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Cian O’Neill with Eamonn Fitzmaurice during the 2014 All-Ireland Final.
KILDARE boss and former Kerry trainer, Cian O’Neill, was dismayed by the reaction to Kerry’s 11 point defeat to Dublin in the National League Final.
“I thought it was ridiculous. Blown out of proportion,” said O’Neill in an interview with the Irish Examiner.
“I know the Kerry boys, I know them well. I know Éamonn and his management team. They’re a serious operation,” said the Moorefield clubman.
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O’Neill was on the line for 2014 final All-Ireland victory against Donegal and the loss to Dublin in last year’s final before taking on the role of Kildare manager towards the end of 2015.
He also has experience with Limerick, Mayo and the Tipperary hurlers.
“You don’t win an All-Ireland with the challenges and obstacles that were in force in 2014 without having a really committed group of players and an outstanding manager and management team. Kerry will just take that as a learning and they’ll go back and see where they can improve because you can be damn sure they’re going to be back at the top table in the next few months.”
Cian O’Neill also spoke about departure of Tommy Walsh from the Kerry panel.
“I’m just disappointed for Tommy. I’m not part of the set-up, I wouldn’t know his thoughts, I haven’t spoken to him. He’s worked incredibly hard since he came home to try and get himself back in the frame. Hopefully, he’ll go back to his club and put in a huge shift there. The way things are, every top panel is fluid and he might need that break and come back in and play the best football of his career. Who knows?”
