KERRY LEGEND MIKE Frank Russell has praised All-Ireland final boss Eamonn Fitzmaurice for keeping their opponents guessing about Colm Cooper’s true fitness.
Cooper was ruled out for the entire season back in February when he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury as well as a fractured knee cap.
But six months on, he wore the number 28 jersey and was fully togged out during the warm up for their semi-final replay win over Mayo.
It prompted speculation that the ‘Gooch’ may play some role though he wasn’t used and was subsequently ruled out of the final also by Fitzmaurice.
Opposing Donegal manager Jim McGuinness has stated that he must prepare for a Cooper appearance, however, and Russell feels it was a clever move by Fitzmaurice to keep Donegal and Mayo guessing.
“No, the ‘Gooch’ won’t be playing, no,” said Russell. “There were rumours down below about it but, in fairness, I think it’s a good management ploy by Eamonn Fitzmaurice. I think he’s keeping other teams guessing which I think is the main thing.
“Colm, I know myself, is running in straight lines but unfortunately he hasn’t enough football played, not to start anyway. I think he couldn’t barring a miracle.
“But I think Eamonn Fitzmaurice has played it well to be fair to him. He’s definitely keeping the opposition guessing.”
McGuinness’ comments before their semi-final win over Dublin about the capital county enjoying almost professional level resources that other counties can’t match, could be interpreted as similar gamesmanship.
Ironically, Donegal have used a helicopter to transport players to training recently while they are to fine tune their final preparations during a five-day training camp at the plush Lough Erne resort in Fermanagh.
They had a similar five-day camp in Meath ahead of the Dublin game and trained in Portugal for a week at the end of the league.
“It’s very ironic with Jim McGuinness,” said five-time All-Ireland medallist Russell. “Donegal were away for five days, you can’t get more professional than that.
“He was mentioning the Dublin team but I think the Mayos, the Kerrys, they’ve all brought it up a level really. Kerry, I think, are in Fota Island for two days but, yeah, you had helicopters and stuff mentioned (in Donegal). There is a bit of money involved there too, you know.
“I suppose the Donegals, the Kerrys, the Mayos and these teams – Dublin obviously have the bit of money with AIG – so they’ve all had to bring it up a level.”
Russell and McGuinness were Sigerson Cup winning colleagues back in 1998 on a star studded IT Tralee team that included Seamus Moynihan, Padraic Joyce and Michael Donnellan.
At the time, McGuinness sported long hair and a goatee beard, hinting at a carefree attitude.
“People were maybe a bit fooled by that,” said Russell. “He had a sharp brain. He commanded respect as he was a very good speaker. He came across to me as a man who thought a lot about the game. He seemed to have a plan always.”
Would be great for the league of Ireland if they progresed
FH looked an average loi team who got a goal against the run of play last week. We were the better team but they might have been keeping it tight.. but if they play like they did last wed and we play like we can then we will advance.. i firmly believe we will score tonight. Garts is a massive loss in the centre of defence but barrett is a good replacement… we are playing FH for €1.2m and a guaranteed 4 more games minimum in Europe.
Who’s we ?!
“We”… Are Ireland’s number one. The Black & White army.
Not doubting you. They really are Ireland’s number 1. Just asked for the craic because my uncle always mocks me when I use ‘we’ when talking about cork city lol
Massive game for Fundalk given the money at stake , great for the town and club . Really well run club these days with a super manager leading the team. Cmon da town !!
Get the name right pal. They’re fun to watch but I wouldn’t go that far
Says the plastic Irish supporter. Take down that Irish cover photo please if your not willing to support your own Irish league.
I’m supporting them no doubt.
Disappointed there isn’t a LIVE ticker thread for this game. It’s only the champions of Ireland playing in the world’s most lucrative competition. RTE not broadcasting it is a disgrace. And they claim to be supporters of domestic football. (Yes I know it’s on Eir Sport).
Dundalk playing some nice football here, they’ve been the better team so far, unlucky to be behind. Horgan & McMillan are doing very well. They’re just lacking a bit of composure in the final third.
Still nothing up about the match tonight disgraceful from the 42
And still nothing. Surely a live ticker wasn’t beyond them. They are the champions of Ireland and our only representatives in champions league. Fair dues to Eir for covering it, super game and even better performance from Dundalk.