Comment: Not the time to abandon the ship and lose the faith with Kildare

Entering Enniskillen on Saturday last the first thing that was noticed on arrival was the absence of the Union Jack and the tricolour flags flying in the northern air as they would normally greet you instantly reminding you of the exact territory you were entering.

However, that does not mean that no flags were to be seen.

Absolutely not.

Marking out the territory of the divided county on this occasion was the Palestinian flags initially, soon to be followed by the flags representing Israel.

I suppose with the white flags of Kildare the local residents probably assumed those entering their town were peaceful, non-committed and neutral.

All things considered it is probably best to leave that at that, if you get me drift.

One thing is for sure that the white flag of Kildare certainly did not show any signs of aggression, any sign of getting stuck in and any sign of forcing the home brigade back to the wall and to the pin of their collective collars.

When the 2024 Allianz Football League (Division 2) fixtures were published some months ago, a quick glance at the dates, time and venues looked very positive from a Kildare point of view.

Four home games, albeit in Carlow, the opening two games against the two promoted teams, Cavan and Fermanagh, and the final league game against Louth.

And the Kildare fans began to dream.

Again.

Dream of possibly making it out of Division 2 and returning to the top table of Division 1 football, where all the big guns dine, where all those with ambition of playing in the summer in Croke Park hang out and where players get to rub shoulders with only the best in the land.

Just two games in and already the dream has all but gone.

Yes, of course, there are still five games to go.

And three of them are 'home' games for The Lilies but to all intents and purposes they are all away games, no ones fault of course, and a small price to pay as we await the redevelopment of St. Conleth's Park.

The Division 2 table, even at this early stage though (see page 63) makes for depressing reading.

Second from the bottom and who would have thought that it is Cork who are propping up the table, albeit after two away games to Donegal and Louth.

And yes, of course, Kildare's destination is absolutely in their own hands, a win or two would not only give the players and the team a boost but it would give the long suffering fans hope that the corner may turn.

Last Saturday in Brewester Park it was felt prior to the game that the win was not just essential but that it was achievable.

Alas, no.

Was there improvement from the debacle of the Cavan game a mere seven days previously?

In the first half, certainly not.

In the second, signs, maybe small signs but definitely signs, for a time at least before falling away to a better prepared, better set-up, better all round side that thoroughly deserved to take the two points on the day.

Yes there were just four points separating the sides when the long whistle finally arrived.

Yes you can point to the fact that if Kildare had converted a late, late penalty the margin would have been down to a single point.

Yes you can point to the fact that the disastrous concession of the opening goal was a massive turning point.

And of course, and this is very important, the amount of injuries that Kildare have suffered this season already has been hurtful.

Add in the fact that four or five of the Kildare squad are heavily involved with Maynooth University as they continue their magnificent journey in the Sigerson Cup, playing the semi-final this week, and were not asked to play another full seventy minutes.

All fair, it has to be said, but that Sigerson Cup journey has hit Kildare and hit them hard.

That, of course, is not taking away from the dreadful form we have seen from the boys in white this season.

Last season Kildare lost to Dublin by a single point in their opening game; took a hammering from Cork in game two; gained their first set of points with a one point win over Clare, followed by a hiding from a rejuvenated Derry squad in game no. four.

Have we seen any improvement in that 'form' this season?

Afraid not.

If anything, and looking at it as fairly and honestly as one can, one could argue that Kildare have regressed even further and that is said with a very heavy heart I can assure you.

Still, we have been told that training is going very well; the players are doing everything that is being asked of them, etc, etc.

So what's the problem?

Hard to put one's finger on it.

And you know something else, it looks from afar that those in charge are as puzzled as the rest of us.

Having said all that and looking at the body language of many of the players both against Cavan and against Fermanagh one can't help wondering if the players are enjoying their football?

Few, in would seem, are playing with a smile on their face.

Few would seem to have the belief, or the confidence, or call it what you like, to take on an opponent; to go for the gap; to attempt the score. Instead it seems that players are very keen to off-load as quickly as possible, in other words the fear of making a mistake; get rid of the ball, go backwards or sideways instead of doing what one player in particular does at every opportunity, go forward.

Kevin O'Callaghan does not show that fear; does not lack that confidence to take on his man; to break, or at least attempt to break, a tackle; break the line.

If Kildare are to dig themselves out of the hole they are presently in that is what needs to happen.

Belief, confidence and no fear that if something goes awry they will pay the penalty.

There is no shortage of top class players on the present Kildare panel.

There is a lot of experienced players that have mixed it, and more than held their own in the best of company.

And, hopefully, they can do it again.

So maybe everything is not all doom and gloom.

There are still enough of games remaining to, at the very least, retain Division 2 status.

None, it has be said, are easy.

But that does not say none of them can't be won.

If the injured players, and some should be back in two weeks, albeit against Armagh, the Sigerson Cup players return and belief and confidence can be restored, maybe even St Brigid might give us a bit of dig out, all may not be lost just yet.

Keep the faith.

Here's hoping!

On a very sad note condolences to one of Kildare's greatest fans and supporters, Billy Dunne, on the death of his long time partner Viv (Maguire) who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly last week. Billy himself is presently hospitalised and we wish him a speedy recovery. Viv's funeral arrangements will be made known later this week.

May she RIP.