Gary Connaughton and we're having great fun. You don't get the opportunity to socialise (with players from other counties throughout the year) so it is good opportunity to do that.

"When we get home there will be markers put down for next year, obviously with a new manager coming in with his own ideas. We're trying to get back to basics so hopefully we'll have a productive season.

"Jack (O'Connor) is a good manager. We all know that. He has proven it with Kerry. A couple of national leagues thrown in as well.

"He's proven it before and I think all the players are happy enough to have him on board. He is a good manager, he is shrewd. That might be something we need to push us on and achieve what we want to achieve."

This match was perhaps the last chance for the Kerry players to play under outgoing manager Pat O'Shea. They finally gave him a victory over Mickey Harte, who was managing the 2008 All Stars.

"I didn't really know what Pat would do," said Cooper of his club mate at Dr Crokes' departure after two years in charge. "A little bit surprised, I suppose, but looking back on it now he has a young family and it is a huge commitment. I suppose in Kerry more so than anywhere else you are expected to win everything, every year. That's a huge demand. Pat gave two great years; two All-Ireland (finals). I think he enjoyed them."

And what of Bradley? Well he heads back to Sydney where he will spend the colder months on an Australian beach. That is, unless, he is summoned home by new Derry manager Damien Cassidy.

"I already spoke to Damien before I left. He has my number and if he wants me to come home earlier I'd be more than happy. At the end of the day, we're all about winning things. Whatever is good for Derry, I'll go and do it."

Hungry footballers, even in December kindred spirits like Cooper and Bradley remain focused on the big prize.