KERRY HAVE CONFIRMED that former All-Ireland winning captain Fionn Fitzgerald will lead the side again in 2018 as the Kingdom go in search of their first Sam Maguire in four years.
Fitzgerald was the last Kerry skipper to lift the trophy in the Hogan Stand when he co-captained the side to success against Donegal in 2014 alongside Kieran O’Leary.
The 27-year-old takes the reigns from Dr Crokes club-mate Johnny Buckley, who led Kerry to the last four in 2017 before a semi-final replay exit at the hands of beaten finalists Mayo.
Fitzgerald has enjoyed consistent success in the green and gold jersey since making his senior inter-county debut during the 2013 National Football League, winning three Munster titles as well as an Allianz league winners medal and that 2014 All-Ireland triumph.
A Kerry board statement on Friday said: “The chairman of the Dr Crokes club has informed the chairman and Executive of Kerry GAA that the club is nominating Fionn Fitzgerald as Kerry senior football captain for 2018.
“We wish Fionn and the Kerry team every success in the year ahead.”
The news comes two months after Kerry boss Éamonn Fitzmaurice confirmed he would be remaining as manager next year, signing a new two year contract with the Kerry County Board which will take him into 2020.
35-year-old Kieran Donaghy has also committed to another Championship season, however last month saw five-time All-Ireland winner Bryan Sheehan announce his retirement from inter-county football.
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Didn’t realise how scrawny he is
Will find it very hard for a starting place.