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Gavin O’Connor talks to St Brendans manager, Richard Barrett, prior to their match against Kenmare District in the Garveys Super Valu Senior County Championship Round 1 at Austin Stack Park on Sunday 1:45pm…
Jack Barry of St Brendan’s tries to get past Jeremy King of Shannon Rangers in the championship game back in March. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE only team to have kicked a ball already in the County Championship are flying in under the radar and hoping to spring an upset or two.
St Brendans can draw upon a healthy crew of recent Kerry underage stars that puts them in the ‘ones to watch’ category this year.
They face Kenmare District who defeated the Saints handsomely last time and can draw upon such attacking talent as Stephen O’Brien and Killian Spillane.
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There’s good news for St Brendans who welcome back Alan O’Donoghue (John Mitchels) and Brandon Barrett (Ardfert) into the side that defeated Shannon Rangers in a championship qualifier match in March.
However, they will be without the services of double All-Ireland minor winner Andrew Barry (Na Gaeil) and Shane O’Connor (John Mitchels) who broke his finger.
The Saints are this year managed by Na Gaeil clubman, Richard Barrett. A teacher in Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, this is his first foray into senior management.
Traleetoday.ie spoke to him about championship preparation and his side’s chances.
“Many of them now at this stage have played Kerry minor or U21,” said Barrett.
Jack Barry (Na Gaeil), Ivan Parker (Churchill), James Duggan (John Mitchels), Brandon Barrett (Ardfert) and Eoghan O’Brien (Churchill) are all men who have worn the green and gold either at minor or U21 recently.
“It will be a big task, but we have good forwards and we’ve been getting together as much as we possible can, so we’re hoping to give it a good crack,” he added.
St Brendans came through their championship qualifier with flying colours defeating Shannon Rangers by nine points. That extra game could be key.
“We were talking about that and how it has to give us an advantage,” said Barrett. “I’m sure every divisional side has gotten together now, but you can’t beat playing a championship game. You learn a lot quicker when you see players in championship action and to be fair we were super on the night and we were delighted because we didn’t have anything done before that.”
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“That was a big pressure game. The shackles are kind of off this weekend, because there’s a get out clause; if you lose it you’re still alive.
“If we can get ball up, we’ve got good forwards that have all represented Kerry. Alan O’Donoghue back is a huge bonus. He has played at a very high standard and he’s well up for the game. We’re relatively confident if we play well we’ll give it a go.”
This is a very hard game to call, but thanks to the advantage of playing a match already this year, St Brendans might have what it takes to spring a bit of an upset…Andrew Barry is a massive loss however.
Verdict – St Brendans by 2
