In a week when there has been a lot of talk about Irish soccer we maybe be overlooking that it's inevitable that Robbie Keane won't be around forever, which could be a big problem for Ireland with regards getting goals. So here is a look at some of the GAA players past and present showing off their soccer goal scoring skills.
How we could have done with some of them in our national team.
1. Darran O'Sullivan ( Kerry Vs Limerick 2011)
Darran O'Sullivan scored this classy back-heel goal versus Limerick in the Quarter Finals of the All-Ireland in 2011. Darran in his younger years actually played soccer over in London with the QPR youths before moving to the Kingdom. This was an unbelievable goal which showed great technique and coolness under pressure. Special mention must also go to Bryan Sheehan for giving a diabolical handpass at his feet but maybe Sheehan knew he was going to do it..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8ymsQwl20M
2. Pascal Kelleghan (Rhode Vs Portlaoise 2008)
The man from Rhode has had lot of success with his club winning six county championships, andt this goal was a touch of class from the big man. It was a sublime effort from some 30 yards out to spot the keeper off his line and go for it. Pascal Kelleghan has now gone into management and has been managing the under 21's of Offaly recently and also put his name in for the Westmeath senior management position.
If his goal scoring touch is anything like his management skills it won't be long now till he takes over the senior management role in Offaly.
3. Mark Ronaldson (Shrule-Glencorrib Vs Caherlistrane)
Former Mayo underage star Mark Ronaldson scored this brilliant back-heeled goal against Caherlistrane and imagine what he could do if the pitch wasn't muddy. Mark was an under 16 Irish international and played with players such as Leon Best, Aiden McGeady, Stephen Ireland and another GAA star Ciaran Lyng from Wexford. He was also a star with the Mayo minor and under 21 teams of the mid to late 00's but never quite made it to senior level.
If he keeps on scoring goals like this one at club level then James Horan or the new Irish manager will have to take a look at him at some stage again.
4. Jamie Clarke (Crossmaglen Vs St. Galls 2011)
I won't lie, Jamie Clarke is one of my favorite footballers of the modern game so I think If he was playing soccer he'd be a striker and a damn good one at that. He is such a clinical finisher in front of goal; you could call him a 'fox in the box'; he is so cool under pressure and that was shown with his goal versus St.Galls in the Ulster club championship.
He initially lost the ball then fought back for it and then when he had it on the ground he dummied to shoot, and had the awareness to take another touch to get it out of under his feet and finish it low into the bottom corner.
5. Mikey Sheehy (Kerry Vs Dublin 1978)
Mikey Sheehy scored probably one of the most iconic goals of all time with that chip versus Dublin in 1978. Kerry got a free (most dubious free ever) on the 14 yard line and quick thinking by Sheehy saw Paddy Cullen off his line so he chipped him. The goal will go down as one of the greatest ever and the description of it by Con Houlihan the Kerry journalist will live forever as well '' Mikey Sheehy was running up to take the kick and suddenly Paddy (Cullen) dashed back towards his goal like a woman smells a cake burning'.
