Gavin O’Connor takes a look at the Kerry v Clare, Munster SFC Semi-Final at Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday at 3:30pm…
Kieran Donaghy is in midfield for Kerry on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
EXCEPT for one notable exception it’s been pretty much one way traffic as far as Kerry v Clare tests have gone in the Munster Championship.
This year, however, Clare may prove a tougher nut to crack. Colm Collins side secured promotion to division 2 this year after beating Kildare in the division 3 final.
Led by inspirational midfielder Gary Brennan and dual star Podge Collins, the Banner look like the next best side outside of the big two in Munster at present.
The two last met back in the opening round of the 2014 Munster Championship which could be a good omen for Kerry this year.
In that match in Cusack Park, Kerry blooded some young talent, giving Paul and Mikey Geaney their championship debuts alongside Paul Murphy, whose first bit of action was surprisingly netting a goal.
That day Kerry were pushed to the pin of their collar and looked like they were in trouble at half-time until eventually securing a four point win.
The lead up has been a mixed bag with regards returning from injury players – Anthony Maher comes into the panel for the first time this year while, there is no such luck for James O’Donoghue who is expected to be back for the Munster Final should Kerry get over Sunday.
Maher has had an issue with his hip while O’Donoghue is still having issues with that troublesome shoulder of his.
A number of U21 have been called in to freshen up the panel: Brian Ó Beaglaoich (An Ghaeltacht), Tadhg Morley (Templenoe), Denis Daly (St Marys), Jason Foley (Ballydonoghue), Barry O’Sullivan (Dingle) and Killian Spillane (Templenoe) and Marcus Mangan (Milltown-Castlemaine).
Eamonn Fitzmaurice might like to try a few different things in this match, but up against this well prepared and confident Clare team he may not have the wiggle room to do so.
Verdict – Kerry by five
