Gaelic Football is the second most popular game in Munster GAA. All six counties take part in the Munster GAA Championship - Tipperary, Waterford, Limerick, Clare, Kerry and Cork. All six teams go into a hat - there is no seeding. It is a winner take all competition and the two winners go to the final.
Kerry has won a total of 73 titles since the competition was started in 1887. Winning the Munster Title is an honour in itself and the winning team represents Munster in The All Ireland Series. Kerry won The Munster Final in 2010. The game was played in Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney. At the final whistle the teams were level. They replay was played in Cork.
The glamour game in the Munster Championship is Cork V Kerry. Both are the top football teams in the province and have built up years of intense rivalry on the field of play. Both teams like to beat each other in every competition and to beat your biggest rival in The Munster Final is the ultimate goal every year. This rivalry has transferred to the fans that come in big numbers to the final every year.
Fitzgerald Stadium is an excellent venue to get to. It is within five minutes walking distance from the town centre. Anyone going to the game has a great choice in accommodation and restaurants as they wait for the game. The atmosphere in the streets before and after the game is electric and the banter between both set of fans adds to the occasion. Fans normally come to town on the night before the final and avail of the very competitive quality accommodation in the town.
The fans start drifting into the town on the Friday night before the game and on Sunday at 11.00am the streets are full. The fans wear their County colours Red and White for Cork and Green and Gold for the Kerry fans. This gives a carnival atmosphere to the streets and children love it. They get the opportunity to get dressed up in their hero's jersey and see him in action on the field. The ultimate jersey to don on the day is the one with your hero's number in big colours on the back.
Once 12.00pm comes the children become anxious to go to the stadium. They do not wish to miss their team's entry on to the field. They love this part of the day. Everyone walks to the game from the town, a journey that takes less than five minutes normally. On a big match day it can take a little longer as fans stop to greet friends and discuss the outcome of the game. There is also the banter from the rival fans and this lends to the excitement.
Prior to the Munster Final the Minor football final takes place. Not everyone going to the game wants to see the minor final. This is also for the County Teams and all the players are under 18. The real County Fan will be in his or her seat for the minor Final. It gives each County Supporter a chance to see their young stars in action.
After the presentation to the Minor winning Captain the two senior teams appear on the pitch. The atmosphere is electric with both teams getting full vocal support from their fans. The teams parade behind the band, the national anthem is sung and the game begins.
Football fans visiting Killarney for the Munster Final can book Killarney Hotels or Killarney B&B at Stay in Kerry
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