Seven weeks ago Jack O’Connor appeared somewhat befuddled by the fact Kildare had pulled them back to draw their opening game of the Allianz Football League. One reason, suggested the Kerry manager, was that he was still short several first-choice players.
Fast forward to last Sunday, and in holding off the stern challenge of Armagh at the Athletic Grounds, Kerry guaranteed their place in the Division One final with a game to spare (the visit of All-Ireland champions Tyrone to Killarney this weekend). Getting most of those first-choice players back on board has clearly made a telling difference.
Among the most conspicuous of those is Diarmuid O’Connor and Jack Barry at midfield, the Tralee pair missing that opening game in Newbridge as they were still involved with their club Na Gaeil in the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship. They lost the semi-final to Steelstown Brian Óg’s of Derry that same weekend, 2-6 to 0-7, and might w …
- March 22, 2022
