Local pride at stake

Kerry senior football manager Jack O’Connor was far from happy that the draw for the All-Ireland series Round 1 took place on Monday last and accordingly detracted from the build-up to this Sunday’s Munster Senior Football Championship Final.

Speaking on Monday evening, O’Connor said:

“It isn't ideal, really, to have the draw before the Munster Final because I actually think it takes from the Munster Final. The Munster Final should be a big standalone fixture in its own right, and I just hope it won't distract people, that's all. We'll be doing our level best to make sure it doesn't distract the players, which is the most important thing. But I have no interest in discussing that game until we are finished with Cork, to be honest with you, and the Cork game is over because we'll have our hands full with Cork besides worrying about the game that is coming afterwards.”

O’Connor admitted that it is a valid question to ask about the importance of the Munster Final in the modern Championship calendar.

“That is a valid question. There is pride at stake. This time of year, you are trying to build a bit of confidence, build morale, and whatever, and it is never nice to get turned over by your nearest and dearest neighbours. Kerry have a proud record in Killarney in the Munster Championship. We'll certainly be trying to hold on to that”.

Read the full story in Kerry’s Eye Digital Edition.