Senior
In 1975, a new-look Kerry team was formed under the management of former player Mick O'Dwyer. It was the beginning of a glorious era for Kerry football and Kennelly played a key role in orchestrating much of the success for the team that would come to be regarded as the greatest of all time.[original research?][tone][citation needed] That year he won his first senior Munster title, dethroning Cork as provincial champions in the process.[6] Kennelly later lined out in his first senior All-Ireland final. Reigning champions Dublin provided the opposition and were installed as the favourites over the youngest Kerry team of all time.[citation needed] On a rain-soaked day, John Egan and substitute Ger O'Driscoll scored two goals, and 'the Dubs' were ambushed with a score of 2–12 to 0–11.[7] It was Ó Kennelly's first All-Ireland winners' medal at senior level.
In 1976, Kennelly captured his second Munster title before later lining out in his second All-Ireland final. Once again, it was Dublin who provided the opposition. New 'Dub' Kevin Moran was causing havoc with the Kerry defence.[citation needed] Jimmy Keaveney converted a penalty to help Dublin to a 3–8 to 0–10 victory and defeat for Kennelly.[8]
1977 proved to be another frustrating year.[original research?] The year began with Kennelly capturing a National League medal on the field of play and a third consecutive Munster title following another win over Cork. Kerry later took on Dublin for the third consecutive year, however, this time it was in the All-Ireland semi-final. In one of the greatest games of football ever-played 'the Dubs' triumphed and Kennelly was still left waiting for a second All-Ireland medal.[original research?]
In 1978, Kerry secured a fourth Munster winners' medal in-a-row, however, Kennelly missed the provincial decider. He later returned in time for 'the Kingdom's’ third All-Ireland final appearance in four years. Old rivals Dublin provided the opposition, however, the game turned into a rout. The game is chiefly remembered for Mikey Sheehy's sensational goal. The Kerry forward lobbed the ball over the head of Paddy Cullen, who was caught off his line arguing with the referee. New full-forward Eoin Liston scored a hat-trick of goals. Pat Spillane played all over the field, including goalkeeper after Charlie Nelligan was sent off. At the full-time whistle Kerry were the winners by 5–11 to 0–9.[9]
In 1979, Kennelly, who was now captain of the side, won a fourth provincial title as Cork fell by ten points in the Munster final. He later went in search of a third All-Ireland medal as he lined out in a fourth championship decider. Dublin provided the opposition for the fifth consecutive occasion. Kerry were handicapped throughout the game. Ger Power did not start the game, while John O'Keeffe got injured and Páidí Ó Sé was sent off during the encounter. Two goals by Mikey Sheehy and a third by John Egan helped 'the Kingdom' to a 3–13 to 1–8 victory. It was Kennelly's third All-Ireland winners' medal while he also had the honour of lifting the Sam Maguire Cup.[10]
Kerry's dominance continued in 1980. Another defeat of Cork in the provincial final gave Kennelly a fifth Munster winners' medal. Another All-Ireland final appearance beckoned, this time with Roscommon providing the opposition. The Connacht champions shocked Kerry and took a five-point lead inside the first twelve minutes. Mikey Sheehy popped up again to score the decisive goal, as Kerry went on to claim a 1–9 to 1–6 victory in a game that contained sixty-four frees.[11] The victory gave Kerry a third All-Ireland title in succession, while Kennelly added a fourth All-Ireland winners' medal to his ever-growing collection.
In 1981 Kennelly missed Kerry's seventh consecutive Munster title, however, he later lined out in the All-Ireland final against Offaly. Kerry had an easy win with seven players combining for a great goal. He captured his fifth All-Ireland winners' medal that day as Kerry won by 1–12 to 0–8.[11]
In 1982, Kennelly won his second National League winners' medal before Kerry secured an eighth consecutive Munster final victory over Cork. It was Kennelly's sixth provincial title in all. The All-Ireland final pitted 'the Kingdom' against Offaly for the second year in-a-row. Kerry had the upper hand for much of the game and were leading by two points with two minutes left to be played. The game, however, was not over as Offaly substitute Séamus Darby, who had entered the game almost unnoticed, produced the most spectacular of finishes by scoring a late goal. Kerry failed to score again to level the match and Offaly went on to win their third All-Ireland title ever. Kerry's five-in-a-row dream was shattered.[12]
Kerry missed out on an historic nine-in-a-row in Munster in 1983, as Cork finally triumphed. 'The Kingdom' bounced back the following year; however, Kennelly was now on the periphery of the team while he also became a selector. He played no part on the field of play in Kerry's Munster final and All-Ireland final triumphs. Kennelly retired from inter-county football around this time.
