Double standards in the Kingdom is no Kerry joke

Of course, Tyrone and Ulster folk in general are quickly criticised by Kerry folk when they indulge in the Dark Arts and sledging is one of their favourites it appears. But double standards are quickly employed when it is their own that indulge.

I read a piece by Michael Moynihan in The Examiner earlier this week where he writes about an odd contradiction wherein a county (Kerry), though priding itself in its native cunning (cute Kerry feckers, etc ...), get a little unsettled when any of us refer to this cuteness. It is well known they have a very strong voice in the media and are not slow to tog out their great stars of yesteryear when a narrative or lobby needs presenting.

Kerry can't have it both ways - if they are the guardians of the beautiful game, the aristocrats and the stylists then fine; but double standards eventually lead to no standards at all. I am reminded of course, that the only criticism that really truly hurts us is that which we deserve.

They will know, as any of us who bother to inform ourselves know, that sledging is a black card offence and Paul Geaney was guilty of such just after scoring his excellent decider. Once again, we were let down by referees and umpires who failed to take any action. As the referee had also failed to issue a yellow card in the first half when he knew perfectly well that Michael Shields had dived. Consistency indeed.