KERRY BOSS EAMONN Fitzmaurice has made two changes to his Kerry side for this Sunday’s vital Division 1 Allianz Football League clash against Monaghan in Clones (3pm).
With just two rounds of fixtures remaining Kerry sit in fourth spot on the table following three wins and two losses while Monaghan are just two points in arrears.
David Moran is back in midfield following his injury-enforced absence since Kerry’s loss to Roscommon last month. Captain Bryan Sheehan, who picked up a hand injury against Mayo last time out, drops out of the starting XV.
Elsewhere, Brian Kelly replaces Brendan Kealy between the sticks as Fitzmaurice continues to rotate his goalkeepers.
Paul Geaney is named among the substitutes for the first time this season, his last appearance for the Kingdom coming in September’s All-Ireland final against Dublin, and he is joined on the bench by fellow long-term absentee Killian Young.
The experienced Aidan O’Mahony will captain the side in the absence of Sheehan.
Kerry
1. Brian Kelly (Killarney Legion)
2. Marc Ó Sé (An Ghaeltacht)
3. Mark Griffin (St Michaels/Foilmore)
4. Shane Enright (Tarbert)
5. Peter Crowley (Laune Rangers)
6. Aidan O’Mahony (Rathmore, capt)
7. Fionn Fitzgerald (Dr Crokes)
8. Kieran Donaghy (Austin Stacks)
9. David Moran (Kerins O’Rahillys)
10. Johnny Buckley (Dr Crokes)
11. Paul Murphy (Rathmore)
12. Donnchadh Walsh (Cromane)
13. Darran O’Sullivan (Glenbeigh-Glencar)
14. Colm Cooper (Dr Crokes)
15. Stephen O’Brien (Kenmare)
Subs:
16. Brendan Kealy (Kilcummin)
17. Killian Young (Renard)
18. Alan Fitzgerald (Castlegregory)
19. Barry John Keane (Kerins O’Rahillys)
20. Padraig O’Connor (Killarney Legion)
21. Brendan O’Sullivan (Valentia)
22. Denis Daly (St Marys)
23. Pa Kilkenny (Glenbeigh/Glencar)
24. Jonathan Lyne (Killarney Legion)
25. Paul Geaney (Dingle)
26. Aidan Walsh (St Marys)
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Very good read i cant wait for huge Gavin to play for them look’s like all irish side’s have plenty of dept and strength
Murray, you left Shayne Bolton out of your back 3 assessments, probably the most explosive back in the squad, behind Mack, of course!
@Mary Corrigan: Was that him running in tries against Glasgow? looks a tidy player.
@Thesaltyurchin: Yes, it was!
@Mary Corrigan: Hope he can stay healthy!!! Really want this lad to get some luck this season…Pace and Power bottled.
At some stage this season hoping that we have Santi @ FB, Mack and Bolton on the wings!!
That’s a tasty back 3!
I’ve a feeling Ioane is going to be a dud signing. The Chiefs fans I’ve come across online are delighted to be getting rid of him
@5sZl1dX2: Sometimes a player needs a change of scene to recapture his form
Some gems in the Connacht Squad, Gavin, Ioane, Cordero who should make their mark this season.I still feel Connacht is the IRFUs greatest uptapped opportunity for a number of reasons.
Firstly there are quality players at Leinster who wont get much game time, think Scott Penney, Harry Byrne or Rob Rusell. All would be in the mix for a Connacht European match day 23
Secondly the current Connacht squad is particularly week in the front five. Just investing in acquiring 3 international players at SR, LH and Hooker would substantially level up Connacht and make those European away games more winnable for them. Wish the IRFU would allocate a few million more to Connacht and help them move into ERC knock out contenders
@Owen ODonoghue: One thing connacht never lack for are speedy outside backs, so Russell might not get many more games than at Leinster. Penny would at best be 2nd choice at 7 to Moose, who was Connacht’s best player in a strong back row. You’re mostly right about the tight five, but our international locks (Dillane and Thornbury) moved on because Connacht couldn’t afford to hold onto them, especially with RO’G headhunting Dillane.