BRENDAN CUMMINS IS making a swift return to hurling as the new Kerry goalkeeping coach.

The Tipperary legend will take his first steps in inter-county coaching as part of Eamonn Kelly’s backroom.

Cummins, 38, retired last summer after 18 years with the Premier in which he won two All-Ireland titles and five All-Star awards.

He cited family commitments as part of the decision to hang up his hurl but now he is ready to team up with fellow countymen Kelly and coach Brian Horgan.

Speaking to Radio Kerry Sport, Kelly confirmed Cummins’ involvement and also revealed that former Premier boss Liam Sheedy played in important role in his own appointment as manager.

“Liam was one of the first guys to talk to me about this job. We’d be very good friends and we have been since we were 14 years of age.

Liam said to me that there’s a few gears left in these fellas. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t see the potential.

I love a challenge and this certainly is a challenge. It will take every managerial skill that I have and maybe that of others as well. We need to keep this professional.

Kerry begin their league campaign with a trip to Division 2A rivals Derry on 15 February.

Kelly said: “Over the next two years, what I’m looking at is that we get back competing in the Liam MacCarthy, winning the Christy Ring again and get up there again, get Kerry performing in the first round of the Munster Championship again. That’s where we need to go.”

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