Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-07-23
ALL IRELAND FOOTBALL. Kerry Defeated by Kildare in Great
 Contest

The champions or Muster ana Leln- ster joined issue on Sunday in the Agricultural Society's enclosure at Thurles for football supremacy, and if the controlling authorities of the Gaelic Athletic AssociaLlon had also control over the weather no more suitable day for this important event could have been possible It was ideal footballing weather, though per haps the wind was just shade on the strong side. This element, coupled
 with the prowess of the aspirants to All-Ireland honors, brought together d gathering of huge proportions rough ly estimated at 15,O00. The concourse was not quite so large as the number assembled in the Cork Athletic grounds on the occasion of the tussie between the same teams. Special trains were run from almost every where, and considering the heavy de- mands made on the G. $. and w. railway rolling stock it must be said that the arrangements worked without the slightest hitch. All the trains were heavily freighted, the only exception being the morning special from Cork, fact which may be attributed to inadequate advertising and tht at- fractions held out to the citizens by the hurling contests in Cork athletic grounds. The teams, with three or four exceptions, were similar in con- stltution to those that had previously contested All-Ireland honors, and feel ing was about equally divided as to the chances of the respective seven- teens. When, however, fifteen minutes of the play had expired, the Kildare mems fine form was unmistakably evident. They played with wonderful dash, science and combination, while the foot-work of the scoring line was deadly accurate. On the other hand, Kerry gave most disappointing dis play, and were a very much disim- proved combination on the form shown in Cork grounds. They were by no means as speedy as their op- ponents, lacked the old dash and go, mutted some pretty scoring offers and were decidedly slow in getting pos session. The first half hour closed with Kildare leading by five points, the score being-Kildare 6 points, Kerry 1 point. On change of ends, with the wind in their favor, there was yet a prospect of success for Kerry and though they played with indomitabIe determination they failed to overhaul their opponents, and the oft-victorious wearers of the green and gold had to retire from the arena defeated on the score-Kildare l goal ' points; Kerry, points. Details:
 First Half.
 The representatives of the Kingdom won choice of position, but elected to play against the rather strong wind which prevailed: The referee. MT Grove, of Dublin County Committee G. A. A, had the teams quickly at work shortly after 3 o'clock. To the accompaniment of Up Kerry" aud Up Kildare" shouttd by thousands of admirers of both teams, the ball was set going Kerry forwards carried play into Kildare ground, where de- fence proved much too sound. Kerry again found touch in Kildare terri- tory, but nothing came of the advau- tage Little headway had been made when Kerry had to pay q penalty. This led up to vigorous attack by Kil' 'rc. who, however, were beaten bacA neutral ground. At half way Costelloe got in a magnificent kick and Kerry were again in possession of their opponents posts. The de- fence was of the most determined character, and receiving penalty l.f. nd ISfI.1ap.. once more attacked. The storming operations completely non-plussed Kerry. and the first score went down to Kildare. Having secured the minor, Kildare. per Scott. were going strong. and midfield saw a desperate tussle lasting for some minutes until the teams were whistled up for a foul committed by Kerry. Sne penalty kick was admirably directed, and the second minor was awarued Kildare. Following the delivery, Kerry lor- wards worked extremely hard, but failed to make any tangible impress sion. Another free to Kildare from easy range followed The defence was all that the emergency demand ed. and on transferring play some rather nice chances were thrown away by Kerry. The ball was sent twice at short intervals. Kirwan sent over the side line and kildare, re- ceiving the throw in, Kerry's backs were again in trouble McCarty (capD came to the timely rescue of his side with splendid field shot, and when the Fitzgeralds. Breen, Kir- wan and German playing up in bet ter style. it looked as if Kerry could not be denied a score NJ Kennedy, Losty, Scott. Murray and Rafferty were too much too clever. and with nice piece of combination, play was brought back to the half way flag Kerry was given free, but Kirwan's effort was exceedingly faulty. Kerry again forced the pace. and Dick Fitz- gerald wound up with neatly got minor for the Kingdom-a perform ance which evoked loud piaudits from the numerous followers of his team 1 The send out from goal received strong support from KiIdare's front rank, who carried well into the Op- posing lines. The only result was the leather going dead. After an exciting encounter. Kildare now began to make 1 their presence felt. and two points were run up almost simultaneously. Losty was responsible for one of the scores. and the manner in which he succeeded in achieving bis object was undoubtedly a clever specimen of footwork. Kerry was once again pen aiIzed. and Kildare effected a second Iodgment in their stronghold. The de- fence raised left little to he desired.