Kerry V Dublin In 1904 All-Ireland Football Final.

Kerry where very lucky to get as far as playing in the All-Ireland in 1904. Two months after clenching the title in 1903 they where in the Munster Final against Waterford at Cork which ended in a draw.

Kerry where missing four key players, Jim Gorman, Denny Curran, JT Fitzgerald and Rody Kirwan. With these players missing Waterford realised they were in with a chance, and if it weren’t for a missed point by Doocey in the closing stages they would have been the victors.

The replay took place at Dungarvan on the 7th of January and it turned out to be a totally different game with Kerry, back to full strength, beating Waterford by 2-3 to 0-2.

Following this victory Kerry drew a bye into the All-Ireland final against an unknown and surprise Leinster champions Dublin. Most Kerry supporters had hoped to meet Kildare again.

Kerry where strong favourites as they fielded almost the same team as the previous year against Kildare. The final was played once again at the Cork Athletic Grounds on July 1st.

It had been raining all morning and heavy rain fell throughout the whole game, but this did not dampen the pace of the game.

Dublin got stuck into Kerry from the whistle and the Kerry defence was under severe pressure, but after about 15 minutes the game took on a different complexion. Kerry began to take control as the Dublin forwards faded and at half-time they were leading by 2 points.

At the start of the second half, Dublin, with the breeze, once again pounded the Kerry defence, and an almighty battled between the two teams ensued. However Kerry held centre field with the two giants Kirwan and Cahill.

It was an almighty tough game and in the whole of the second half there was only 1 point scored, from Dick Fitzgerald of Kerry. Kerry where champions again 0-5 to 0-2.

Kerry’s captain that day was Austin Stack of Tralee whose name is now given to the Tralee Sportsfield.

The Team Of 1904.

A.Stack (Captain), Mce. McCarthy, D. Curran, J. O`Gorman, J.T. Fitzgerald, J. Buckley, C. Healy, P.J. Cahill, J. O`Sullivan, D. Fitzgerald, P. Dillon, J. Myers, D. McCarthy, F.O`Sullivan, T. O`Sullivan, C. Murphy, R. Kirwan.