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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Cork are very poor ,,!!!
When I saw the Cork team on Friday night with only 3 city players I new mass was over for the rebels this is the worst team Cork ever brought to Thurles sad.
Some dire stuff from Cork so far. Aimless balls down the field. They’ll need to improve drastically in the second half or this will be a rout
Great to see the sweeper system being destroyed early on.
That’s one poor cork team Christ above going to get throttled here today.
Early test of both teams ambition for the season. Nothing like the clash of the ash to kick off the summer.
Only this year it is starting with a whimper. Today and last night’s game both brutal.
Dire stuff from the rebels
It’s tipps year :-)
Premature to come out with that comment.
Barry Kelly is a shit ref.
Game over cork keep playing into tips hands
Cork are 11/4 in the bookies. As a Cork man I’ll take that price all day, championship hurling in Thurles, anything can happen!! Rebels Abú!!!
Never bet on your own team
Just been a pitch invasion by the Tipp supporters at the final whistle in Thurles. Where are the horse mounted police? Greyhounds even.
Cork really poor. The score is actually flattering should be down by more. Hopefully it will be a closer second half
Tipp’s full forward line is going to take some stopping of we’re going to get a result. Can never write us off in championship though, Rebels abú.
Good to see kieran Kingstons chopping and changing of the teams went so well for cork. He must be so proud…
Lots of stuff happening off the ball, ruining the flow of the game.
Cork are a big of a joke alright.
And cork lads coming on here giving out is golden. Long may it last.
What’s the longest ye have gone without an AI lads? Big 3 me hole.
Switchin over to watch Rory win the golf
Great shot from Rory there
You’re missing the comeback, three quick goals for cork
Dubai golf classic? Sounds like the Tommy Murphy cup.
As a Cork man….very disappointed. …maybe it’s a cunning plan….use the back door route to develop the team. .. ya right …will wake up from that dream soon..and come back to reality…
I never thought I would see the day when Cork hurling would hit such a low point even Kerry are putting in more professional performances.
No point having millions in the bank and no talent coming forward.
The OAP’S in county board.
we’ll need I say anymore!!!!!