Head to Head: O'Leary v Galvin

September 10, 2007
After their high-profile altercation in the Munster final, many supporters are eagerly looking forward to this potentially explosive duel. While both are superb footballers, they are also fierce competitors and their aggressive playing style has often spilled over and attracted the unwanted attention of GAA disciplinary chiefs. O'Leary was handed a one-month ban after he was caught by television cameras lashing out at Galvin in July's Munster final. His participation in the All-Ireland final was also in some doubt following an incident with Meath's Graham Geraghty in the semi-final until he was eventually cleared to play. Galvin is equally as well known for his robust style as for his unquestionable football ability. He was sent off in Kerry's All-Ireland quarter-final win over Armagh last year following an altercation with Orchard County water carrier John Toal, and seems to thrive in the physical exchanges. O'Leary has been a regular at wing back for Cork for a number of years, but like so many of his team-mates, is only now getting the credit he deserves. The forester has put the tiny Cill na Matra club on the map with a series of full-blooded and outstanding displays which have been central to Cork's return to the All-Ireland final after an eight-year lapse. After missing the All-Ireland quarter-final against Sligo, O'Leary marked his return to the side against Meath with an immense display from the right half back position. Not only did he blot out the considerable threat of Graham Geraghty, he also drove forward on a number of occasions and inspired those around him. Was it any wonder that he received a huge embrace from his delighted manager Billy Morgan following his substitution in the final minute? Galvin is to Kerry what Brian Dooher is to Tyrone. His incredible engine allows him to cover every blade of grass and he is equally adept at mopping up possession in his own full back line as slotting over points at the opposite end. After Kerry's traumatic defeat to Tyrone in 2003, he was one of the first men Jack O'Connor turned to in his attempt to 'toughen up' the Kingdom. The Fingue clubman, who also hurls with Lixnaw, played a big part in Kerry's 2004 and 2006 All-Ireland successes and was also an All-Star recipient in both years. In fact, he holds the distinction of being the GAA's 1,000th All-Star after he was named in the right half forward position in 2004. Like fellow half forward Declan O'Sullivan, Galvin spent the early part of this year in Australia and has undoubtedly benefited from his break away from football. He taught in Cork before this year and knows the Cork football scene inside out, having starred at wing back for UCC during his college days. His battle with O'Leary is akin to Patrick Vieira versus Roy Keane and could determine where the Sam Maguire will be spending the next 12 months.

Most Read Stories