Hurling: Kerry Suffer Heavy Home Defeat To Westmeath

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Kerry’s Michael O’Leary (14) challenging for possession assisted by Adrian Royle (12) and Giles O Grady (25). Photo by Mike O’Halloran

Our hurling writer, Mike O’Halloran, on a disappointing day for Kerry hurling yesterday…

Kerry 0-12

Westmeath 3-18

LOSING three players from their starting 15, Kerry were on the back foot from the start in this Division 2 league game at Austin Stack Park on Sunday.

Paud Costello, John Griffin and Dougie Fitzell did not start, as a consequence there were numerous positional changes.

The loss of three starters was further compounded by the red carding of Keith Carmody. Kerry were behind at halftime 1-7 to 0-6.

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Kerry were only able to add a further six points before the end with Westmeath adding 2-11. So a comprehensive defeat, I’m not sure if any excuses were offered at the end but frankly there were none.

Even with a first choice 15, I don’t think Kerry were in a position to challenge Westmeath today. Too many players were not up to their usual standard and the loss of their inspirational captain John Griffin was certainly no help.

On a positive note John Egan, Darren Dineen and Daniel Collins returned. Their presence will be needed next week in Carlow. I had expected Carlow to be the runaway winners of this group but they had to come from behind to defeat Derry.

So with Griffin, Costello, Egan, Dineen and Fitzell to start next week Kerry can travel to Dr Cullen Park for the midday throw in with a certain degree of confidence.

One very disappointing aspect to the game was the number of supporters who showed up. It must be disheartening for the players to see so little support.

Winning The Christy Ring Cup is the stated aim of the management of this team and peaking in March might not be to their advantage, but a huge improvement will be needed before early June to reach that goal.

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