John Egan of St Brendan’s.
THIS weekend sees the start of this year’s senior county football championship. Kicking it all off will be Laune Rangers v St Brendan’s in Killorglin 6:30pm this Saturday evening.
St Brendan’s, as with any divisional side have found their preparations difficult, but this year it was made even more so by Kerry hurling manager Eamonn Kelly.
The Tipp native has put his foot down and said he does not want any of his hurlers playing football before Kerry’s Christy Ring Cup semi-final on Saturday May 31.
Ardfert’s John Egan, Darren Dineen and Danny Collins are three players who are tied up with both codes.
“It’s been tough. May is a very difficult month to prepare with so many college and leaving cert exams going on. At this point we’ve only had a few training sessions, but the lads have been training away with their clubs,” said St Brendan’s manager Aidan Daly.
John Mitchels Brian Costello and Na Gaeil’s David Culloty are injury doubts for St Brendan’s; Costello picked up a knock against Castleisland last weekend and Culloty tweaked his hamstring which has been a recurring problem for his club.
Laune Rangers can still rely on old stalwarts Mike Frank Russell and John Sheehan plus rising inter-county star Peter Crowley.
Rangers poor league form, which sees them still without a win in Division 2, will not fill their support with too much confidence at a county championship tilt, but the Mid Kerry side have former All Ireland winning captain Liam Hassett at the helm who will bound to have his charges well-drilled for the clash.
St Brendan’s instability and short preparation time, adding to an away trip could make this too big a mountain to climb.
Verdict: Laune Rangers to win a very tight battle.
