championship. He quickly progressed onto the Kerry under-21 team where he captured a Munster title in 1975 following a nine-point trouncing of Waterford. Spillane's side later qualified for the All-Ireland final with Dublin providing the opposition. A 1–15 to 0–10 score line gave Kerry the victory and gave Spillane an All-Ireland winners' medal. In 1976 Spillane made it two Munster under-21 titles in-a-row as Kerry retained their provincial crown at the expense of Cork. He later lined out in a second All-Ireland final. Kildare provided the oppsoution on that occasion, however, they were no match for Kerry. Spillane collected a second All-Ireland winners' medal following a 0–14 to 1–3 victory. Senior Spillane made his senior inter-county debut as a substitute in a National Football League game against Galway in March 1974. He lined out in the drawn National League final that year; however, he did not start the replay which Kerry won. Spillane retained his place as a substitute for Kerry's unsuccessful Munster Championship campaign. 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 Spillane 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. That year he won his first senior Munster title, dethroning Cork as provincial champions in the process. Spillane later lined out in his first senior All-Ireland final. Reigning champions Dublin provided the opposition and were installed as the red-hot favourites over the youngest Kerry team of all-time. On a rain-soaked day John Egan and substitute Ger O'Driscoll scored two goals and 'the Dubs' were ambushed by 2–12 to 0–11. It was Spillane's first All-Ireland winners' medal at senior level. Because team captain Mickey 'Ned' O'Sullivan had left injured in the first-half, Spillane, at the age of nineteen, was given the task of accepting the Sam Maguire Cup on the Hogan Stand. In 1976 Spillane captured his second Munster title before later lining out in his second All-Ireland final. Once again it was Dublin who provided the opposition. Both sides were hoping for success, however, new 'Dub' Kevin Moran was causing havoc with the Kerry defence. Jimmy Keaveney converted a penalty to help Dublin to a 3–8 to 0–10 victory and defeat for Spillane. 1977 proved to be another frustrating year. The year