As Kerry prepare for their Division 1 League final against Dublin next weekend, one warhorse of the Kingdom is spending the day celebrating. Yesterday, as Kerry brushed off Donegal, Donaghy was up in Letterkenny, as his Tralee Warriors took on Templeogue for the Men's Champions Trophy. Donaghy is a former footballer of the year and noted catch-phrase inventor but he is first and foremost a basketball player. You've never really appreciated Donaghy's gifts as a sportsman until you've watched him on the hardwood.
Yesterday he played a massive role in helping Tralee win some silverware - he hit the winning free throw, nailed the shot that brought the game to overtime, and won the decisive rebound and foul that ultimately swung the game - but it's only when you watch the footage back that you realise how accomplished (and passionate) Donaghy is when he plays hoops.
Let's start by watching back the crucial phase of the game. It's deep in overtime, with Tralee up 1 and Donaghy on the free throw line. Donaghy misses his second free throw, races for the offensive rebound, nearly get its, then chases the ball all the way down court. When the ref calls a travel, he goes bonkers and inserts himself in the face of all of his teammates. I don't think I've ever seen him this animated.
Now let's go back to the Tralee's last phase of possession in regulation time. Tralee trail by 2. They work the ball into Donaghy, who uses all of his skills in the low post to create space and make the shot that would eventually bring the game to overtime. Look at Donaghy as he marches to the bench.
But perhaps the phase that shows off Donaghy's guile and desire as a basketball player came in the game's decisive passage. Tralee trailed by 3 with less than thirty seconds left in overtime. Not only does Donaghy win the crucial offensive rebound to set up Pemberton's three pointer, he manages to win one of the cagiest fouls you'll ever see. All of those years being by Philly McMahon stood to him. A foul was called on his marker, Donaghy hit one of the two free throws left and Tralee completed an improbable overtime comeback.
What a day for Kieran Donaghy.
Watch the whole game here.
