James O’Donoghue, on the ball in the drawn Munster Final. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
JAMES O’Donoghue says Colm Cooper, will be back to his best in no time and that the Croke Park venue may well be the catalyst to ignite the Gooch’s season.
“The Gooch is The Gooch. You just look forward to getting on the field with him. I am sure the Gooch’s form will hit the sky in the summer. That is what he has been gearing himself for,” said O’Donoghue.
“Come Croke Park, which he loves, he is going to back firing and inspiring Kerry.”
On the way to claiming an All-Ireland last year, O’Donoghue, felt a special bond develope between the players and Kerry supporters.
“We knew we had the capability to win the All-Ireland and yet no one else gave us a sniff,” said O’Donoghue.
“On the back of that, a special bond arose between the team and the supporters. It was strange kind of atmosphere around the place and after winning then, it was phenomenal,” he said.
“I’m hoping that bond between supporters and players keeps going for this year because that was a huge advantage for last year.”
Though O’Donoghue, only kicked one point against Cork in the Munster Final replay, he maintains, once he is working for the team that is the most important thing.
“My job the last day was just to keep making runs, keep getting on the ball, leave some space, pass it out and let someone have a shot. That’s just as enjoyable for me as scoring because once you’re involved in the game and you’re trying your best for the team, that’s good enough for me”
The Legion man, is confident that coming through two tough tests against Cork will stand to Kerry when they face Kildare on Sunday.
“We’ve played a couple of games and it’s great for the group when you come through tough battles. Coming through a battle in horrendous conditions after nearly being knocked out the week before is good for the heads and everything,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kerry are expected to announce the starting 15 for that clash against the Lillies, tomorrow night at 9pm.
Kerry v Kildare, throw in 2pm.
